Role Overview for Chief Legal Officer with an Aerospace & Defense Contractor – Washington, DC
JRG Partners is proud to represent a premier, multi-billion dollar Aerospace & Defense (A&D) contractor in their exclusive search for a Chief Legal Officer (CLO). Based in the strategic heart of the nation, Washington, DC, this is a career-defining opportunity to join the executive leadership team of a company at the forefront of national security and technological innovation. Our client is a leader in developing and manufacturing advanced systems and solutions for military, government, and commercial customers worldwide. Their portfolio includes cutting-edge aerospace platforms, defense electronics, cybersecurity solutions, and advanced materials.
The Chief Legal Officer will serve as the principal legal advisor to the CEO, the Board of Directors, and the senior management team. This executive will be a true business partner, providing strategic counsel on a wide range of legal, corporate governance, and business matters. The ideal candidate will be a seasoned legal professional with extensive experience in the A&D and government contracting sectors, possessing a deep understanding of the complex regulatory landscape that governs this industry. You will be responsible for setting the overall philosophy and strategy for all legal matters, ensuring the company operates with the highest level of integrity and compliance while aggressively pursuing its strategic growth objectives. This role requires a dynamic leader who can navigate the intricacies of federal contracting, international trade, intellectual property, and corporate law, all while managing a high-performing legal team. You will be instrumental in shaping the company’s future, mitigating risk, and enabling its continued success in a highly competitive and regulated global market. Your leadership will directly impact the company’s ability to innovate, secure major contracts, and maintain its stellar reputation as a trusted partner to the U.S. government and its allies.
Key Responsibilities of Chief Legal Officer with an Aerospace & Defense Contractor – Washington, DC
Executive Counsel & Strategy
Serve as a key member of the executive leadership team, providing expert legal guidance on all aspects of the business. Advise the CEO and Board of Directors on critical legal issues, strategic initiatives, corporate governance, and risk management.
Corporate Governance & SEC Compliance
Oversee all corporate governance matters, including Board and committee meetings, minutes, and compliance with NYSE/NASDAQ listing standards. Ensure timely and accurate filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including 10-Ks, 10-Qs, and 8-Ks.
Government Contracts & Regulatory Compliance
Provide leadership and oversight for all government contracting activities. Ensure strict compliance with the full spectrum of relevant regulations, including the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS), and International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR).
Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A)
Lead the legal aspects of all M&A activities, from due diligence and negotiation to integration. Structure and negotiate complex transactions, including acquisitions, divestitures, joint ventures, and strategic partnerships.
Litigation & Investigations Management
Manage and direct all litigation, government investigations, and claims involving the company. Select and oversee outside counsel, manage legal budgets, and develop strategies to achieve favorable outcomes while minimizing business disruption.
Intellectual Property (IP) Management
Develop and implement a comprehensive strategy to protect the company’s valuable intellectual property portfolio, including patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets. Oversee IP litigation and licensing agreements.
Commercial Contracts & Negotiations
Supervise the drafting, review, and negotiation of a wide variety of complex commercial agreements, including supply chain contracts, technology licensing agreements, and international sales contracts.
Ethics & Compliance Program
Champion a culture of integrity and ethical conduct. Oversee the company’s ethics and compliance program, including policy development, training, and internal investigations into potential violations of law or company policy.
Labor & Employment Law
Provide counsel on all labor and employment matters, including executive compensation, employee relations, benefits, and compliance with federal and state employment laws.
Team Leadership & Development
Lead, mentor, and develop a team of in-house legal professionals and support staff. Foster a collaborative, service-oriented, and high-performing legal department that is viewed as a trusted partner to the business.
Global Trade Compliance
Oversee the company’s compliance with all U.S. and international trade laws, including export controls (ITAR/EAR) and anti-bribery regulations (FCPA).
Requirements for the Chief Legal Officer with an Aerospace & Defense Contractor – Washington, DC
Education
Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an ABA-accredited law school with an excellent academic record.
Licensure
Must be an active member in good standing of at least one U.S. state bar, with the ability to become a registered in-house counsel in Washington, DC.
Experience
A minimum of 15-20 years of progressive legal experience, with a significant portion spent in-house at a major aerospace, defense, or government services contractor. Prior experience at a top-tier law firm with a relevant practice is highly desirable.
Government Contracts Expertise
Deep, substantive expertise in U.S. government contracting, including extensive knowledge of FAR, DFARS, ITAR, and other relevant regulatory frameworks. Experience with bid protests, government investigations, and cost accounting standards (CAS) is essential.
Corporate & Securities Experience
Proven experience advising public companies on corporate governance, SEC reporting, and M&A transactions.
Leadership & Management
Demonstrated experience leading and managing a legal department. A track record of attracting, developing, and retaining top legal talent.
Business Acumen
Strong business and financial acumen with the ability to think strategically and provide practical, business-oriented legal advice. Must be able to translate complex legal issues into clear, actionable guidance for business leaders.
Communication Skills
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively communicate with a wide range of stakeholders, including the Board of Directors, senior executives, government officials, and employees at all levels.
Integrity & Judgment
Impeccable integrity, ethics, and professional judgment. Must be able to handle highly sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
Security Clearance
Must be a U.S. citizen and have the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance at the Secret level or higher. An active clearance is strongly preferred.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to attracting and retaining top-tier executive talent and offers a highly competitive compensation and benefits package, including:
- Highly competitive base salary commensurate with executive-level experience.
- Substantial annual performance-based bonus and long-term incentive plan (equity).
- Comprehensive health, dental, vision, and life insurance plans.
- Generous 401(k) retirement plan with a significant company match.
- Executive-level paid time off (PTO) and holiday schedule.
- Relocation assistance package for qualified candidates.
- Professional development allowance and support for continuing legal education (CLE).
- Access to executive wellness programs and other corporate perks.
How to Apply
This is an exclusive, retained search conducted by JRG Partners. To be considered for this confidential opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your qualifications. All inquiries and applications will be handled with the utmost discretion. If you are a transformative legal leader with a passion for the aerospace and defense industry, we encourage you to apply. For more information on our expertise in this area, please visit the JRG Partners’ Legal & Compliance Executive Search practice page. We look forward to connecting with you.
