Job Locations US-OH-Toledo | US-OH-Columbus

SSOE is seeking a strategic and business-minded Vice President & General Counsel to serve as the company’s chief legal advisor. This role provides enterprise-wide legal leadership, guiding risk management, contract strategy, regulatory compliance, and corporate governance across domestic and international operations. The General Counsel partners closely with senior leadership to enable informed decision-making, support growth initiatives, and protect the organization’s interests, while fostering a proactive, solutions-oriented legal approach aligned with SSOE’s mission and values.

At SSOE, we don’t just talk about the future, we build it. As a leader in industry AI adoption, we empower our team to work smarter by providing responsible access to the industry leading AI Large Language Models, vibe-coding platforms, and securely integrating advanced tools into every role. From day one, you’ll receive the training and support needed to leverage AI as a core tool for enhancing productivity, sparking creativity, and streamlining complex workflows.

The following duties are typical of the position but are not all encompassing. Responsibilities include those required to deliver quality service on schedule and within budget in a team environment.

Legal Strategy & Leadership:

• Serve as the Company’s lead in-house attorney and trusted advisor to the C-Suite, Executive Management Team, and Board of Directors.
• Provide proactive, business-oriented legal advice on risk, strategy, and operations across the enterprise.
• Support Board governance activities and may serve as Corporate Secretary or Assistant Secretary, as designated.
• Develop and maintain a proactive, strategic, practical, risk-based legal framework that supports the Company’s domestic and international operations.
• Manage and oversee outside counsel relationships, including selection, budgeting, and performance.
• Develop and maintain international legal partnerships to position SSOE to adhere to international laws and regulations.
• Promote a proactive legal posture focused on risk mitigation rather than reactive issue management.

Contract Management:

• In conjunction with Contract Manager, oversee the drafting, review, and negotiation of contracts, including client agreements, subconsultant agreements, joint ventures, NDAs, and vendor agreements. Serve as first level escalation advisor.
• Provide guidance on contract risk allocation, including limitation of liability, indemnification, insurance, dispute resolution, and standard of care provisions.
• Partner with operations to guide in proper contract language.
• Develop and maintain contract templates, standards, and playbooks to improve consistency and efficiency.
• Advise project teams and leadership on contractual risk and business implications of key terms.
• Support and lead legal aspects of mergers, acquisitions, and other strategic transactions, including due diligence and agreement negotiation.

Claims, Disputes & Litigation:

• Oversee claims management and dispute resolution strategies, including early risk assessment and resolution planning.
• Manage litigation, arbitration, and mediation matters in coordination with outside counsel.
• Partner with internal stakeholders and insurers on claims, coverage, and dispute-related matters.
• Develop processes and training to reduce claims exposure and improve project-level risk management.

Regulatory Compliance & Risk Management:

• Monitor and ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, local, and international laws and regulations.
• Support enterprise risk management initiatives, including contractual, operational, and regulatory risks.
• Partner with Finance on insurance matters, including claims and renewals.
• Provide legal oversight related to data privacy, AI use, confidentiality, and other emerging risks.
• Provide legal support for Stock Program
• Oversee all state and local licensure applications, renewals
• Oversee all state and local business filings and renewals
• Stay current on legal/litigation/insurance issues relevant to the AEC industry

Employment Practices (in partnership with SVP, People & Culture):

• Provide legal counsel on employment-related matters, including policies, investigations, and risk mitigation.
• Advise on hiring, discipline, termination, and workforce-related legal issues.
• Support compliance with employment laws and regulations across jurisdictions.
• Coordinate with outside counsel on employment disputes and claims, as needed.
• Partner with Learning & Development to train leaders on contract management and risk mitigation topics.

Organization and People Leadership:

• Collaborate cross-functionally with Operations, Finance, Risk Management, and People & Culture.
• Support development of internal legal processes, tools, and training programs (including use of technology and AI where appropriate).
• Provide leadership and direction to legal support resources (e.g., paralegal, contract administration).
• Maintain strong relationships with external legal partners and industry organizations.
• Lead by example in alignment with the Company’s Mission, Vision, and Values.
• Domestic and international travel may be required.

What You Will Bring

• Juris Doctorate (JD) from an accredited law school and licensed to practice law in the State of Ohio.
• Minimum 10-15 years of relevant legal experience, including significant experience in professional design contracting, commercial/construction contracting, dispute resolution/litigation management, advice and counseling, and corporate transactions.
• Experience in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry strongly preferred.

What We Will Bring

• Competitive Salary: $220k - $260k/year depending on education and experience.
• Bonus and Incentives: Eligibility for our annual discretionary bonus based on company and individual performance and goals,
• Comprehensive Benefits: Health, dental, and vision insurance, life insurance, 401K retirement savings plan (with company matching), professional development and training, generous PTO, and paid holidays.
• Hybrid or Full Time Remote Work Schedule option for this role, providing you with the flexibility to achieve work-life balance while excelling in your career.

Why SSOE?

• Ranked Leader: We are a Great Place to Work for 9 consecutive years.
• Innovative Culture: We lead the AEC industry in AI integration, Lean practices, and project delivery technology.
• Professional Growth: Join a firm where you have the freedom to shape your own career path while supporting some of the most visionary projects in the country.

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