Legal Counsel - PDS Americas

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We are looking for a commercially minded construction lawyer to support the PDS business line in the Americas (United States, Canada & Latin America), specifically in relation to commercial construction, design, engineering, project management and consultancy services.  Experience in the real estate, facilities management and/or data center space a plus.   

Required experience

The ideal candidate will have extensive experience drafting and negotiating construction, design, engineering and consulting agreements.  This role will require a detailed knowledge and understanding of the construction and design business and the ability to lead and conclude legal negotiations – whether for an individual project or projects carried out under wider framework agreements or Master Service Agreements (“MSA’s”) with global clients. The role will also require an understanding of alternative construction delivery models, construction and design contracting principles, and construction-related professional services, especially where supporting the PDS business line on proposed geographic expansion.

An in-depth knowledge of construction law is required, as well as experience with design, engineering and architecture licensing requirements in the United States and Canada.

Responsibilities

The role will be based in Chicago at JLL’s Global Headquarters at the Aon Building, with a minimum of 2 days in-person office based, with potential travel within the United States, Canada, and Latin America depending on project requirements.

You will enjoy an exciting and varied workload across jurisdictions working in close collaboration with the business teams to:

• review and negotiate contracts with large corporate clients, subcontractors and vendors for JLL’s PDS business line in the Americas
• negotiate JLL PDS services contract scope, terms and conditions as part of multi-jurisdictional and multi-service MSAs
• manage internal project escalations
• assure projects meet JLL compliance initiatives
• input into appropriate governance and controls, including best practice legal playbooks
• advise and counsel key stakeholders on jurisdictional legal requirements and potential risk exposure
• develop and maintain all PDS-related contract templates and forms
• deliver training to the business line on contract forms, playbooks, relevant legislation, ethics and compliance matters as required

Team Structure

Reporting to JLL PDS Americas General Counsel and working closely with the global JLL legal team and business partners in the United States, Canada and Latin America, you will join a world class team of legal and compliance professionals across the globe.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school and admission to the bar. Minimum of five (5) years’ legal experience in the construction sector drafting and negotiating construction and design contracts and advising and counselling clients in the construction industry.
• Strong knowledge of construction law principles, regulations, industry standards, and various construction and design contracting models. 
• Familiarity with regulatory frameworks and compliance issues related to construction projects and delivery of licensed design and engineering services, including anti-bribery and corruption regulations and health and safety regulations. Experience in handling construction-related disputes, litigation, and alternative dispute resolution is highly desirable. Experience in real estate, outsourcing and data center sectors a plus. Commercially minded, solutions driven, trusted advisor to business team with sound judgment and ability to evaluate risk versus reward. Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills with the ability to provide practical legal advice.  Strong oral and written communication skills with the ability to clearly and directly present complex legal concepts to business stakeholders.  High level of personal integrity and drive. Self-motivated, proactive, and capable of working independently as well as collaboratively within a team and across business line and jurisdiction.