Senior Counsel, Construction

About The Company

Built on a foundation of integrity, respect, and commitment, JPI stands out as one of the most active real estate developers and builders in the nation. For more than 35 years, JPI has designed and developed communities with best-in-class homes and amenities. JPI is committed to data-driven management and continuous improvement. Its team of experts utilizes data - including unparalleled market research, proven business processes, and proprietary models - to ensure that every decision is strategic, focused, and produces exceptional multifamily communities with the best risk-adjusted returns. More than just great communities, JPI is focused on leaving a lasting impact on the communities where we build and is continually committed to "Building What Matters." JPI operates as a subsidiary of Sumitomo Forestry, which is recognized as one of the largest home builders in the United States.

About the Job.

The Senior Counsel, Construction serves as the lead legal advisor for all construction-related and trade-related contracts and agreements. The role oversees General Contractor and trade subcontract negotiations, lien and bond compliance, dispute resolution, litigation management, and construction-related insurance claims. The Senior Counsel, Construction, extends legal rigor to all commercial contracting across trades / GC, materials, labor, IT / SaaS, DfX / design products, and services.

The Senior Counsel, Construction will report to the Chief Construction and Design Officer.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

Construction, Trades and Design Contracts and Claims

Draft, review, and negotiate contracts and / or professional service agreements with trade subcontractors, architects, and design professionals.

Implement and monitor lien and bond compliance (notices, waivers, pay applications), manage defaults, back charges, and cure processes.

Proactively identify potential disputes and claims, and develop strategies for early resolution.

Oversee litigation and alternative dispute resolution (ADR) processes, working closely with outside counsel as needed on all construction, trade, and design-related activities.

Partner with Risk / Insurance teams on construction-related claims (builders' risk, general liability, wrap policies), incident response, and recovery efforts.

Operational Enablement

Train Project Managers and field teams on contract administration (notices, documentation, contemporaneous records).

Implement a contract lifecycle management (CLM) approach with KPIs (cycle time, claims incidence, negotiated savings).

Risk Management and Compliance

Oversee compliance with federal, state, and local construction laws and regulations, including licensing, safety, and environmental requirements.

Advise on risk mitigation strategies for contracts and procurement, including indemnity, insurance, and limitation of liability provisions.

Commercial Contracting

Manage and oversee centralized contracting processes for the company, ensuring consistency and compliance.

Develop and implement company-wide contract templates, playbooks, and standard operating procedures to streamline contract administration.

Partner with the Procurement team within Finance to support all non-construction procurement activities, including IT, professional services, and indirect spend.

Collaborate with Construction and Supply Chain teams to address construction-specific procurement and contracting needs, including materials, trades, and vendor agreements.

Establish and maintain a clear delegation of authority and contract routing process for all contract types.

Establish and enforce vendor compliance protocols (COIs, safety, ESG, data / security addenda.

Monitor contract lifecycle management (CLM) metrics and drive continuous improvement in contract efficiency, compliance, and negotiated savings.

Develop and deliver training programs for staff on contract administration, compliance, and risk management.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Create and maintain a repository of legal resources, templates, and best practices for use across the company.

Support company-wide ethics, governance, and internal audit initiatives as they relate to contracting and legal compliance.

Evaluate and implement legal technology solutions (e.g., contract management software, e-signature platforms) to improve efficiency and transparency.

Lead continuous improvement initiatives for contract administration and compliance processes.

Non-Essential Functions & Responsibilities

Other duties as assigned.

Education, Work Experience, & Physical Requirements

Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.

Admission to the State Bar of Texas and in good standing.

7-10+ years in construction law and complex commercial contracting.

Mastery of GC contracting, lien / bond regimes, delay / impact claims, and evidentiary requirements.

Comfortable operationalizing playbooks and negotiating across varied vendor categories.

Excellent analytical, negotiation, and communication skills.

Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Why work for us?

We have a 35-year track record of developing multifamily communities with responsibility, accountability, and integrity. Our stated purpose is to :

Transform Building

Enhance Communities

Improve Lives

JPI has an ambitious and exciting vision for how we will achieve this, which makes for a positive and dynamic work environment, with many opportunities for personal development and growth. As well as our highly competitive offering of compensation and benefits, we are committed to :

Transformative careers in a transformative company

Comprehensive training and development

Promotion from within at all levels of the organization

Borderless Careers, based on performance, potential, and personal ambition

Industry Recognition

NMHC - #1 Fastest Growing Developer; #2 Fastest Growing Building; #8 Largest National Developer; # 11 Largest National Builder

Real Page - Most active multifamily developer in DFW for the past 8 years

Dallas Business Journal Best Places to Work - 2023

Dallas Business Journal - Largest DFW Real Estate Developers - #11

JPI offers associates a comprehensive benefits package with competitive salaries and more, including :

Competitive Bonus Program

4 Weeks PTO for All New Associates (Pro-Rated by Hire Date)

11 Holidays and 8 Early Release Days

Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance

401(k) with Company Match (Up to 5% Match)

Health Savings Account

Flexible Spending Accounts (Dependent & Medical Reimbursement)

Paid Parental Leave

Paid Volunteer Time

Tuition Assistance

Phone Reimbursement

Associate Referral Bonuses