Chief General Counsel for Tech & Defense

King & Bishop; San Antonio, Washington (TX, District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Job summary

King & Bishop seeks an experienced General Counsel / Chief Legal Officer to serve as the senior legal advisor to a growing technology and defense-focused organization. The role leads the legal function, oversees IP strategy, and partners with the Board, while acting as Corporate Secretary and coordinating governance.

The candidate will bring a JD, Delaware Bar, 10+ years in in-house tech/defense settings, and must be capable of handling FAR/DFARS, ITAR/EAR, and TS/SCI clearance processes.

Qualifications

• JD and active Delaware Bar in good standing.
• 10+ years of legal experience, including significant in-house work in tech/defense/aerospace.
• Substantial experience developing IP strategy and portfolios in hardware or deep-tech.
• Direct experience with U.S. government contracting, including FAR/DFARS.
• Strong knowledge of U.S. export controls (ITAR/EAR).
• Experience supporting a Board of Directors or Corporate Secretary, in-house or with outside counsel.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. TS/SCI security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Advise executive leadership on strategic, operational, regulatory, and corporate matters.
• Build and lead the internal legal function with scalable processes and governance.
• Develop and manage IP strategy and portfolio protection for hardware/advanced tech.
• Ensure compliance with U.S. government contracting requirements (FAR/DFARS).
• Oversee export control compliance (ITAR/EAR).
• Serve as Corporate Secretary, managing board governance and records.
• Prepare board notices, agendas, and minutes; maintain minute book and records.
• Prepare corporate consents, resolutions, and governance docs.
• Partner with leadership on legal risk management, compliance, and business strategy.
• Manage relationships with outside counsel while owning core governance tasks.

Skills

IP strategy

FAR/DFARS experience

Export controls (ITAR/EAR)

Board governance liaison

Security clearance TS/SCI

In-house leadership

Contract negotiation

Education

Juris Doctor (JD) and Delaware Bar

Job description

King & Bishop seeks an experienced General Counsel / Chief Legal Officer to serve as the senior legal advisor to a growing technology and defense-focused organization. The role leads the legal function, oversees IP strategy, and partners with the Board, while acting as Corporate Secretary and coordinating governance.

The candidate will bring a JD, Delaware Bar, 10+ years in in-house tech/defense settings, and must be capable of handling FAR/DFARS, ITAR/EAR, and TS/SCI clearance processes.