Description:

About Ordner Construction
Ordner Construction is a mid-size commercial general contractor founded in 1987. We specialize in light industrial, retail, medical, mission critical, and office construction projects. Headquartered in Duluth, Georgia, with offices in St. Petersburg, Florida, Mobile, Alabama, and Dallas, Texas. At Ordner, we pride ourselves on delivering quality projects and building strong, lasting relationships with our clients across the Southeast and beyond.

Position Overview:
The General Counsel will serve as the company's principal legal advisor for all construction-related legal matters, providing strategic and practical guidance focused on projects, contracts, claims, and risk management. This role supports executive leadership and project teams by overseeing construction contracts, managing disputes, advising on regulatory matters specific to construction operations, and mitigating legal risk.

Qualifications:

Minimum of 5 years of legal experience, with a strong preference for experience in construction, real estate, or commercial law
Construction litigation experience preferred
Prior in-house experience or experience supporting general contractors, construction managers, or design-build firms preferred
Working knowledge of construction contracts (AIA etc.), risk allocation, claims management, and dispute resolution
Experience advising business and operations teams in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
Ability to identify legal risk and provide practical, business-focused recommendations
Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate legal concepts for non-legal stakeholders
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple matters independently and prioritize competing deadlines

Key Responsibilities:
Legal Strategy & Advisory

Serve as the primary legal advisor to executive leadership on all legal matters.
Identify and mitigate legal risks associated with construction operations, contracts, claims, and construction-specific regulatory requirements.

Contracts & Construction Law

Oversee the preparation, negotiation, and execution of construction-related agreements, including owner contracts, subcontracts, supplier and vendor agreements, and design professional agreements.
Advise on contract interpretation, scope disputes, change orders, delays, and claims.

Claims, Disputes, & Litigation Management

Manage construction claims, disputes, and potential litigation, including coordination with outside counsel.
Oversee dispute resolution processes (negotiation, mediation, arbitration, litigation).
Support project teams in claim avoidance, documentation, and resolution strategies.

Compliance & Risk Management

Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws applicable to construction operations.
Advise on licensing, bonding, insurance requirements, and regulatory matters.
Partner with internal teams on risk management, safety programs, and insurance claims.

Leadership & Collaboration

Provide training and guidance on contract compliance, risk awareness, and legal best practices.
Serve as a trusted business partner, balancing legal protection with practical solutions.

Benefits:

Salary Range: $100,000 – $120,000, commensurate with experience, qualifications, and licensure
Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision insurance options for employees
Retirement Plan: 401(k) with company matching contributions
Paid Time Off: Including vacation, personal time, and company-recognized holidays
Sabbatical Program: Paid 30-day sabbatical after five (5) years of consecutive employment
100% donation matching on non-political and non-religious 501c3

Ordner Construction is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).