Associate Counsel

Opportunity Overview

OHLA USA, a prominent global corporate player in the construction and infrastructure sector, is currently seeking a highly skilled and motivated Associate Counsel to join its legal department in Irvine, California. Reporting directly to the General Counsel, the Associate Counsel will play a critical role in advising senior executives, managing legal risks, and supporting major infrastructure projects that shape local communities.

Key Responsibilities

The successful candidate will handle a diverse portfolio of corporate and construction law matters, including:

• Drafting and negotiating complex construction and commercial contracts.
• Developing strategic approaches to resolve disputes and claims, as well as supervising outside counsel in ongoing litigation.
• Representing OHLA USA in mediations and serving as the client representative during arbitration proceedings.
• Drafting corporate governance documents, joint venture agreements, and partnership agreements.
• Advising senior-level executives on operational, compliance, regulatory, and corporate governance risks.
• Fostering collaborative relationships with project teams and key business partners, which includes visiting regional construction sites.

Eligibility & Qualifications

To be eligible for this position, candidates must meet the following professional criteria:

• Education: Possession of a Juris Doctor (J.D.) or LL.M. degree from an accredited law school.
• Bar Admission: Active and good standing membership with the State Bar of California (CA Bar).
• Experience: A minimum of 5+ years of legal experience, with a strong preference for candidates possessing a background in public contracting.
• Skills: Proven experience directly advising corporate clients on complex legal matters, balancing business objectives with risk tolerance, and demonstrating exceptional legal writing skills without heavy reliance on legalese. Proficiency in Lexis, MS Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Excel is required.

Compensation & Benefits

OHLA USA offers a highly competitive compensation package, including:

• Base Salary: USD $160,000.00 to USD $190,000.00 per year.
• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance, alongside Short- and Long-Term Disability and Life Insurance.
• Retirement: 401(k) retirement plan featuring employer matching.
• Professional Development: Tuition reimbursement eligibility after one year of continuous employment.
• Work-Life Balance: Generous Personal Time Off (PTO) program and an engaging, collaborative work environment.

Application Process

Qualified legal professionals interested in this in-house opportunity are encouraged to apply. While a specific application deadline has not been declared, early applications are highly recommended. Interested candidates can learn more about the organization and apply through the official OHLA USA portal.