In-House Counsel, Contracts

Fehr & Peers

In-House Counsel providing legal counsel in a transportation planning and engineering firm with over 400 staff. Collaborating to create innovative solutions to improve community transportation.

Posted 5/26/2026full-timeWalnut Creek • California • 🇺🇸 United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $120,000 - $150,000 per yearWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Review, edit, and negotiate a range of contracts, including professional services agreements, subconsultant agreements, teaming agreements, NDAs, and vendor contracts
Identify key risks in contracts and clearly explain those risks, legal concepts, and alternative approaches so technical staff can make informed business decisions
Partner with project managers and business services staff to negotiate contracts with clients, teaming partners, and vendors
Provide guidance on compliance matters, including conflicts of interests, confidentiality, and insurance requirements
Manage intake and scheduling for contract review requests
Assist with business registrations and licensing in various jurisdictions
Conduct legal research and make recommendations on a variety of topics relevant to our business
Build your understanding of our technical services and the legal landscape for A&E firms, so your risk assessments and recommendations stay grounded in how the work actually gets done
Maintain and update legal resources such as contract templates, guidance documents, and internal training materials

Requirements

What you’ll need

Juris Doctorate from an ABA accredited law school
3-5 years of professional experience as an attorney with substantial experience reviewing and negotiating contracts
Strong analytical, decision-making, and problem-solving skills
Ability to exercise sound independent judgment, think critically through complex issues, and adapt quickly in a dynamic, fast-paced environment
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, especially for explaining legal concepts and contract terms to our non-legal staff
Strong attention to detail
Proven ability to build and maintain strong internal relationships
Excellent time management and organizational skills, with a proven ability to independently balance multiple competing priorities and meet deadlines.
A collaborative mindset grounded in humility, strong listening skills, and a supportive approach to working with colleagues
Curiosity and adaptability in leveraging AI and other emerging technologies to improve workflows, enhance analysis, and support efficient legal service delivery
Ability to reliably work in the Walnut Creek office at least two days per week.
Full-time and part-time schedules considered.

Benefits

Comp & perks

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life and Disability Insurance.
401(k) Plan with matching and profit sharing.
Flexible Spending Accounts.
Commuter Benefits.
Paid Vacation, holidays and sick leave.
8 weeks of Paid Parental Leave.
Mentoring and Career Development programs.
Research and Development group participation, and more.

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills & Tools

contract negotiationlegal researchrisk assessmentcompliance guidancecontract draftingprofessional services agreementssubconsultant agreementsteaming agreementsNDAsvendor contracts

Soft Skills

analytical skillsdecision-makingproblem-solvingindependent judgmentcritical thinkingwritten communicationverbal communicationattention to detailtime managementorganizational skills

Certifications

Juris Doctorate