Senior Counsel, Litigation and Claims

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Job Summary:

Manages complex commercial and construction litigation, arbitration, and claims matters for Bechtel worldwide. The role includes: (1) advising internal clients on a wide range of litigation, arbitration, and claims related issues; (2) obtaining and evaluating advice on legal and technical issues from internal clients and outside consultants and counsel; (3) managing outside counsel, including developing and implementing legal strategies and managing budgets; (4) managing the preservation and legal hold process for the legal department; and (5) working with company employees to gather facts and documents and direct e-discovery processes. The legal matters are typically complex and the working environment is fast-paced. It is desirable, but not required, for applicants to have a background in engineering and construction litigation, and/or one or more of the major industries in which Bechtel does work.

Major Responsibilities:

• Manages complex commercial and construction litigation, arbitration, and claims matters for Bechtel worldwide.
• Conducts legal research and analysis, including obtaining and evaluating advice from internal experts and outside consultants and legal counsel.
• Evaluates technical issues associated with litigation and claims, including consulting with internal experts and outside consultants as needed.
• Provides advice to internal clients on a wide range of litigation, arbitration, and claims related issues.
• Proactively directs and manages outside counsel, including scoping work, setting expectations, monitoring performance, and ensuring alignment with business objectives.
• Develops and implements litigation, arbitration, and claims strategies, including conducting early case assessments and identifying reasonable and cost-effective resolution options.
• Develops, forecasts, and manages budgets for litigation and claims matters, including implementing cost controls and providing regular reporting.
• Manages the department’s legal hold process, including overseeing the issuance of holds, tracking holds, and advising internal stakeholders on preservation requirements and best practices.
• Works collaboratively with company personnel and counsel to gather facts and documents necessary for prosecution and defense of litigation and arbitration matters.  
• Oversees eDiscovery and document management activities, including coordinating with litigation support personnel; directing document collection, review, and production; and managing outside counsel during the document review process.
• Interviews and evaluates potential witnesses, and works with outside counsel to prepare internal stakeholders for testimony.
• Assists in selection and preparation of expert witnesses.
• Evaluates and assists outside counsel in preparation of cases for settlement and trial.
• Ability to travel to domestic and international projects, business headquarters, and other locations is required.

Education and Experience Requirements:

• Requires JD degree with excellent academic credentials, Active State Bar membership, and 8+ years of litigation experience (preferably with a major law firm), including responsibility for managing complex commercial matters.

Required Knowledge and Skills:

• Demonstrated experience with complex commercial litigation; experience with arbitration and claims is strongly preferred. Experience with major construction/engineering disputes and/or relevant industry experience is preferred but not required.
• Experience managing legal holds and preservation, document collection and review, and eDiscovery in large, complex matters using electronic document/case management systems; close collaboration with litigation support personnel; and oversight of eDiscovery vendors.
• Significant deposition, witness preparation and trial experience required.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and written and oral communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work cooperatively in a team environment.
• Superior interpersonal skills.
• Willingness and ability to travel domestically and internationally.

Total Rewards/Benefits:

For decades, Bechtel has worked to inspire the next generation of employees and beyond! Because our teams face some of the world's toughest challenges, we offer robust benefits to ensure our people thrive.  Whether it is advancing careers, delivering programs to enhance our culture, or providing time to recharge, Bechtel has the benefits to build a legacy of sustainable growth. Learn more at Bechtel Total Rewards

Diverse teams build the extraordinary:

As a global company, Bechtel has long been home to a vibrant multitude of nationalities, cultures, ethnicities, and life experiences. This diversity has made us a more trusted partner, more effective problem solvers and innovators, and a more attractive destination for leading talent.

We are committed to being a company where every colleague feels that they belong-where colleagues feel part of "One Team," respected and rewarded for what they bring, supported in pursuing their goals, invested in our values and purpose, and treated equitably. Click here to learn more about the people who power our legacy.