General Counsel (Bethesda)

Job Description

This position will have primary legal responsibility as an attorney for the EMC2 and UMS market segments within MIC2, part of Rotary and Mission Systems. The successful candidate will have experience working with various domestic and international government agencies, the Department of Defense, and the U.S. Department of Justice. Extensive knowledge of the federal acquisition process, litigation experience, international contracting, and intellectual property issues is required. The role demands a motivated self‑starter who can energize and collaborate with the team as well as work independently on legal projects. The candidate must be able to work in a fast‑paced environment and manage a high volume of work. Outstanding written and verbal communication skills are essential.

The role will provide a wide range of legal support, including advising key business leaders, program managers, contracting, subcontracting (sourcing), engineering and other program personnel on all aspects necessary to successfully win new business and execute/perform existing domestic/international programs. Responsibilities include drafting and negotiating prime and subcontract terms and conditions, teaming agreements, non‑disclosure agreements, and a variety of other contractual instruments in support of program efforts. The attorney will protect data rights and draft provisions in teaming and other business agreements. The position may also require conducting investigations and interviews to support litigation or internal investigations and applying AI legal tools and AI‑associated legal issues in defense applications. A TS clearance and a valid license to practice law in at least one U.S. state is required. Some international travel may be required.

Basic Qualifications

• JD degree from an accredited law school.
• Admitted in good standing to a state bar as a practicing attorney.
• Minimum 7 years of experience as an attorney in a law firm, in‑house counsel or government agency.
• Experience counseling and providing advice to clients.
• Strong working knowledge of international and commercial contracting regimes. Knowledge of U.S. government contracting is a plus.
• Demonstrated ability to operate independently and lead legal initiatives without close supervision.
• Track record of taking primary ownership of complex, high‑impact legal projects.
• Skilled at energizing and partnering with cross‑functional teams (e.g., program management, finance, engineering).
• Ability to translate sophisticated legal concepts into clear, persuasive written and verbal communications skills.
• Thrives under tight deadlines and high volume workloads.
• Self‑starter mentality with strong organizational and time‑management skills.
• Exceptional written drafting ability (contracts, opinions, memoranda).
• Excellent oral presentation and negotiation skills; capable of influencing senior leadership and external stakeholders.

Desired Skills

• Ability to navigate a broad spectrum of legal issues—contract formation, compliance, liability allocation, and termination—efficiently and translate complex fact patterns into clear, actionable legal guidance.
• Proven proficiency with AI‑enabled contract analysis platforms, predictive analytics tools, and automated risk assessment dashboards.
• Skilled in leveraging these technologies to accelerate risk identification, enhance the accuracy of legal opinions, and improve the overall speed and quality of decision making.
• Track record of managing large, concurrent caseloads while maintaining meticulous attention to detail and meeting strict deadlines.
• Demonstrated organizational discipline and the capacity to prioritize competing demands without sacrificing analytical rigor.
• Strong interpersonal skills that foster trusted relationships with business units, functional teams, and senior leadership.
• Ability to act as a legal partner, providing counsel that aligns with business objectives while safeguarding legal risk.
• Familiarity with contemporary regulatory frameworks such as export controls, cybersecurity standards, data privacy statutes, and intellectual property considerations in international contracts.
• Capability to design and deliver concise, targeted legal training to non‑legal audiences, enhancing organizational compliance and risk awareness.
• Superior written and oral communication skills, enabling the clear articulation of sophisticated legal concepts to company stakeholders.
• Flexibility to travel internationally in support of contract negotiations as needed.

Security Clearance

This position requires a government security clearance and a U.S. citizenship.

Remote Work

Part‑time remote telework is available; the employee will work part of their schedule remotely and part at a designated Lockheed Martin facility.

Work Schedule

Lockheed Martin supports a variety of alternate work schedules, ranging from a standard 40‑hour week to condensed schedules that provide additional time away from the office.

Benefits

Benefits offered include Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Short‑Term Disability, Long‑Term Disability, 401(k) match, Flexible Spending Accounts, EAP, Education Assistance, Parental Leave, Paid Time Off, and Holidays. The position is incentive plan eligible.

Pay Rate

Annual base salary ranges vary by state and city. For California, Massachusetts and New York (excluding major metro areas) the range is $184,100–$324,530; for major metropolitan areas the range is $211,700–$366,850. Salary is determined based on location, scope, responsibilities, experience, education, and market considerations.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Lockheed Martin is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified candidates will be considered without regard to legally protected characteristics.