Legal Counsel Government Contracts & Compliance

Ed Wallach Search Group; McLean (VA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

The Ed Wallach Search Group is seeking an experienced Legal Counsel to support a technology organization in the defense and security sector from its McLean, VA location. You will advise on government and commercial contracts, regulatory compliance, and export controls, balancing business objectives with legal risk.

You will work cross-functionally with leadership, sales, operations, product development, and compliance to structure agreements, mitigate risk, and ensure adherence to FAR/DFARS and

Qualifications

• JD from an accredited law school.
• Active license to practice law in at least one U.S. jurisdiction.
• Experience in U.S. government contracting, preferably within defense/aerospace.
• Strong knowledge of FAR, DFARS, ITAR, and EAR requirements.
• Experience drafting and negotiating complex government and commercial agreements.
• Background in regulatory compliance, export controls, contract risk management, and policy development.
• Experience advising cross-functional teams and business leaders on legal and commercial matters.
• Strong analytical, negotiation, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to translate complex legal requirements into clear, practical business recommendations.

Responsibilities

• Draft, review, and negotiate government and commercial contracts, including teaming agreements, subcontracts, statements of work, NDAs, licensing agreements, distribution and reseller agreements, and contract amendments.
• Review and advise on RFPs, RFIs, and other procurement-related documentation.
• Provide guidance on federal contracting requirements, including FAR and DFARS clauses.
• Support contract negotiations and structure agreements that balance business objectives with legal requirements.
• Advise on ITAR, EAR, and export control matters.
• Develop, implement, and maintain corporate compliance programs and policies.
• Monitor regulatory developments and their impact on business operations.
• Collaborate with leadership, sales, operations, product development, and compliance teams.

Skills

Negotiation

Regulatory compliance

Cross-functional collaboration

Legal advisory

Education

Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school

Active license to practice law in at least one U.S. jurisdiction

Job description

Location: McLean, VA

Security Clearance: US Citizen/Clearable

We are seeking an experienced Legal Counsel specializing in government contracts, regulatory compliance, and international trade to support a growing technology organization operating in the defense and security sector.

This is an opportunity to serve as a trusted legal advisor to business leaders, providing strategic guidance on complex government and commercial agreements, regulatory requirements, risk management, and business operations.

The ideal candidate combines strong legal expertise with sound business judgment and a practical, solutions-oriented approach to navigating complex regulatory environments.

You will work cross-functionally with leadership, sales, operations, product development, and compliance teams to structure agreements, mitigate risk, and support business growth while maintaining the highest standards of legal and regulatory compliance.

Key Responsibilities

Government Contracts & Commercial Agreements

• Draft, review, and negotiate government and commercial contracts, including teaming agreements, subcontracts, statements of work, NDAs, licensing agreements, distribution and reseller agreements, and contract amendments.
• Review and advise on requests for proposals (RFPs), requests for information (RFIs), and other procurement-related documentation.
• Provide guidance on federal contracting requirements, including applicable Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) clauses.
• Support contract negotiations and help structure agreements that balance business objectives with legal and regulatory requirements.

Regulatory Compliance & Export Controls

• Advise on compliance with the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Export Administration Regulations (EAR), FAR, DFARS, and other applicable laws and regulations.
• Assess regulatory obligations and provide practical guidance to internal stakeholders on government contracting and export control matters.
• Develop, implement, and maintain corporate policies, procedures, and compliance programs.
• Monitor regulatory developments and evaluate their potential impact on business operations.

Risk Management & Strategic Counsel

• Identify, evaluate, and mitigate legal, contractual, and regulatory risks associated with government programs and commercial activities.
• Provide actionable legal advice that supports business objectives while protecting the organization’s interests.
• Conduct risk-benefit assessments and recommend practical solutions to complex legal and commercial challenges.
• Advise leadership and cross-functional teams on legal considerations related to sales, business development, product development, and customer engagements.

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Compliance Programs

• Partner with legal, sales, operations, product development, and compliance teams to support business initiatives and ensure adherence to contractual and regulatory obligations.
• Collaborate with external counsel, business partners, and relevant government agencies as needed.
• Develop and deliver training on government contracting, export controls, and compliance procedures.
• Maintain accurate contract records, compliance documentation, and required regulatory reports.
• Support the development and administration of legal and compliance programs within a sales-driven organization.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
• Active license to practice law in at least one U.S. jurisdiction, with the ability to provide legal services in Virginia as required.
• Demonstrated experience with U.S. government contracting, preferably within the defense, aerospace, technology, or federal services sectors.
• Strong working knowledge of FAR, DFARS, ITAR, and EAR requirements.
• Experience drafting, reviewing, and negotiating complex government and commercial agreements.
• Background in regulatory compliance, export controls, contract risk management, and policy development.
• Experience advising cross-functional teams and business leaders on legal and commercial matters.
• Strong analytical, negotiation, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to translate complex legal requirements into clear, practical business recommendations.
• A pragmatic, business-oriented mindset with the ability to balance risk mitigation and commercial objectives.

Ideal Candidate Profile

The successful candidate is more than a technical legal expert. You are a strategic business partner who understands how legal decisions influence commercial outcomes, customer relationships, and organizational growth.

You bring sound judgment, attention to detail, and the confidence to navigate complex regulatory environments. You are comfortable working independently, collaborating across departments, and providing clear recommendations in a fast-paced, evolving business environment.

You take a proactive approach to identifying potential risks, developing effective compliance strategies, and enabling the business to pursue opportunities responsibly.