Construction Law Counsel - Boards And Open Government - Unclassified

***THIS RECRUITMENT MAY CLOSE WITHOUT FURTHER NOTICE DEPENDING ON THE NUMBER OF APPLICATIONS RECEIVED. APPLICANTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY AS SOON AS POSSIBLE***

This attorney position will represent the State Public Works Division (SPWD), the state agency responsible for the planning, maintenance, and construction of public buildings. The Division is comprised of the State Public Works Board, Professional Services (design and construction), Building Official (code compliance and inspection), and Buildings & Grounds (facility oversite, maintenance. and leasing). The position was created to specifically provide SPWD with a concentrated expertise in public works construction. The position will advise the Administrator and staff on legal matters relating to construction contracting and construction project management in accordance with applicable statutes and contract documents.  This specialized support will enhance and support SPWD’s ability to manage the risk associated with the complexities inherent in multimillion dollar public works construction projects.  This position will proactively advise and support SPWD avoid protracted litigation and participate in the State’s legal team when litigation is unavoidable.

Certificate of admission to the State Bar of Nevada and eligibility to practice before the courts of Nevada, as well as the federal district and appellate courts. Five (5) years of experience as a practicing attorney, including at least three(3)years of experience in construction law.

The preferred candidate will have extensive experience in construction law, government practice, and litigation matters.

Day to day involvement and assessment of SPWD’s contractor qualification and bidding requirements and processes; project specific legal needs; project management oversight; construction contract drafting and implementation; public records response and oversight; prevailing wage complaints; bid protests; staff training; contractor dispute assessment; represent staff in contractor disputes before the State Public Works Board; prepare for and coordinate Board meetings; and implementing administrating rulemaking. Duties also include defending lawsuits such as: ADA violations, employee motor vehicle accidents, premise liability claims, and other lawsuits filed against SPWD.  Duties also include supporting Building & Grounds contracting, management, and oversight of approximately 2.5 million square feet of State-owned buildings, including those buildings assigned to Nevada’s constitutional officers.  The position also supports B&G’s Leasing Services and their management of approximately 300 commercial leases.  This includes lease term negotiations and supporting Leasing Services in its enforcement of lease terms.  During the legislative session, this position will support the Division throughout, including bill draft requests, brief and assist Administrator throughout legislative session, assist with assessment of fiscal impact and support the Division’s presentation of SPWD’s capital improvement bill.

Knowledge: This position requires knowledge of substantive law and regulations relevant to construction law generally, and Nevada construction law specifically, including experience developing construction contract terms and conditions. Experience advising construction project management is preferred. Public-sector construction contracting experience is preferred, including knowledge of NRS 338 and NAC 338. Candidates should have experience in construction litigation, mediation, and arbitration, with documented first- or second-chair construction litigation experience preferred. Familiarity with construction-related bonds and insurance, as well as a strong background in settlement negotiations, is preferred. Knowledge of substantive law and regulations related to leasing and purchasing contracts, and Nevada’s Open Meeting Law, is also preferred. 

 Skills and Abilities: Ability to communicate effectively in writing and verbally; present administrative and judicial cases; advocate effectively; analyze complex legal issues; and apply legal principles to resolve problems. Ability to plan, prioritize, and execute work within established timelines with minimal supervision. Ability to maintain a high level of professionalism, organization, self-motivation, punctuality, reliability, and demonstrated leadership skills. 

The State of Nevada is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to building diverse, inclusive, and innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. All applicants are considered without regard to race, color, national origin, religion or belief, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, domestic partnership, genetic information (GINA), or compensation and/or wages.

Please send direct Inquiries or correspondence to the recruiter listed on this announcement.