Location(s): California
Practice/Department: Legal
Work Environment: Hybrid
Compensation: $115,000-$130,000 annually*
Dudek's journey began in 1980 with a vision to serve Southern California's water and wastewater agencies.
Today, we are a 100% employee-owned firm supporting clients nationwide and delivering projects that improve and protect the built and natural environments of communities throughout the United States. Our work has been recognized by leading industry organizations (https://dudek.com/our-firm/awards-and-accolades/) , and we've been honored with multiple national Top Workplace Awards.
Our employee-owners are unified by a singular commitment to supporting projects that address key societal issues, such as the transition to renewable energy, infrastructure hardening and repair, environmental protection, and community resilience.
Learn more about our award-winning culture (https://dudek.com/our-firm/our-culture/) , the benefits and perks (https://dudek.com/your-career/benefits/) of being a Dudekian, and the projects (https://dudek.com/all-projects/) you will have the opportunity to shape. Who You Are As an employee-owner (https://dudek.com/your-career/employee-ownership/) , you embrace accountability, working safely, and collaboration while thinking resourcefully and independently.
Like all Dudekians, you are curious and solution-oriented, with the ability to adapt quickly to changes and approach challenges with a spirit of innovation. How You'll Make an Impact We are seeking a skilled and pragmatic Contracts Attorney to join our Legal team at Dudek, a leading environmental and engineering consulting firm. This role will focus on supporting our multi-disciplinary practices and business operations by managing a wide range of contracts and ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements relevant to our industry. Duties and Responsibilities
Review, edit and negotiate contracts including but not limited to client professional service agreements, subconsultant agreements, teaming agreements, NDAs, and vendor contracts.
Provide legal guidance to project managers and operations teams on contract terms, risk mitigation, and regulatory compliance.
Ensure contracts align with Dudek policies and applicable laws, including government (federal, state and local) requirements.
Maintain and update contract templates and negotiation playbooks to reflect best practices and evolving business needs.
Support contract lifecycle management, including tracking, renewals, and closeout processes.
Collaborate with internal stakeholders to resolve contract-related issues and support strategic initiatives.
Assist with compliance matters, including conflicts of interest, confidentiality, and insurance requirements.
Minimum Qualifications
J.D. from an ABA accredited law school and active CA bar membership in good standing.
Strong understanding of commercial contracting principles, risk allocation, and negotiation strategies.
3-5+ years of experience in contract law, preferably in-house or at a law firm serving clients in the environmental, engineering, or professional services sectors.
Must possess a valid driver's license and have active personal automobile liability insurance by the first day of employment
Preferred Qualifications
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively across teams.
Strong analytical skills, with the ability to review complex documents and exercise sound judgment to identify material issues, risks, and compliance obligations.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and to exercise sound judgment in identifying issues that require escalation
Collaborative mindset and a proactive approach to problem-solving.
Proficiency with contract management systems and document automation tools.
Knowledge of FAR, DBE requirements, and other public contracting frameworks.
Experience supporting multidisciplinary consulting teams (e.g., environmental scientists, engineers, planners).
Familiarity with government contracts, indemnity clauses, and professional liability issues is a plus.
Strong sense of urgency, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver practical solutions in a fast-paced consulting environment.
Ability and willingness to work in a Dudek office (preferably Encinitas) at least one day a week.
Compensation: $115,000-$130,000 annually*
*Final agreed-upon compensation will be based on a variety of factors including, but not limited to, an individual's related experience, education, certifications, skills, and work location. Successful candidates must pass a pre-employment drug test and background check prior to beginning employment.
Working Conditions
Environment
This job operates in a remote or office-based environment and this role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, printers, etc.
Physical Requirements The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. This job requires the following:
Working on a computer, sitting, or standing for long periods of time in an office or remote office setting.
Attending meetings, both in person and virtually, and speaking on the phone with peers, clients, etc.
Specific vision abilities, including close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
Dudek is committed to creating a workplace where all employees, regardless of their background, feel valued, respected, and have equal opportunities to succeed. We believe that a diverse and inclusive workforce is essential to our business success, and we are dedicated to fostering a culture where everyone can thrive. We are committed to fair and equitable processes, based on merit, free from any discrimination.
Dudek is genuinely committed to equal employment opportunities within our company and on our project teams. Dudek is also committed to compliance with all applicable laws providing equal employment opportunities. This commitment applies to all persons involved in Dudek's operations and prohibits unlawful discrimination by any employee of Dudek, including supervisors and coworkers. Equal employment opportunities will be extended to all persons (including those with disability and veteran status) in all aspects of the employment relationship, including recruitment, hiring, training, promotion, transfer, compensation, benefits, discipline, layoff, recall, and termination. Any employee who violates this policy and Dudek's commitment to equal employment opportunities will be subject to disciplinary action.
Dudek is a U.S.-based employer. All positions are based in the United States and require U.S. work authorization.
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