Job DescriptionIn‑House Counsel – Chicago, ILEmployment Type: Full‑Time, SalariedReports To: Executive Leadership TeamCompensation: $125,000 - $200,000 + Performance Incentives | Partner Track OpportunityPosition OverviewWe are seeking a highly skilled In‑House Counsel with a strong background in construction law, liens, and collections to support a multi‑entity restoration and construction operation. This role will serve as the primary legal authority for contract enforcement, receivables recovery, and payment dispute resolution while also advising leadership on regulatory and operational risk.The ideal candidate is hands‑on, decisive, and comfortable driving outcomes—someone who understands how construction projects, insurance payments, and cash flow intersect. This position offers meaningful influence within the organization and a clear path to partnership.Core Responsibilities – Construction Contracts & Risk ManagementDraft, review, negotiate, and enforce construction and restoration contracts, including customer and insurance‑related agreements, subcontractor and vendor contracts, master service agreements, work authorizations, and change orders.Ensure contracts protect lien rights, collection leverage, and payment enforceability.Develop and maintain standardized construction contract templates aligned with state‑specific requirements.Advise operations and leadership on contractual risk, scope disputes, and project documentation.Core Responsibilities – Liens, Collections & Receivables EnforcementLead all lien‑related matters, including notice requirements, filing, enforcement, and foreclosure coordination, and compliance across multiple jurisdictions.Oversee and execute collection strategies from pre‑lien through litigation.Draft and manage demand letters, settlement agreements, and payment plans.Handle collection litigation directly or manage outside counsel where appropriate.Partner closely with accounting and operations to improve recovery timelines and reduce aged receivables.Core Responsibilities – Payment Disputes & NegotiationAct as lead negotiator on payment disputes involving property owners, commercial clients, insurance carriers, and third‑party administrators.Resolve scope, pricing, and coverage‑related disputes with a focus on maximizing recovery.Advise leadership on dispute prevention strategies and best practices.Core Responsibilities – Regulatory & Business AdvisoryProvide legal guidance on construction and restoration regulatory requirements.Advise on general business and HR matters, including employment law compliance, policy development, and risk mitigation.Support corporate governance, affiliated entities, and expansion into new markets.Core Responsibilities – Executive & Strategic SupportServe as a strategic legal advisor to executive leadership.Support growth initiatives, acquisitions, and new business structures.Manage outside counsel relationships to control costs and outcomes.QualificationsJuris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.Active license to practice law in Illinois.At least 5+ years of experience in construction law, collections, or commercial litigation.Demonstrated experience with construction contracts, mechanic's liens and lien foreclosure, collections and payment enforcement.Strong negotiation skills and comfort managing contentious disputes.Practical, business‑oriented mindset with the ability to move matters forward.Preferred ExperienceConstruction, restoration, or contractor‑side representation.Insurance claim or property loss experience.In‑house counsel or firm experience supporting construction companies.Multi‑state lien and regulatory experience.Why Choose UsHigh‑impact role with direct influence on cash flow and risk management.Close collaboration with ownership and executive leadership.Fast‑paced, entrepreneurial environment.Defined opportunity for partnership based on performance and leadership.We are an equal‑opportunity employer, and we are an organization that values diversity. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates, including minorities and persons with disabilities.#J-18808-Ljbffr