Job Description

At Gensler, we design for people. We leverage our global perspective and local presence to innovate at every scale. We’re not just designers. We’re tinkerers, craftspeople, visionaries, innovators, and thought leaders. Fueled by passion and entrepreneurial spirit, our people bring new ideas to solve the world’s most challenging problems, like designing a more resilient, inclusive, and equitable future for our communities and cities.

Our people-centered, “People First” culture and “One Firm-Firm” motto promotes integrated teams that unite to shape the future of cities. Gensler’s vision is to “Create a Better World through the Power of Design,” and we do that by our deep commitment to our clients and by fostering a collaborative, diverse, and inclusive environment that enables our people to create impactful solutions together.

Your Role

The Legal Counsel is part of our Legal Studio and reports to the Senior Practice Counsel. The position is located in our Baltimore or Washington, DC offices (5 days a week). The Legal Counsel is responsible for leadership counselling and training, contract reviews and negotiation, project issue management, project support, risk mitigation strategies, professional licensing, corporate strategy, ethical conduct management and other ad-hoc advice.

This is a rare opportunity for a lawyer with a passion for understanding the business of design and a desire to work with creative leaders, to become part of the Gensler family. This is not a conventional, back-office, black-letter legal role; at Gensler you will be on the front-line, dealing with our most valued clients on a daily basis, and partnering with other leaders to navigate opportunities and challenges in an ever-complex world. We are not just looking for an extremely talented legal professional, we need someone with the ability to make important and difficult decisions, to lead our people, to help build and maintain our client relationships and to spot opportunities for Gensler to realize its commitment to improve our world through the power of design.

What You Will Do

• Review and negotiate contracts for design, architecture and related professional services.

• Engage with business management to balance opportunities and challenges and make informed business decisions.

• Manage project issues, including allegations of design and construction deficiencies.

• Work with project teams to mitigate potential claims and escalate response as appropriate.

• Develop and deliver legal training for Gensler’s technical staff.

• Advise on general business issues (collections, staffing, licensure, etc.).

Your Qualifications

• Active bar admission

• 3-5 years of law firm or in house experience (transactional or litigation) with experience in or a demonstrated interest in the design and construction industry

• Strong emotional intelligence and relationship-building skills

• Excellent presentation and negotiation skills

• Ability to tailor communication style to diverse audiences and creatively resolve negotiation barriers.

• Administrative self-sufficiency.

• Periodic travel required.

***If based in Washington, DC the base salary is estimated to be between $140k-$155k plus bonuses and benefits and contingent upon relevant experience

***If based in Baltimore, MD the base salary is estimated to be between $130k-$145k plus bonuses and benefits and contingent upon relevant experience

Life at Gensler

At Gensler, we are as committed to enjoying life as we are to delivering best-in-class design. From curated art exhibits to internal design competitions to “Well-being Week,” our offices reflect our people’s diverse interests.

We encourage every person at Gensler to lead a healthy and balanced life. Our comprehensive benefits include medical, dental, vision, disability, wellness programs, flex spending, paid holidays, and paid time off. We also offer a 401k, profit sharing, employee stock ownership, and twice annual bonus opportunities. Our annual base salary range has been established based on local markets.

As part of the firm’s commitment to licensure and professional development, Gensler offers reimbursement for certain professional licenses and associated renewals and exam fees. In addition, we reimburse tuition for certain eligible programs or classes. We view our professional development programs as strategic investments in our future.

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