Corporate Counsel - Commercial Construction

Corporate Counsel

Global Diving & Salvage, Inc. and Subsidiaries operate in over 25 states across the United States, with its key management location in Seattle, WA and Charleston, SC. The Company's various operations are involved in marine salvage, commercial diving and environmental remediation.

We are seeking a Corporate Counsel experienced in commercial construction contracts and environmental regulations (CERCLA, RCRA, etc.) with experience in commercial diving. The role involves collaborating across leadership teams, overseeing contract review and management, handling claims, employment matters, and daily legal advice. Responsibilities include negotiating standard contract terms and gradually taking on more complex projects, compliance obligations, and corporate responsibilities. This position reports to the Chief Legal Officer and is based on-site, five days per week, in our Seattle, WA office.

Job Responsibilities

• Contract Management: Strategically negotiate and manage contracts and agreements among clients and subcontractors in support of the Company's day to day business. Oversee the full lifecycle of the Company's contracts, including drafting, negotiation, administration, compliance monitoring, and post execution document management, leveraging a Contract Management System. This includes managing contracting risks specific to commercial diving, marine operations, and federal procurement (e.g., FAR clauses).
• Contractor Compliance Program: Supervise the implementation and enforcement of operational and regulatory compliance programs, including contractor licensing, vendor/subcontractor compliance, and implementation of corporate policies. This includes federal procurement requirements pursuant to FAR clauses and ensures compliance with safety regulations specific to marine and diving operations (e.g., OSHA, USCG).
• Corporate Legal Support: Serve as legal advisor to the Company, business units, and leadership teams for a wide range of commercial matters relating to employment issues, union/labor laws, long-term project-related matters, contract management, leases, training, and regulatory updates. Provide counsel on maritime and admiralty law, including the Jones Act and salvage claims. Experience managing risks related to CERCLA, RCRA, Clean Water Act, OPA 90 and other federal and state environmental regulations.
• Litigation and Claims Management: Oversee the claims management for personal injury, property damage, compliance, and contract claims in coordination with business units, customers, and insurers. Manage and resolve disputes related to litigation, liens, and bond claims, leveraging outside counsel as needed. This includes managing claims arising under specialized statutes such as the Jones Act and Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (LHWCA).
• Commercial Insurance Administration: Oversee contractual compliance with insurance requirements for vendors, subcontractors, and project engagements in coordination with the Senior Risk Manager and finance staff. Manage the claims administration process through established procedures, supporting insurance renewals and claims coordination with external brokers, adjusters, and underwriters.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree
• Juris Doctorate, active bar license in good standing, and licensed to practice in Washington.
• 4-7 years of legal experience, including direct people management responsibility.
• Experience in commercial construction contracts.
• Experience managing commercial insurance programs and contract administration functions.
• Proven ability to lead teams and manage cross-functional legal initiatives.
• Skilled in contract management, problem-solving and strategic negotiations, with a deep understanding of risk allocation and mitigation and regulatory frameworks.
• Demonstrated strong contract drafting and negotiation skills with a business-centric mindset and a clear ability to translate business needs into practical legal solutions.
• Willingness to solicit and receive feedback and ability to respond appropriately.
• Familiarity with U.S. data privacy and cybersecurity laws and regulations.
• Must be able to conduct efficient legal review and have confidence in decision-making while also being mindful of which stakeholders (internal/external) need to be involved, and able to discern when an issue requires consultation with senior leaders.
• Travel as required, up to 25%.

This job description does not cover or contain a complete list of responsibilities or activities. Responsibilities and activities may change, or other responsibilities and activities may be assigned, at any time with or without notice.

What We Offer:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Company paid Life, AD&D, and Long-Term Disability Insurance Plans
• Employee Assistance, Health Advocate, and Wellness Programs
• Generous 401(k) Plan with 4% match
• Company paid Financial Advice Program
• Paid Vacation based on years of service
• Generous PTO plan

Annual base compensation range for candidates in Seattle, WA: $175,000.00 - $195,000.00

The Company is committed to providing equal employment opportunities in a drug free work environment to all employees and applicants without regard to race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, uniform service member status, marital status, pregnancy, age, protected medical condition, genetic information, disability or any other protected status in accordance with all applicable federal, state and local laws.

Global Diving & Salvage is an Equal Opportunity Employer