Contracts Attorney I

Job Description

Job Description

The Contracts Attorney supports the organization’s contracting function by reviewing and negotiating agreements critical to the business. This role partners closely with cross‑functional business teams to ensure contracts align with company objectives, minimize risk, and comply with applicable laws and internal policies. The position is well‑suited for an attorney early in their career seeking business‑focused legal experience in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (A/E/C) industry. The Contracts Attorney will be a member of a small, team-oriented legal department.

Responsibilities

Contract Drafting & Negotiation

• Review, red-line and negotiate routine and moderately complex contracts, including:
• Subcontractor, consultant, and vendor agreements
• NDAs and confidentiality agreements
• Ensure contract terms appropriately manage legal, financial, and operational risk.
• Identify issues and escalate complex or high‑risk matters to General Counsel.

Contract Management & Compliance

• Support contract lifecycle management, including tracking reviews, negotiations, approvals, and execution.
• Help standardize contract templates and playbooks to improve efficiency.
• Help ensure adherence to internal contracting policies and approval processes.
• Assist in maintaining contract repositories and related documentation.

Business Partnership

• Clearly communicate contract terms and obligations to help inform business decision-making and mitigate risk.
• Collaborate with Project Managers, Engineers and Architects, Construction Managers, Procurement, Information Technology, Finance, Human Resources, and other internal teams to support contracting needs.

Legal Support & Special Projects

• Conduct legal research related to contracts, construction law, and regulatory requirements.
• Assist with audits, due diligence, and internal reviews involving contractual or other legal matters.
• Participate in legal department initiatives and process‑improvement projects.
• Deliver online and in-person training sessions on contracts, and write related resource materials for Project Managers, Construction Managers, Engineers and Architects.

About You

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
• Active license to practice law in at least one U.S. jurisdiction (or eligibility for admission).
• 4-6 years of professional experience.

• Strong written and verbal communication.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple deadlines.
• Familiarity with using AI tools.
• Collaborative, solutions‑focused mindset.
• Willingness to learn and seek feedback.

Preferred

• Exposure to the A/E/C industry (law firm or business organization).
• Contract review and drafting skills or issue‑spotting skills from prior experience supporting contracts or procurement‑related agreements.
• Familiarity with insurance (general liability, professional liability, workers compensation).

About Us

We plan, design, engineer, and build food plants for major brands across the country and the world. For the past three decades, we’ve focused exclusively on the food and beverage industry, helping your favorite brands put your favorite foods in the grocery store. Simply put, food isn’t one thing we do, it’s all we do.

Dennis Group offers competitive compensation packages commensurate with experience. We provide comprehensive employee benefits including medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, paid time off including an open vacation policy, as well as bonus, profit-sharing, and retirement plans.

Dennis Group is proud to provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or genetics.