Contracts Attorney

About DOC 

Our mission is to make a transformative impact on our communities through the exceptional buildings, infrastructure, and relationships we construct—with skill, purpose, integrity, and passion. 

Founded in 1879, DOC (Daniel O'Connell's Sons) is a trusted construction management and general contracting firm serving public and private clients across the Northeast and Florida. We bring together expertise in building and heavy/civil construction to deliver complex, high-impact projects. 

At DOC, we believe there's always a better way to build. Our team is driven by collaboration, accountability, and a commitment to continuous improvement—constantly learning, evolving, and pushing to deliver better outcomes for our clients and communities. 

Our Values 

• Always do the right thing 

• Support and respect the people you work with 

• Think like a client 

• Be patient and flexible—even when unexpected obstacles arise 

• Ensure everyone safely returns to their families

Position Summary – Contracts Attorney

The Contracts Attorney is a hybrid position (office and remote), based in Milford, Massachusetts. This role provides legal support and advice to company management and project teams for construction projects in Connecticut, Florida, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island.

The Contracts Attorney leads contract risk assessment, takes a first-position role on contract drafting and negotiation, and provides legal support for contract administration, project process, and dispute resolution. This position may require travel to regional offices and project locations on the East Coast.

Key Responsibilities

• Draft and negotiate contracts with public and private owners for general contractor services and construction management at-risk services for commercial and infrastructure projects, whether the contract sum is based on stipulated sum or cost of the work, with or without a guaranteed maximum price
• Draft and negotiate subcontract agreements with trade partners, consultants, service providers, and suppliers
• Assess and manage contract risk by developing a suitable risk profile for each project and negotiating acceptable, tailored contract terms
• Draft and negotiate consents to assignment of contracts with lenders providing project financing to owners
• Train and advise project teams on managing owner and subcontractor contract requirements, including pay applications, lien waivers, submittals, RFIs, and change orders
• Support contract administration by working with project teams on issues that arise during execution
• Support project team performance to ensure compliance with contract requirements
• Oversee dispute resolution for contract disputes, claims, and significant change orders
• Coordinate with outside counsel and insurers on project contracts and disputes as appropriate, necessary, and as requested by company management
• Support other business sectors on an as-needed basis, as requested by company management

Position Qualifications

Education

• Law degree, with admission and good standing in the bar of at least one jurisdiction where the company does business
• Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline or construction management; or an equivalent combination of education and experience in construction, facilities management, or construction law preferred

Experience & Skills

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in construction contract administration, negotiation, and interpretation; experience in the building market, particularly with general contractors, preferred
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to produce professional contract documents and experience with most construction contract forms
• Understanding and familiarity with project delivery approaches — general contractor, construction manager at-risk, and construction manager as advisor — as well as projects where the contract sum is based on cost of the work
• Demonstrated proficiency with contract forms such as AIA, EJCDC, ConsensusDocs, and other private forms commonly used in building construction, including CM and CM at Risk delivery, as both prime contractor and subcontractor
• Familiarity with state procurement generally; knowledge of state statutory and regulatory procurement requirements is especially beneficial
• Familiarity and understanding of prompt pay statutes, mechanics lien statutes, and statutory requirements governing lien waivers, retainage, and other provisions applicable to public and private construction projects in CT, FL, MA, and RI
• Familiarity and understanding of contract issues in construction delivery, including indemnity, warranty, guaranty, performance guarantees, and liquidated damages
• Familiarity and understanding of insurance considerations for construction projects, with willingness and ability to coordinate with the company's insurers and brokers
• Experience resolving construction disputes in court and arbitration proceedings
• Team-oriented approach with demonstrated honesty and integrity
• Ability to shift easily between projects and priorities and manage multiple deadlines
• Ability to prioritize tasks with attention to both accuracy and urgency
• Financial and business acumen, with basic knowledge of how to structure and close a business deal

DOC Benefits

• Medical, Dental & Vision
• 401k with company match
• ESOP – DOC is an employee owned organization
• FSA Account
• Life & Disability Insurance
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Fitness & Wellness benefits