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Job description
About Us
We are a privately held family-owned business group comprised of multiple operating companies and asset-holding entities.
Our portfolio includes:
Heavy civil and commercial construction companies
Equipment rental operations
Real estate investment and holding entities
Aviation and marine assets
Various affiliated businesses and investments
We are seeking a highly practical, business-minded General Counsel / Head of Legal to serve as a trusted advisor to ownership and oversee all legal affairs across our organization.
This is not a traditional legal department role. We are looking for an operator who can help the business move forward, manage risk intelligently, and create systems that support growth.
Position Summary
The General Counsel will be responsible for managing legal, contractual, compliance, risk management, and dispute resolution matters across a diverse portfolio of companies.
The ideal candidate understands that their role is not simply to identify risks—but to provide practical solutions that allow the business to move forward while protecting the company's interests.
This position reports directly to ownership and will work closely with executive leadership, operations, project management, accounting, and outside advisors.
Responsibilities
Contract Management & Negotiation
Draft, review, negotiate, and manage:
Prime contracts
Construction subcontracts
Equipment rental agreements
Purchase orders
Vendor and supplier agreements
Commercial leases
Service agreements
Develop and maintain company-standard contract templates
Advise leadership on contractual risk and negotiation strategy
Ensure appropriate indemnity, insurance, and risk allocation provisions
Construction & Risk Management
Advise leadership on construction-related legal issues
Manage lien, bond claim, stop notice, and payment disputes
Review project-specific legal risks
Coordinate with project teams on claims avoidance and dispute resolutionDevelop legal processes to reduce project risk exposure
Corporate Governance & Compliance
Maintain compliance across multiple corporations and LLCs
Manage annual filings, entity records, corporate minutes, and governance documentation
Coordinate with external accountants and tax advisors regarding entity structure and compliance
Monitor legal and regulatory developments impacting company operations
Collections & Claims Management
Develop and oversee collections strategies
Draft and manage demand letters
Coordinate lien and bond claim enforcement
Manage disputes before litigation becomes necessary
Work closely with accounting and operations to improve cash recovery
Employment & HR Support
Advise ownership and management regarding employment law
Wage and hour compliance
Employee discipline and termination
Independent contractor classifications
Employment agreements and policies
Assist with investigations and employment-related claims
Real Estate & Asset Management
Support acquisition, disposition, leasing, and financing of real estate assets
Review legal matters related to aviation, marine, and equipment ownership
Assist with due diligence and transaction support
Outside Counsel Management
Manage relationships with outside law firms
Control legal spending and improve efficiency
Determine when matters should remain in-house versus outsourced
Coordinate litigation strategy when outside counsel is required
Strategic Business Advisory
Serve as a trusted advisor to ownership
Participate in strategic planning and growth initiatives
Assist with business acquisitions, joint ventures, and corporate structuring
Evaluate legal risks associated with expansion opportunities
Qualifications
Required
Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school
Active California Bar membership
Minimum 8 years of legal experience
Strong experience in:
Construction law
Contract negotiation and drafting
Corporate/business law
Risk management
Excellent communication and negotiation skills
Ability to work independently and make sound business judgments
Preferred
Prior in-house counsel experience
Experience supporting construction contractors
Familiarity with equipment rental operations
Experience managing multiple entities and complex ownership structures
Experience with real estate transactions
Litigation management experience
What We're Looking For
Think like a business owner, not a law firm associate
Be comfortable making decisions and providing recommendations
Focus on solutions rather than obstacles
Understand the realities of construction and operations
Help reduce legal spend through effective in-house management
Build systems and processes that prevent problems before they occur
Compensation & Benefits
Salary: $180,000 – $260,000
Health benefits
Paid time off
Retirement plan
Why Join Us
This is a unique opportunity to become a key member of the executive team and have a direct impact on a growing portfolio of businesses. You will work closely with ownership, influence strategic decisions, and help build the legal infrastructure that supports long-term growth and success.
Qualified candidates should submit a resume and a brief cover letter outlining their experience supporting privately held businesses, construction companies, or similar operating environments.
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Worksite address
escondido, CA, 92025, US
Who can apply
Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.