Regional Associate Counsel - Contracts and Claims

Ardurra is seeking a Regional Associate Counsel to join our growing Legal team, supporting our West, Rocky Mountain, and Central Region operations including Texas, Oklahoma, Arizona, Idaho, Utah, Nevada, California, Oregon, and Washington.

Ardurra is a multidisciplinary civil engineering services firm that provides broad-based solutions tailored to the specific needs of public and private clients. We leverage interdisciplinary expertise and an integrated structure to deliver practical, innovative solutions that make a positive impact on the communities we serve.

Our legal department partners closely with leadership, project managers, technical teams, and corporate functions to support Ardurra’s continued growth. In this role, you will help evaluate risk, negotiate contracts, support claims management, and ensure compliance across a wide variety of engineering and operational matters.

Primary Function

Under the general supervision of our Chief Legal Officer, the Associate Counsel provides legal support across a broad spectrum of transactional, contractual, human resources, and operational matters. This includes reviewing, drafting, and negotiating professional services agreements, subcontracts, vendor agreements, facilities and software contracts, and other legal instruments commonly used in the AEC industry.

The Associate Counsel will collaborate with internal stakeholders across regions, supporting contract negotiations, assessing risks, responding to claims, engaging with outside counsel, and advising on compliance matters. This role is intended for a licensed attorney with 5+ years of experience who is seeking to grow within a fast-paced, multi-state professional services organization.

Primary Duties

Contract Review & Negotiation

• Review, draft, revise, and negotiate professional services contracts with municipal, state, federal, and private-sector clients.
• Negotiate subcontracts, vendor agreements, purchase contracts, NDAs, and teaming agreements.
• Ensure alignment of contractual terms with Ardurra’s risk management guidelines, insurance coverages, and operational requirements.

Claims, Risk, & Insurance Support

• Assist with evaluation of claims and disputes, including scope, delay, design defect, payment, and insurance-related matters.
• Support internal and external counsel on claims defense and resolution strategies.
• Coordinate with Marketing and operational units on insurance questions, endorsements, certifications, and claims notifications.

Legal Research & Compliance

• Conduct legal and factual research related to applicable state/federal laws, contract statutes, procurement rules, and industry regulations.
• Provide guidance to project managers and leadership regarding contract interpretation, regulatory compliance, and risk mitigation.
• Assist Ardurra’s Chief Legal Officer and M&A team on acquisition diligence and related items.

Internal Collaboration & Advisory

• Partner with regional operations, project management teams, and corporate departments—including Finance, HR, and IT—to support organizational decision-making.
• Provide practical legal advice that balances legal risk with business objectives.
• Assist with training teams on contract processes, risk awareness, and best legal practices.

Legal Document Preparation & Support

• Prepare drafts, summaries, amendments, memoranda, and correspondence related to contracts, claims, compliance, and negotiations.
• Maintain contract templates, clause libraries, and standardized legal forms.
• Support internal investigations and document collection (when applicable to contract or claims matters).

Education and Experience Requirements

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
• Active license to practice law in at least one U.S. state; eligibility for multi-state admission, reciprocity, or in-house counsel registration in Western states is preferred.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in one or more of the following areas:
• AEC industry contracting
• Commercial contracts
• Claims or litigation support (construction, insurance defense, or professional liability)
• Risk management or professional services contracting
• Prior experience in a reputable law firm or in-house environment required (large-firm background preferred but not mandatory).
• Strong proficiency with contract drafting, negotiation, and issue-spotting.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to translate legal con