Senior Project Legal Counsel

About Vantage Group

Vantage Group is a global leader in airport and transportation investment, development, management, and advisor services.  Since 1994, Vantage's corporate and network-wide team has managed an award-winning portfolio, building strong partnerships that integrate global expertise and local know-how to solve complex transportation challenges at every network location.  Over three decades, Vantage has built a track record of creating customized solutions to transform airports and transportation centers that benefit the passengers, stakeholders, and communities they serve.  Vantage is a wholly owned strategic platform of Investcorp Corsair Infrastructure Partners for capital deployment in the airport and transportation sectors.  Visit vantagegroup.com to learn more.  

The role

The JMP Project is seeking a highly experienced and strategic Senior Project Legal Counsel to support complex design, construction, infrastructure, and operational matters associated with a major public infrastructure program at JFK Airport. Reporting to the VP, Governance, Risk Management & Operations, this role will partner closely with senior leadership, including the Vice President, Design and Construction, to provide legal guidance across project delivery, commercial contracts, dispute resolution, insurance claims, and regulatory compliance.

This position is ideal for a proactive legal professional who thrives in fast-paced, high-pressure environments and brings deep expertise in construction law, litigation support, and commercial operations within regulated industries.

What You’ll be responsible for:

As a Senior Project Legal Counsel, you will:

Strategic Legal Counsel

• Provide legal advice related to the development, construction, operation, and maintenance of project facilities and infrastructure.
• Draft, review, negotiate, and finalize a broad range of legal agreements, including vendor contracts, consulting agreements, procurement agreements, design agreements, leases, and lease amendments.
• Prepare and respond to legal correspondence and notices related to lease obligations, construction contracts, and project disputes.
• Collaborate closely with the Design & Construction team and broader project stakeholders to support contract execution and compliance with lease and regulatory requirements.
• Advise on applicable state and federal regulatory requirements impacting project operations and construction activities.
• Support the resolution of design and construction disputes through negotiation, mediation, and strategic legal guidance.
• Develop and implement compliance processes and tracking programs to monitor contractual and regulatory obligations.

Litigation & Claims Support

• Assist in the development and execution of litigation strategies in collaboration with internal stakeholders and external counsel.
• Support all phases of litigation and dispute resolution, including pre-litigation matters, customer complaints, arbitration, and lawsuits.
• Evaluate and mitigate legal and commercial risks associated with ongoing and potential claims.
• Draft and review pleadings, motions, settlement agreements, and other litigation-related documentation.
• Coordinate with insurers, contractors, and third parties to manage and resolve general liability and builders’ risk claims.

What You Bring:

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school; MBA or other advanced degree considered an asset
• Admission to the New York State Bar required
• Minimum 7 years of experience in construction law, mediation, arbitration, litigation, and insurance claims within large-scale infrastructure or commercial construction projects
• Experience supporting public infrastructure, transportation, aviation, or other regulated industries strongly preferred
• Demonstrated expertise managing complex contractual, commercial, and dispute-related matters in high-value construction environments
• Strong knowledge of construction law, commercial contracts, litigation, and legal risk management principles
• Exceptional negotiation, communication, and stakeholder management capabilities
• Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving, and sound decision-making skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and perform effectively in fast-paced, high-pressure environments
• Proven ability to work independently while collaborating across cross-functional and matrixed teams
• High attention to detail with a commitment to operational excellence and quality execution
• Strong organizational, time management, and project coordination skills
• Business acumen with the ability to balance legal risk with operational and commercial objectives
• Ability to navigate ambiguity and provide practical, solutions-oriented recommendations
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly PowerPoint, with the ability to create clear, compelling, and executive-level presentations

This is a unique opportunity to be part of one of the most ambitious airport transformations in the world. You will play a key role in supporting complex infrastructure and construction initiatives at JFK Airport while working alongside industry leaders in aviation, design, construction, and project delivery.

The salary range for this position is $185,000 - $200,000 annually.

This is an on-site role located in US, with a preference given to the candidates in or near the JFK Airport/ New York City area.

To apply

Please visit our careers page at https://www.vantagegroup.com/careers/ and follow prompts for “United States Career Opening” to apply with your cover letter and résumé.

All qualified candidates who are legally entitled to work in US will be considered.

At Vantage Group, we seek and welcome unique backgrounds, perspectives, experiences and skills. As a global organization, we are always looking for differentiated points of view. We know that a diverse, inclusive and empowered workforce is essential to our shared success, and we invite you to join us for the journey.