At BEAR Construction, we believe great projects start with great people. We’re a values‑driven contractor known for quality work, strong relationships, and a team‑oriented culture where employees are respected, supported, and empowered to do their best work. We offer the stability of an established company with the opportunity to grow, learn, and make a real impact on meaningful projects across our communities. At BEAR, you’re not just building structures — you’re building a career.
BEAR Construction Company is seeking a seasoned General Counsel to lead the company’s legal affairs and serve as a trusted advisor to the Board of Directors and Executive Team. This role provides strategic legal guidance across corporate governance, construction contracting, risk management, claims/litigation, and surety bonding, while also building efficient legal processes and templates that support operations and growth.
Key Responsibilities
Corporate Governance
- Manage and oversee the organization’s legal matters and governance functions.
- Oversee statutory filings (including annual reports and related requirements) in all states where BEAR transacts business.
Contracts & Contract Lifecycle Management
- Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of agreements, including:
- Client construction-related agreements
- Subcontractor-related agreements
- Third-party vendor agreements
- License agreements
- Lease transactions
- Develop and maintain standard form templates and contracting processes to increase in-house efficiency (including workflow improvements).
- Draft and maintain contract terms & conditions, policies, procedures, and legal documents that achieve company objectives and protect company assets while providing strategic risk guidance.
- Manage and oversee compliance with dates, notice requirements, and deadlines embedded in commercial documents.
- Provide recommendations and input on contracting procedures and continuous improvement.
- Support lien law and related construction payment/notice compliance (“lien law management”).
- Champion thoughtful use of technology to improve contracting visibility and speed, including document management and process transparency.
Insurance Claims & Dispute Resolution
- Assess the merits of (i) claims raised against BEAR and (ii) BEAR’s claims involving third parties.
- Oversee claims and pending litigation, lead discussions on resolution strategies.
- Participate in mediations and negotiate settlements as needed.
- Review and analyze insurance coverage implications on matters (including management of coverage litigation where applicable), including areas such as workers’ compensation and general liability.
- Manage the internal subpoena response process and coordinate with insurance adjusters and attorneys as needed.
- Determine when outside counsel is required; when engaged, formulate strategies and serve as liaison.
Surety Bonding
- Oversee/manage the Surety Bond program and support the CFO in execution of the surety program.
- Develop processes for orderly and timely procurement of required bonding.
Legal Operations & Team Support
- Oversee paralegal support and legal administration functions.
- Provide independent legal advice on ad hoc projects as requested by leadership.
Qualifications
- J.D. and licensed to practice law in the State of Illinois.
- Minimum 10 years of experience in corporate and construction law, either:
- in-house General Counsel/Assistant GC, or private practice with significant construction focus.
- Strong familiarity with commercial construction law and practices.
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Office.
- Demonstrated ability to build practical processes/templates and manage multiple priorities in a deadline-driven environment (contract timelines, claims, compliance).
