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Contract Counsel Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Contracts Counsel

Medford, OR · On-site +1

$73.98 - $101.73/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

This role requires deep expertise in health and contract law, including fraud, waste, and abuse ... The Contracts Counsel provides strategic guidance on enterprise-wide contracting practices ...

Contracts Counsel

Woburn, MA · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

  • Medical

  • PTO

In addition, the Contracts Counsel will assist in enforcing the intellectual property of Monotype ... Knowledge of US and international contract/licensing law and IP law with a primary focus on ...

Contracts Counsel

Woburn, MA · Hybrid

$80K - $100K/yr

  • Medical

  • PTO

In addition, the Contracts Counsel will assist in enforcing the intellectual property of Monotype ... Knowledge of US and international contract/licensing law and IP law with a primary focus on ...

Government Contracts Counsel

Alexandria, VA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Advise on government contract vehicles and acquisition structures, including IDIQ contracts, GSA ... Counsel provides legal interpretation, legal risk analysis, and advice on matters requiring legal ...

Government Contracts Counsel

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$180 - $240/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Advise on government contract vehicles and acquisition structures, including IDIQ contracts, GSA ... Counsel provides legal interpretation, legal risk analysis, and advice on matters requiring legal ...

Contracts Counsel

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$100 - $150/hr

Manage the end-to-end contract lifecycle, including tracking, execution, renewals, and amendments using contract management tools * Coordinate with outside counsel on specialized matters, IP ...

Contracts Counsel

New York, NY · On-site

$145K - $210K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Manage the end-to-end contract lifecycle, including tracking, execution, renewals, and amendments using contract management tools * Coordinate with outside counsel on specialized matters, IP ...

Counsel, Contracts

Chicago, IL

$155K - $180K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Maintain, update and manage the company's contract template library. * Collaborate with Legal ... counsel or contract manager. * Experience drafting, negotiating, and advising on a variety of ...

Contracts Counsel

Mclean, VA · On-site

$145K - $210K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Manage the end-to-end contract lifecycle, including tracking, execution, renewals, and amendments using contract management tools * Coordinate with outside counsel on specialized matters, IP ...

Counsel, Contracts

Chicago, IL · On-site

$155K - $180K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Maintain, update and manage the company's contract template library. * Collaborate with Legal ... counsel or contract manager. * Experience drafting, negotiating, and advising on a variety of ...

Counsel, Contracts

Chicago, IL

$155K - $180K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Maintain, update and manage the company's contract template library. * Collaborate with Legal ... counsel or contract manager. * Experience drafting, negotiating, and advising on a variety of ...

Contracts Counsel

Mclean, VA · On-site

$145K - $210K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Manage the end-to-end contract lifecycle, including tracking, execution, renewals, and amendments using contract management tools * Coordinate with outside counsel on specialized matters, IP ...

In-House Counsel, Contracts

Walnut Creek, CA · Hybrid

$120K - $150K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Responsibilities Contract Counsel * Review, edit, and negotiate a range of contracts, including professional services agreements, subconsultant agreements, teaming agreements, NDAs, and vendor ...

In-House Counsel, Contracts

Roseville, CA · Hybrid

$110K - $135K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Responsibilities Contract Counsel * Review, edit, and negotiate a range of contracts, including professional services agreements, subconsultant agreements, teaming agreements, NDAs, and vendor ...

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Contract Counsel information

See salary details

$79.5K

$157.4K

$212.5K

How much do contract counsel jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract counsel in the United States is $157,356.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $130,000.00 and $183,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a contract counsel?

To thrive as a Contract Counsel, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, a valid law license, and expertise in contract law, negotiation, and risk assessment. Familiarity with contract management software, legal research tools like Westlaw or LexisNexis, and compliance systems is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication are vital soft skills for drafting, reviewing, and explaining complex agreements. These skills ensure legal compliance, protect organizational interests, and facilitate smooth business operations.

How does a contract counsel typically collaborate with other departments within an organization?

As a Contract Counsel, you’ll regularly work with teams such as procurement, sales, finance, and compliance to ensure that contractual agreements meet both legal and business requirements. You may be called upon to review, draft, and negotiate contracts alongside business stakeholders, translating complex legal concepts into practical terms for non-legal colleagues. Effective communication and relationship-building skills are crucial, as you’ll often act as a bridge between legal and operational teams to mitigate risk and facilitate smooth deal execution.

What is a contract counsel?

Contract counsel are attorneys who are hired on a temporary or project-specific basis to provide legal services, often related to drafting, reviewing, and negotiating contracts. Unlike full-time, permanent staff attorneys, contract counsel typically work for a set duration or for the length of a particular assignment, either independently or through staffing agencies. They can help organizations manage workload surges, fill in during leaves of absence, or provide specialized expertise without the commitment of a permanent hire.

What is the difference between Contract Counsel vs Corporate Counsel?

AspectContract CounselCorporate Counsel
Required CredentialsJD, State Bar AdmissionJD, State Bar Admission
Work EnvironmentLaw firms, in-house legal teams, contract negotiationsIn-house legal departments, corporate offices
Employer & Industry UsageLaw firms, corporations, government agenciesCorporations, large businesses, multinational companies
Common Search & ComparisonContract Counsel vs Corporate Counsel

Contract Counsel typically focus on drafting, reviewing, and negotiating contracts, often working on a temporary or project basis. Corporate Counsel, on the other hand, handle a broader range of legal matters within a corporation, including compliance, corporate governance, and risk management. Both roles require a JD and bar admission, but their work environments and responsibilities differ significantly.

More about Contract Counsel jobs

What cities are hiring for Contract Counsel jobs?

Cities with the most Contract Counsel job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Counsel jobs?

The most popular types of Counsel jobs are:

What states have the most Contract Counsel jobs?

States with the most job openings for Contract Counsel jobs include:

Infographic showing various Contract Counsel job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 89% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 7% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $157,356 per year, or $75.7 per hour.

Government Contracts Counsel (68 Years) Washington, DC

Direct Counsel

Washington, DC

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago


Job description

Government Contracts Counsel (6–8 Years) – Washington, DC

Direct Counsel is representing a leading AmLaw firm seeking a Government Contracts Counsel to join its Defense, National Security, and Government Contracts practice in Washington, DC. This role offers the opportunity to work on complex matters at the intersection of government contracting, investigations, and regulatory compliance.

Key Responsibilities
  • Advise clients on government contracts law and federal procurement regulations

  • Handle bid protests, contract disputes, and matters under the Contract Disputes Act

  • Counsel companies on compliance with the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR)

  • Support internal investigations, white collar matters, and False Claims Act issues

  • Provide strategic guidance to government contractors on regulatory and litigation risks

Qualifications
  • J.D. from an accredited law school with strong academic credentials

  • 6–8 years of government contracts experience, including bid protests and federal procurement matters

  • Experience advising on FAR compliance, contract disputes, and internal investigations

  • Excellent research, analytical, writing, and communication skills

  • Active bar membership in good standing and eligible for admission to the DC Bar

Compensation & Benefits

The firm offers highly competitive compensation consistent with top AmLaw firms, including base salary, performance bonus, and comprehensive benefits such as medical, dental, and vision insurance, life and disability coverage, retirement plans including 401(k), paid time off, and additional professional development benefits.

This is an excellent opportunity to join a highly regarded national practice advising government contractors and companies navigating complex regulatory and procurement matters.