General Counsel - #255519

COME JOIN OUR TEAM! 

Without the strength of our team, we would not be able to offer the industry-leading service we’re known for. Karman Space & Defense is seeking a highly experienced and strategic General Counsel to lead our legal department and provide expert legal advice to senior management and the Board of Directors. The General Counsel will be responsible for overseeing all legal aspects of the company, ensuring legal compliance, minimizing risk, and facilitating business strategy. This individual will play a critical role in the company's continued growth and success.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Legal Counsel & Strategy:
• Provide expert and strategic legal advice to the CEO, senior management, and Board of Directors on a wide range of legal matters, including corporate governance, commercial contracts, intellectual property, employment law, regulatory compliance, litigation, and M&A activities.
• Develop and lead the company's legal strategy to promote and protect the company's interests.
• Anticipate and identify legal issues and risks, and develop proactive solutions and strategies to mitigate them.
• Advise on the legal implications of business decisions and strategies.
• Corporate Governance & Compliance:
• Ensure the company complies with all applicable local, state, federal, and international laws and regulations.
• Develop, implement, and maintain corporate policies and procedures to ensure legal compliance and good governance.
• Oversee the maintenance of corporate records and statutory filings.
• Advise on matters related to the Board of Directors, including meeting preparation, minutes, and corporate formalities.
• Commercial & Contracts:
• Draft, review, negotiate, and manage a wide variety of complex commercial agreements, including customer contracts, vendor agreements, partnership agreements, licensing agreements, and other legal documents.
• Develop and standardize contract templates and processes.
• Litigation & Dispute Resolution:
• Oversee and manage all litigation, claims, and disputes involving the company.
• Select, retain, and manage outside counsel effectively, including budget management.
• Develop and implement litigation strategies to achieve favorable outcomes while managing costs.
  
  

• Intellectual Property:
• Advise on intellectual property matters, including trademarks, patents, copyrights, and trade secrets.
• Develop and implement strategies to protect the company's intellectual property assets.
• Employment Law:
• Provide legal counsel on a broad range of employment law issues, including hiring, termination, discrimination, harassment, wage and hour, and employee benefits.
• Develop and review employment policies and agreements.
• Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A):
• Provide legal support for M&A activities, including due diligence, negotiation, and integration.
• External Relations:
• Represent the company in legal proceedings and interactions with regulatory bodies, government agencies, and other external parties.
• Manage relationships with outside counsel and other legal service providers.
• Stay Current:
• Keep abreast of relevant changes in laws and regulations that could impact the company.
  

Required Skills And Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.
• Admission to the Bar or eligibility for in-house counsel registration.
• Minimum of 15 years of relevant legal experience, with a combination of law firm and in-house counsel experience preferred.
• Proven experience as a General Counsel or in a senior legal leadership role.
• Strong knowledge across a broad range of legal areas, including corporate law, commercial contracts, regulatory compliance, employment law, and litigation management.
• Excellent negotiation, drafting, and communication (both written and verbal) skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with a practical, business-oriented approach.
• Demonstrated ability to provide sound legal advice that balances legal risks with business objectives.
• High ethical standards, integrity, and professionalism.
• Strong leadership and management skills with the ability to mentor and develop legal staff.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and manage multiple priorities.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to build strong relationships with internal stakeholders and external partners.
• Business acumen and an understanding of financial principles.
• Experience in [mention specific industry if applicable, e.g., technology, healthcare, manufacturing] is a plus.
  
  

Education & Experience

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an ABA-accredited law school.
• Active license to practice law or ability to become licensed/registered as in-house counsel promptly.
• A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience practicing law.
• Experience advising senior executives and boards of directors on complex legal and regulatory matters.
• A proven track record of successfully managing complex legal issues and transactions.
  
  

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Ability to read and interpret complex legal documents.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• May be required to lift up to 15 pounds at times.
• Ability to travel occasionally as needed.
  
  

Work Environment

• Typical office environment.
• This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, and filing cabinets.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
• May require occasional work outside of standard business hours to meet deadlines or address urgent legal matters.
  
  

Karman is committed to equal employment opportunity. We will not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on any legally recognized basis (“protected class”) including, but not limited to race; color; religion; genetic information; national origin; sex; pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; age; disability; citizenship status; uniform servicemember status; or any other protected class under federal, state, or local law. 

Our management is dedicated to ensuring the fulfillment of this policy with respect to hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, recruitment advertising, pay, and other forms of compensation, training, and general treatment during employment.