Description

CONSTRUCTION LAW COUNSEL, 

BOARDS AND OPEN GOVERNMENT

Gross Salary: Up to $187,431.00 employee/employer paid retirement option or $158,336 employer-paid retirement option. 

The selected candidate will initially be appointed as a Senior Deputy Attorney General, working alongside the long-tenured incumbent as part of the onboarding and transition process. Initial salary placement will be up to $151,108 employee/employer paid retirement option or $127,652 employer-paid retirement option, based on qualifications and experience. 

Upon successful completion of the onboarding and transition period, anticipated to last approximately 6–8 weeks, the employee will automatically progress to the Construction Law Counsel position and be placed within the salary range for the position, consistent with established salary policies.

Duty Station: Carson City with occasional travel.

Position Status: FLSA-exempt, unclassified position entitled to standard state benefits; serves at the will of the Attorney General. Employment contingent upon successful background check.

Position Summary: 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.  

Position Characteristics: This is a specialist attorney position that requires considerable independent expertise and initiative balanced with the  need to recognize the authority and overall public duty and responsibility of the Attorney General. The person chosen for the position will have superior legal research and writing skills, a fully developed public speaking ability, and knowledge of State of Nevada and federal court procedures. Candidates must also have excellent communication, time management, and interpersonal skills.  This position will also be expected to willingly mentor and engage in a meaningful knowledge transfer with both clients and other deputy attorney generals in both formal and informal settings.  

Examples of Duties: 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.  

Requirements

Education and Experience: 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. Valid Nevada driver’s license at the time of appointment. The preferred candidate will have extensive experience in construction law, government practice, and litigation matters.

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.

Physical Demands: Ability to perform the essential functions of the position in a typical legal office environment, including use of standard office equipment and required travel. Ability to read printed materials and computer screens; communicate effectively in person, virtually, and by telephone; and speak in a clear and understandable manner. 

This announcement describes the primary duties and requirements of the position and is not intended to be all-inclusive. The selected applicant is expected to develop job-specific skills and perform additional job-related duties as assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities to enable performance of the essential functions of the position.

Application Process: Please attach the following documents to your application - cover letter, resume, contact information for at least three professional references, and a professional writing sample.

Application Review: The first review of applications will begin on February 15, 2026. Qualified individuals are encouraged to apply immediately. This recruitment will close without notice when a sufficient number of applications are received, or a hiring decision has been made. 

Send cover letter, resume, references, and a writing sample to Chief Rosalie Bordelove at rbordelove@ag.nv.gov .