Senior Counsel, Government Contracts

Korn Ferry; Louisville (CO); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

PTO

401(k)

Job summary

Korn Ferry is seeking an Interim Senior Counsel, Government Contracts to support a confidential advanced technology company with DoD and federal programs. This attorney will provide immediate, hands‑on support to a lean legal team and work directly with business development, program management, engineering, finance, and operations.

The successful candidate will draft and negotiate government contracts, advise on FAR/DFARS, and help develop templates and playbooks to scale federal work.

Qualifications

• Significant federal government contracts experience, including DoD programs.
• Deep FAR and DFARS knowledge; able to counsel Biz/Program teams independently.
• Experience negotiating OTAs and federal R&D agreements.

Responsibilities

• Draft, review, and negotiate federal government contracts (DoD and other agencies).
• Advise on FAR, DFARS, agency supplements, solicitations, proposals, and contract terms.
• Structure and negotiate OTAs, federal R&D agreements, grants, and subcontracts.
• Counsel on government IP and data rights.
• Analyze flow-down provisions in prime/subcontracts.
• Advise on cybersecurity, sourcing, audits, and cost/pricing requirements.
• Support ITAR, EAR, and export-control matters for government programs.
• Develop contracting templates, playbooks, and processes for federal growth.

Skills

Federal government contracts

FAR/DFARS knowledge

OTAs and R&D agreements

Government IP/tech-data rights

Subcontracts and flow-downs

Negotiation in lean environments

Strong communication and judgment

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Job description

Interim Senior Counsel, Government Contracts

Location: Louisville, Colorado | Hybrid, 1 day onsite per week
Initial term: Three months, with potential to extend or convert to a permanent role

Korn Ferry is recruiting an Interim Senior Counsel, Government Contracts for a confidential advanced technology company with a growing portfolio of Department of Defense and other federal programs. This attorney will provide immediate, hands‑on support to a lean legal team and work directly with business development, program management, engineering, finance, and operations.

Key responsibilities

• Draft, review, and negotiate federal government contracts supporting DoD and other agency programs.
• Advise on FAR, DFARS, agency supplements, solicitations, proposals, statements of work, modifications, and contract terms.
• Structure and negotiate Other Transaction Agreements, federal R&D agreements, grants, cooperative agreements, subcontracts, subawards, and teaming agreements.
• Counsel on government intellectual property and technical‑data rights.
• Analyze prime-contract and subcontract flow‑down provisions.
• Advise on federal contracting requirements involving cybersecurity, sourcing, audits, and cost and pricing.
• Support ITAR, EAR, and export‑control matters where they intersect with government programs.
• Develop practical contracting templates, playbooks, and processes as the federal business grows.

Required qualifications

• Significant federal government contracts experience, including meaningful direct work on DoD programs.
• Deep FAR and DFARS knowledge and the ability to counsel business and program teams independently.
• Substantive experience negotiating and advising on Other Transaction Agreements and federal R&D agreements.
• Strong knowledge of government IP and technical-data rights.
• Experience with subcontracts and federal flow‑down requirements.
• Ability to independently negotiate complex agreements and provide practical advice in a lean, fast‑moving environment.
• Strong academic and professional credentials, communication skills, and legal judgment.

Preferred background

Government contracts training in a BigLaw practice, in‑house experience with a major defense or federal contractor, or experience supporting highly technical products and R&D programs is particularly relevant. Export controls, federal cybersecurity, patent, and broader IP experience are also valuable.

This is a contract engagement through Korn Ferry, with an initial three-month term and potential to extend or convert if there is mutual interest and a business need. The consultant should be available during normal Mountain Time business hours and onsite in Louisville approximately three days per week. W2 consultants have access to Korn Ferry medical benefits, PTO, and a 401(k). Engagement through a consultant's own LLC is also permitted.