Job DescriptionUL Solutions is seeking a practical, business-minded Senior Counsel to support the company's global corporate real estate, leasing, facilities operations, and construction/capital projects matters. This attorney will partner closely with Corporate Real Estate/Facilities, Finance, Sourcing and business leadership to lead and execute real estate transactions and support capital projects across UL Solutions' global footprint-including new sites, relocations, renewals, expansions, lab/office buildouts, renovations, and major facility upgrades.
This role is designed for an attorney who can run matters end-to-end-from initial requirements and site strategy through negotiation, signature, and post-signature contract administration-and who can translate complex legal issues into clear, practical guidance that helps the business move quickly while managing risk.
This position is US-based but global in scope, and the attorney will be expected to manage projects around the world (in coordination with local in-house or external counsel where appropriate). This is a hybrid position requiring three days per week in a UL Solutions office in the United States. The preferred location is Northbrook, IL or Chicago, IL.
ResponsibilitiesReal Estate Transactions- Lead the drafting, review, and negotiation of commercial leases (office and lab), including new leases, renewals, expansions, early terminations, assignments/subleases, and related agreements.
- Support acquisitions and dispositions, including drafting/negotiating purchase and sale agreements and managing closing deliverables.
- Partner with Facilities and business stakeholders to ensure lease provisions align with planned facility use, buildout requirements, compliance obligations, and future portfolio strategy (e.g., expansion/contraction rights, relocation planning).
- Manage (directly and/or through outside counsel) real estate due diligence and risk assessments, including title, survey, zoning/land use, entitlements, and environmental diligence, and advise stakeholders on mitigation strategies.
- Support global leasing activity by coordinating with local counsel and business teams to address jurisdiction-specific requirements and market practices.
- Advise on real estate disputes and operational matters (e.g., landlord/tenant issues, lease enforcement, claims), coordinating with internal and outside litigation counsel as needed.
Construction & Capital Projects Contracting- Lead legal support for construction and renovation projects across UL Solutions' global footprint, including drafting and negotiating agreements with general contractors, construction managers, design professionals (architects/engineers), specialty trades, and project consultants.
- Advise on key construction contract frameworks and exhibits (scope, deliverables, milestones, pricing schedules, change order procedures, schedule requirements, warranties, acceptance criteria, and commissioning/turnover documentation).
- Advise on common project delivery and pricing models (e.g., design-bid-build, design-build, construction manager at risk; lump sum, or cost-plus) and tailor provisions to reflect UL Solutions' risk posture and operational needs.
- Assist Facilities to manage and resolve disputes and to implement contract administration practices that reduce disputes and improve project outcomes.
Equipment Procurement- Draft, review, and negotiate agreements for the procurement of laboratory equipment, including purchase agreements and master supply agreements, equipment leasing and financing arrangements, installation, calibration, and commissioning agreements, and maintenance, service, and support contracts.
Templates, Playbooks & Process Improvement- Develop and maintain templates and playbooks for recurring transactions (leases, amendments, work letters, contractor and consultant agreements) to improve cycle time and consistency.
- Support global consistency by creating standard contracting positions and escalation guidelines that can be localized for key jurisdictions.
- Manage outside counsel efficiently on specialized matters (zoning/entitlements, environmental, complex disputes), including scoping, budgeting, and quality control.
Qualifications- Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school and active state bar membership in good standing.
- Significant experience advising on commercial real estate and leasing, including drafting and negotiating leases and related documents.
- Demonstrated experience supporting construction contracting and capital projects, including negotiation of contractor and design professional agreements and counseling on change orders and project risk issues.
- Working knowledge of real estate diligence and closing processes, including title, survey, zoning/land use, and environmental diligence (directly or through counsel).
- Strong project management, judgment, and communication skills, with the ability to manage multiple matters simultaneously and provide practical advice to stakeholders at all levels.
- Experience supporting global sites and comfort coordinating with local counsel and cross-border stakeholders.
Preferred- Experience supporting a multi-site corporate footprint, including leases, relocations, expansions, and lab/office buildouts.
- Familiarity with construction industry standard form concepts.
- Experience developing templates/playbooks and improving contracting processes across real estate and construction portfolios.
- Experience using or developing AI tools (such as Microsoft Copilot) to drive efficiencies and improve deliverables.
- Experience using or driving improvements in contract lifecycle management tools (such as Ironclad CLM).
Total Rewards: We understand compensation is an important factor as you consider the next step in your career. The estimated salary range for this position is $180,000 - $200,000 and is based on multiple factors, including job-related knowledge/skills, experience, geographical location, as well as other factors. This position is eligible for annual bonus compensation with a target payout of 20% of the base salary. This position also provides health benefits such as medical, dental and vision; wellness benefits such as mental and financial health; and retirement savings (401K) commensurate with the standard rewards offered in each individual location or country. We also provide full-time employees with paid time off including vacation (15 days), holiday including floating holidays (12 days) and sick time off (72 hours).
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