Prospective employer wants me to sign/stamp...

[t-bone]

Hello,

I'm recently laid-off, and have been interviewing for a few Project Architect positions. One prospective employer recently told me during an interview that I may be required to stamp and sign documents in the absence of the firm's principal.

I've only had my CA architect's license for a couple of years now, and I haven't had to use it yet. I'm aware that law requires me to only sign/seal drawings over which I exercise "responsible control", and the interviewer told me that I would only stamp and sign for my own projects, not others.

I'm wondering what sort of risks are involved by my signing that I haven't considered yet. The employer assures me they have E&O insurance, but I'm not sure what other risks I'd be taking. I'd appreciate any feedback on the issue...

Thanks!

[sutcac]

One thing to keep in mind is that your best insurance is thorough, competent work. E&O is good backup for sure, but any claim, valid or not, is always going to be a huge distraction at best and greatly damage or end your career at worst.

Keep thorough, detailed records of communicaitons between yourself, your client, all consultants, and regulatory agencies. You want a very clear paper trail of what happened when on each project. Follow up any verbal communication in writing and/or e-mail.

Don't get in over your head with a scope of work you don't have direct experience in. Take baby steps when taking on projects larger than what you have already done.

Seek out third party code compliance consultants. They can be very valuable in this highly litigious profession.

And also keep in mind that E&O insurance isn't mainly to have some pool of money to draw from for claims. The number one reason to have it is to have the very best lawyers in the business on yours side when it comes to any claims.

[t-bone]

Thanks sutcac, excellent advice.