In-House Counsel

In-House Counsel

Reports to : Executive Leadership

Location : San Diego, CA (On-site with flexibility)

Department : Legal / Executive

About Bill Howe

Bill Howe Plumbing, Heating & Air, Restoration & Flood, and Epoxy Lining has been serving San Diego since 1980 as a trusted, family-owned business. With over 45 years of experience and multiple divisions, our team of professionals provides exceptional service while maintaining the highest standards of integrity, compliance, and customer care.

We are seeking an experienced In-House Counsel to join our leadership team and provide proactive legal guidance across all divisions of our growing company. This individual will serve as a trusted advisor, helping mitigate risk, ensure compliance, and support business objectives in alignment with our core values.

Key Responsibilities

Advise on employment law, including hiring, performance management, employee relations, discipline, terminations, severance, and release agreements. Provide legal counsel to executive leadership and management on business, employment, contract, and compliance matters.

Draft, review, and negotiate contracts, agreements, and vendor relationships.

Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations affecting the plumbing, HVAC, restoration, and construction industries (e.g., licensing, OSHA, APCD, EPA, labor law).

Manage and advise on litigation, claims, insurance, and dispute resolution.

Develop and maintain company policies, employee handbooks, and training materials from a legal compliance perspective.

Support risk management, safety, and incident response efforts.

Collaborate with HR, Finance, and Operations to anticipate legal issues and implement solutions.

Engage and manage outside counsel when specialized expertise is required.

Stay current on changes in relevant laws and regulations impacting the trades and construction industries.

Qualifications

Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.

Active member in good standing with the California State Bar.

8-12 years of legal experience (in-house counsel or law firm background with emphasis on employment, construction, or business law preferred).

Strong knowledge of California labor / employment law, contract law, and regulatory compliance.

Excellent communication and negotiation skills with ability to explain complex legal matters in simple, business-friendly language.

High integrity, sound judgment, and the ability to maintain confidentiality.

Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Why Join Bill Howe?

Family-owned, people-first culture with over 45 years of trusted service in San Diego.

Opportunity to build and shape an in-house legal function.

Collaborative leadership team that values proactive legal insight.

Competitive salary, health benefits, 401(k), and growth opportunities.

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