Chief Counsel

S&ME is seeking an experienced Chief Counsel to join our Executive Leadership Team providing strategic legal guidance across the company and supporting risk management in alignment with our values and mission. This high-impact role is ideal for a seasoned attorney with a strong business acumen, excellent communication skills, and a proactive approach to advising on legal matters in a dynamic engineering consulting environment.

At S&ME, we have a history of delivering innovative geotechnical, civil, environmental, and construction material testing for over 50 years. Over the decades, we have grown into a trusted partner for clients across various industries, including transportation, energy, water, waste management, education, government, commercial, industrial, and more. Our commitment to technical excellence and integrity has established us as a leader in our field.

As Chief Counsel, you will be a trusted advisor to our executive team and internal clients. You'll help shape strategy, drive contract excellence, and manage legal risk across the business. This role offers the ability to be based in either our Charlotte or Raleigh offices and will require some travel as needed. Your responsibilities will include:

• Contract Management: Review, draft, and negotiate a wide range of contracts, leases, and service agreements. Provide legal approval and guidance to ensure favorable terms and risk mitigation.
• Legal Advisory: Offer strategic legal advice to management and internal teams. Conduct legal research and provide opinions on various issues affecting operations, contracts, and projects.
• Risk & Compliance: Assess commercial and legal risk in contracts and operational decisions. Help maintain quality standards, ensure compliance with safety guidelines, and contribute to internal governance practices.
• Dispute Management: Manage litigation and outside counsel relationships. Oversee the resolution of legal disputes and professional liability claims, including coordination with insurers.
• Insurance &
  
  Risk Management:
  
  Lead insurance coverage acquisition, claim reporting, and internal procedures to support professional liability prevention and resolution.
• Client Coaching & Negotiations: Coach internal teams on prioritizing contract changes and conducting complex negotiations. Assist in developing negotiation strategies and business solutions.
• Cross-functional Communication: Translate complex legal language into clear guidance for non-legal stakeholders. Support internal policy development and communicate legal strategy effectively across departments.

• Juris Doctorate (JD) required
• Must be licensed to practice law and eligible for a North Carolina in-house license (Rule 712)
• 10+ years of relevant legal experience in Professional Services, ideally with a focus on contract law, risk management, insurance, and working in or with engineering/consulting firms

• Strong drafting and negotiation skills
• Proven ability to assess and prioritize legal risks
• Strong leadership, interpersonal, and coaching skills
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities
• Familiarity with litigation, claims management, and insurance coordination

At S&ME, you're more than just an employee; you're an employee-owner of a 100% employee-owned company where we invest in your success and offer a career path with growth opportunities, training, and hands-on experience. Join a company that supports your professional growth while allowing you to shape legal strategy and policy at the highest level, with industry-leading benefits designed to help you thrive.

• Medical, Dental & Vision Plans with HSA and FSA options
• 100% Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
• 401K with Company Matching
• PTO with Rollover
• Maternity/Paternity Leave
• Employee Recognition Program
• Credential Incentive Program
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Company Vehicle with Fuel Card for Project-Based Work

This full-time role offers competitive pay based on experience. Candidates must comply with our Fleet Management, Substance Policy, and Reference Check requirements. Only candidates with valid employment eligibility (I-9) will be considered.
Visa assistance is not available. S&ME reserves the right to hire internally or externally at any time. No candidate/recruiter calls, personal calls, or walk-ins are accepted.