JobsParalegal & Legal AssistantMinneapolisParalegal - Construction and Litigation
Ryan Companies US, Inc.
Posted 3 days ago
Paralegal - Construction and Litigation
Ryan Companies US, Inc. · Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States
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In short
The paralegal will manage complex legal processes across the construction lifecycle, including drafting contracts and supporting litigation. They will act as a liaison between legal counsel and operational teams to ensure compliance and mitigate project risks.
What they're looking for
MUST-HAVE SKILLS
ALSO MENTIONED
Candidates must have at least 5 years of progressive paralegal experience, preferably with a background in real estate or construction. A bachelor's degree in a relevant field is required, and an ABA-approved paralegal certificate is highly preferred.
About the employer
Ryan Companies US, Inc.
We Build Stories
At Ryan Companies, we believe the value of the buildings we design, develop, finance, manage and construct is about more than dollars and cents – it’s also about the value they bring to the people who use them and the communities that surround them. That’s why we focus first on the “why” so we can give life to your vision and achieve the best possible outcome.
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As a national leader in commercial real estate services, we know that our customers are as unique as their projects. That’s why, day after day, we’re driven to uncover their stories. To be inspired by what inspires them. To bring the right people to the table so we can collaborate on a deeper, more engaging level. Together, we build something far more profound than the physical presence of a building. We build the backdrops to life’s stories. At Ryan, our values – Safety, Integrity, Respect, Stewardship, Family, Excellence and Fun – define our culture and they shape and ignite the people who join our team. They are more than words in a mission statement, they are the inspiration that guides our decisions and shapes our belief that we offer something no one else can. In the end, your building is better, your experience working with us more enjoyable, your community more vibrant and your project site safer – all because we embrace our values each day.
- INDUSTRY
- Real Estate
- COMPANY
- Privately Held
- FOUNDED
- 1938
- HEADQUARTERS
- Minneapolis, MN
- SIZE
- 1,001-5,000
- OFFICES
- 15 on LinkedIn
KNOWN FOR
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Questions about this role
- Is this Ryan Companies US, Inc. role remote?
- Tagged hybrid.
- Does it sponsor visas?
- Listed as no visa sponsorship.
- What experience does it ask for?
- Listed as 5-10 years.
The posting, in full
The Construction Law Paralegal serves as a vital anchor within the legal department. This role is designed for a highly skilled, seasoned professional who can manage complex legal processes across the full lifecycle of construction with high autonomy and minimal supervision. The ideal candidate bridges the gap between legal strategy and field operations, collaborating cross-functionally with Project Managers, Preconstruction, Risk Management, and Leadership.
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Job Description
The Construction Law Paralegal serves as a vital anchor within the legal department. This role is designed for a highly skilled, seasoned professional who can manage complex legal processes across the full lifecycle of construction with high autonomy and minimal supervision. The ideal candidate bridges the gap between legal strategy and field operations, collaborating cross-functionally with Project Managers, Preconstruction, Risk Management, and Leadership.
In this pivotal role, you will provide comprehensive legal support to three construction attorneys and collaborate directly with operational and project teams across the country.
Key Responsibilities
- Construction Project Pipelines: Serve as primary legal support to three construction attorneys and national construction project teams, managing substantive workflows across national construction project pipelines.
- Contract Lifecycle & Project Support
- Draft & Negotiate: Draft, review, and track complex contracts, including Owner-Contractor agreements, Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) agreements, Master Service Agreements (MSAs), and architect/designer agreements.
- Subcontractor Management: Review and track subcontractor MSAs, purchase orders, and required modifications based on local market dynamics.
- Develop Contract Response Playbooks: Create, refine, and maintain institutional contracts playbooks featuring standard fallback language, risk thresholds, and pre-approved compromise positions to streamline negotiations across project teams.
- Dispute Resolution & Litigation Support
- Prelitigation Risk Mitigation: Assist attorneys in drafting formal default/demand letters to subcontractors, managing punch-list and closeout disputes, and evaluating delay-related claims or schedule-extension documentation.
- Mechanic’s Liens: Draft, track, and manage mechanic's lien notices, lien waivers, and bond claims across multiple jurisdictions to secure corporate payment rights.
- Litigation Management: Act as an internal liaison for outside counsel during pre-litigation disputes and active lawsuits.
- eDiscovery: Lead document collection, hold notices, and responses to subpoenas and formal discovery requests.
- Risk Management & Compliance
- Warranties & Claims: Monitor, track, and process incoming warranty claims; collaborate with construction and operations teams to gather evidence and draft response strategies. Assist with project close-out requirements.
- Entity Licensing: Provide back up and support for licensing compliance for general contractor, and business licensing requirements across all regional operating markets.
- Training & Mentorship
- Field Education: Conduct training sessions for Project Coordinators, Project Managers, and Superintendents on contract policies, lien law compliance, and proper project documentation.
- Team Leadership: Mentor and guide junior paralegals, legal assistants, and administrative staff within the legal department and across other parts of the organization through liaison with legal team.
- Corporate & Real Estate Development Paralegal Support (As Needed)
- Assist with entity formations, foreign qualification filings, state annual reports, board resolutions, officer certificates, and corporate organizational charts.
- Provide transactional support for real estate development transactions.
Common Challenges in This Role
- Volume & Velocity: Balancing corporate-level governance tasks while keeping pace with fast-moving, multi-state construction project schedules.
- Bridging Communication Gaps: Translating legal requirements into actionable, practical guidance for field-based construction operations teams.
Minimum Qualifications
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in Legal Studies, Construction Management, or a related field; ABA-approved Paralegal Certificate highly preferred.
- Experience: 5+ years of progressive paralegal experience, including real estate.
- Technical Knowledge: Understanding of construction, development, and commercial real estate legal concepts and basic contract law; ability to interpret contracts to provide legal support and mitigate risk.
- Document Review: Ability to review and respond to title and survey, settlement statements, estoppels, SNDAs, listing and confidentiality agreements, and other basic legal documents.
- Writing: Superior writing skills for correspondence, title and survey objection letters, closing documents, and other legal documentation.
- Software Skills: Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), legal document management, e-discovery, and corporate entity management systems and databases; familiarity with construction contract management platforms (e.g., Procore) preferred.
- Legal Tech & AI Proficiency (Preferred): Experience with legal AI tools, AI-powered contract analysis platforms (e.g., Kira, Document Draft), and generative AI assistants for drafting, contract review, and legal research.
- Core Skills: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; ability to multi-task and work within a defined scheduled).
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The base pay range is $36.99- 46.24/per hour. The salary may vary within the anticipated range based on factors such as the ultimate location of the position and the selected candidate’s knowledge, skills, and abilities. Position may be eligible for additional compensation that may include commission and/or an incentive program.
Eligibility
Position requires verification of employment to work in the U.S.
Benefits
- Competitive Salary
- Medical, Dental and Vision Benefits
- Retirement and Savings Benefits
- Flexible Spending and Health Savings Accounts
- Life Insurance
- Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
- Educational Assistance
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Employee Assistance and Wellness Programs
- Family Planning & Parenting Benefits
- Employee Discount Programs
- Pet insurance
- Charitable Donation Matching
- Volunteer Time Off (VTO)
- Employee Resource Groups (ERGs)
Disclaimer: Eligibility may vary based on factors such as role, hours worked, employment status, length of service, location, and other considerations. Detailed information will be shared with eligible candidates during the hiring process, and the official terms and conditions will be outlined in each individual offer document.
Ryan Companies is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
Notice to Candidates
Please be advised that initial outreach regarding employment at Ryan Companies will only occur via email from the domain @ryancompanies.com email address. If you recieve communication from someone you believe is impersonating Ryan Companies, please report it to us at humanresources@ryancompanies.com
Non-Solicitation Notice to Recruitment Agencies
Ryan Companies kindly requests that recruitment agencies and third-party recruiters do not submit unsolicited resumes or candidate information to any Ryan Companies employee or office. Ryan Companies will not be responsible for any fees or expenses associated with unsolicited submissions. If recruitment services are required, we will reach out directly to agencies on our approved vendor list. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.