At Gensler, we design for people. We leverage our global perspective and local presence to innovate at every scale. We’re not just designers. We’re tinkerers, craftspeople, visionaries, innovators, and thought leaders. Fueled by passion and entrepreneurial spirit, our people bring new ideas to solve the world’s most challenging problems, like designing a more resilient, inclusive, and equitable future for our communities and cities.
Our people-centered, “People First” culture and “One Firm-Firm” motto promotes integrated teams that unite to shape the future of cities. Gensler’s vision is to “Create a Better World through the Power of Design,” and we do that by our deep commitment to our clients and by fostering a collaborative, diverse, and inclusive environment that enables our people to create impactful solutions together.
Your Role
The Southeast Regional Counsel is part of Gensler’s Legal Studio. The position is located in Gensler’s Washington, D.C. or Atlanta office and also serves offices in Baltimore, Charlotte, Miami, Philadelphia, Raleigh, and Tampa. The Regional Counsel is the lead attorney for all offices in the region for matters related to Gensler’s core business and is responsible for review and negotiation of project contracts, claims management, project support, and practice education and is expected to be a trusted advisor to senior regional leadership on legal issues and risk mitigation strategy. The Regional Counsel will also support the Legal Studio with enterprise-wide initiatives.
This is a rare opportunity for a lawyer with a passion for understanding the business of design and a desire to work with creative leaders to become part of the Gensler family. This is not a conventional, back-office, black-letter legal role; at Gensler you will be on the front- line, dealing with our most valued clients daily, and work in partnership to navigate opportunities and challenges in an ever-complex world. We are not just looking for an extremely talented legal professional, we need someone who is enthusiastic, curious, and driven to build relationships across our practice and help us realize on our commitment to improve our world through the power of design.
What You Will Do
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Review and negotiate contracts for design, architecture and related professional services and sub-consulting disciplines.
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Engage with business management to balance opportunities and challenges and make informed business decisions.
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Manage design/construction defect claims, using outside counsel as needed.
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Work with project teams to mitigate potential claims and escalate response as appropriate.
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Develop and deliver legal training materials.
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Advise on general business issues (e.g., collections, staffing, licensure).
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Assist Corporate and Compliance, as needed, with respect to practice requirements.
Your Qualifications
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Active bar admission in Washington, D.C. or Georgia preferred.
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Minimum of 8 years of law firm and/or in-house experience in the field of construction law (litigation and transactional), preferably with an emphasis on representation of design professionals and government contracts.
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Familiarity with industry standard forms (e.g., AIA, DBIA, Consensus DOCS).
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Strong emotional intelligence and relationship building skills.
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Excellent presentation and negotiation skills.
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Creative problem solver with a demonstrated ability to tailor communication style to diverse audiences and creatively resolve negotiation barriers.
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Demonstrated ability to work in a high-energy, fast-paced practice with diverse clients, including the ability to respond quickly to the demands of the day.
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Strong communication and interpersonal skills
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Administrative self-sufficiency and strong time management skills.
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Periodic travel required.
Life at Gensler
At Gensler, we are as committed to enjoying life as we are to delivering best-in-class design. From curated art exhibits to internal design competitions to “Well-being Awareness Week,” our offices reflect our people’s diverse interests.
We encourage every person at Gensler to lead a healthy and balanced life. Our comprehensive benefits include medical, dental, vision, disability, wellness programs, flex spending, paid holidays, and paid time off. We also offer a 401k, profit sharing, employee stock ownership, and twice annual bonus opportunities. Our annual base salary range has been established based on local markets.
As part of the firm’s commitment to licensure and professional development, Gensler offers reimbursement for certain professional licenses and associated renewals and exam fees. In addition, we reimburse tuition for certain eligible programs or classes. We view our professional development programs as strategic investments in our future.
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What We Do
Gensler is a global architecture, design, and planning firm with 53 locations and more than 6,000+ professionals networked across the Americas, Europe, Greater China, Asia Pacific, and the Middle East. Founded in 1965, the firm works globally with more than 4,000 clients across more than 33 practice areas spanning the work, lifestyle, community, and health sectors.
Everything we do is guided by our mission: To create a better world through the power of design.
We believe the power of design can spark positive change and create a future that promotes equity, resilience, and wellbeing for everyone.
Gensler was named one of Glassdoor’s Best Places to Work in 2020, 2019, 2017 and 2016, and our award-winning culture has been recognized by Fast Company as one of the 100 Best Workplaces for Innovators in 2021. Our people-first philosophy is centered on the core ideas of diversity empowerment, impact, community, respect, and growth. You can learn more about our commitment to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace at https://www.gensler.com/careers#diversity.
