The Senior Paralegal serves as a trusted advisor to NELSON's senior leadership team, providing strategic legal and operational guidance across corporate governance, compliance, licensing, contracts, and emerging technology. This role plays a key part in supporting NELSON's continued growth and innovation by identifying and managing legal, contractual, and operational risks associated with the firm's business practices and evolving use of AI within the AEC industry. The Senior Paralegal supports AI governance and risk management, including the review of AI-related agreements, data and privacy considerations, intellectual property, vendor terms, and other emerging legal issues. In addition, this role leads the preparation, review, negotiation, and administration of contracts, including bids and service agreements, and oversees ongoing contractual obligations. The Senior Paralegal partners closely with Finance, Operations, HR, Practice Leaders, and other stakeholders to align legal practices with business objectives, strengthen compliance, and enable confident, informed decision-making across the enterprise.

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty and responsibility satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Critical features of this job are described below. They may be subject to change at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned:

• Serve as the primary point of contact and subject-matter expert for corporate governance across all NELSON entities, including drafting and maintaining bylaws, operating agreements, resolutions, and annual business filings.
• Lead the entity management program, ensuring accuracy of minute books, share records, and the master corporate structure chart across domestic and international entities.
• Drive contract strategy-draft, review, and negotiate service agreements, proposals, and complex client contracts in partnership with legal and business leaders.
• Provide strategic counsel on risk mitigation, compliance requirements, and operational best practices across departments.
• Partner with internal and external counsel on M&A transactions, due diligence, integration activities, and intellectual property management, including trademark protection and enforcement.
• Oversee claims and litigation management processes, ensuring timely coordination, documentation, and resolution.
• Manage insurance certificate programs and collaborate with Finance and Operations to maintain appropriate coverage and documentation.
• Proactively identify and implement process improvements to streamline legal operations and enhance efficiency.
• Mentor junior legal team members and contribute to the development of internal templates, training, and best practices.

Required Knowledge and Skills:

• Minimum of 8 years of experience as a Paralegal in corporate, commercial, or in-house legal environments.
• Proven experience with industry-standard contract forms (AIA, DBIA, ConsensusDOCS) and strong understanding of contractual risk allocation
• Demonstrated success managing multiple high-priority initiatives in a dynamic, deadline-driven environment with any combination of the core areas of paralegal focus (Corporate, M+A, Litigation, Operations).
• Exceptional judgment, discretion, and communication skills-able to translate complex legal concepts into clear business guidance
• Ability to travel occasionally to support business needs

Education / Experience:

• Minimum of Bachelor's degree in Legal Studies, Business Administration, Political Science, or a related field
• 8+ years of experience as a Paralegal with a law firm or in-house legal team
• Paralegal Certificate required
• Advanced training or certification in corporate law, contracts, or legal operations preferred

National salary range: $75,000 - $100,000 (compensation factors are based upon years of relevant experience, qualifications/licensure, education, and location.) Additional compensation includes bonuses and benefits. Bonuses can include but are not limited to: Long Term Incentive Plan, Short Term Incentive Plan, Profit Sharing

Benefits of NELSON: (additional benefit details can be found at: nelsonworldwide.com/careers)

• 401(K) plan with company match
• Full health benefits including medical, dental, and vision
• Wellness program with rewards for healthy activities
• Pet Insurance
• Opportunities for career advancement
• Paid time off and holiday pay
• Paid parental leave
• Flexible working schedules and work from home options based on client's needs
• Professional Development including discretionary support and reimbursement for registrations, certifications, and membership to a professional organization