Fortis Construction→
Legal Assistant at Fortis Construction in Portland, OR
Skills
Job Description
Job Description:
The Legal Assistant supports Fortis’s House Counsel and Risk Manager by managing the workflow, coordination, and documentation of legal and risk-related work to ensure that matters progress efficiently, accurately, and on schedule.This role exercises independent judgment by organizing work, coordinating with teams, and identifying issues for review by House Counsel or the Risk Manager.
Success in this role requires professional maturity, discretion, and strong interpersonal skills in a fast-paced construction environment. Total discretion is required with all confidential information.
Legal Operations & Prioritization Support
Serve as an operational extension of House Counsel by managing legal and risk-related workflows, tracking priorities, and ensuring agreed-upon deliverables are completed accurately and on time.
Independently organize, sequence, and track legal and risk matters based on priorities set by House Counsel and the Risk Manager.
Maintain situational awareness of active legal issues, deadlines, dependencies, and information gaps, proactively coordinating next steps.
Contract & Legal Document Support
Prepare, revise, edit, and proof contracts and related documents under the direction of House Counsel and the Risk Manager.
Coordinate with Contract Administrators to ensure contract routing, execution, and closeout are complete, accurate, and properly stored.
Manage and maintain Fortis’s legal and risk document systems, including templates, standard forms, approved contract language, and executed agreements.
Ensure version control, consistency, and accuracy of legal templates in coordination with House Counsel.
Maintain organized, searchable records to support day-to-day operations, audits, claims, and project closeout.
Investigations, Claims & Disputes
Support investigations, claims, and disputes by organizing files, correspondence, pleadings, and supporting documentation.
Assist with document collection, production, and organization for mediations, arbitrations, insurance claims, and litigation matters.
Prepare, file, track, and monitor mechanics’ liens, bond claims, statutory notices, and deadlines under the direction of House Counsel and the Risk Manager.
Maintain clear, reliable records to support claims development, defense, and resolution.
Other
Assist in other duties as assigned, relevant to the achievement of the position’s and team’s objectives.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor’s degree in Paralegal Studies, Legal Studies, Business Administration, Construction Management, or related degree program, or equivalent work experience.
3+ years of experience in a legal support, legal operations, paralegal, or contract administration role, preferably within construction, or a related industry.
Demonstrated ability to manage complex workflows, deadlines, and documentation with a proactive problem-solving mindset and the ability to anticipate issues and act independently.
Exceptional diligence, attention to detail, and timeliness in execution and follow-through, including awareness of consistency in format and presentation of documents.
Strong judgment, discretion, organizational skills, and ability to interact effectively with strong personalities.
Ability to handle highly confidential data with integrity and professionalism.
Strong written and verbal communication skills and advanced proficiency in software tools (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace).
Must possess a valid driver's license and a satisfactory driving record in accordance with Fortis policy.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Construction industry experience, including exposure to construction contracts, claims, or dispute support.
Litigation support experience.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Work is performed in a professional office environment. Role is stationary, often standing or sitting for long periods of time, utilizing standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, etc. Communication with internal and external contacts, including speaking and hearing is required. May occasionally push, pull or lift up to 25 lbs.
TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
Travel to Fortis job sites as appropriate (up to 10% of the time).
All Fortis positions require some level of driving.
Fortis is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We adhere to a policy of making employment decisions without regards to race, color, religion, sex, age, disability or any other protected categories. It is our intention that all qualified applicants be given an equal opportunity and that selection decisions be based on job-related factors.