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Posted April 28, 2024

Senior Counsel

BAE Systems
Arlington, VA Full Time
Reference: BAESystems101382BR

Job Description What is it like growing your career in a company that is passionate about problem-solving? Energizing. Here at BAE Systems, we are looking for an experienced lawyer to join a dynamic legal team in a fast-paced environment supporting a global aerospace, defense and technology company.

BAE Systems, Inc. Intelligence & Security (I&S) Sector is seeking an experienced lawyer to provide legal support to our intelligence business areas. Within the I&S Sector, we are the leading systems integrator providing solutions and advanced technologies that enable the transformation of data into actionable intelligence. We provide large-scale systems engineering, integration, and sustainment services for critical military platforms and systems for a diverse customer base ranging from the Department of Defense, to the intelligence community, federal and civilian agencies, and troops deployed around the world.

As Senior Counsel, you will ensure the business is in compliance with, and operates ethically within, all relevant corporate and governmental directives, policies, regulations, and laws in its transactions while protecting the company against potential claims and litigation. You will be required to utilize your business insight, as much as your legal knowledge, in collaborating with business leadership and functional organizations to meet customer requirements. You will provide sound, pragmatic legal advice and innovative/creative solutions on a wide range of business, contractual and supply chain matters that facilitates the achievement of business objectives.

As a key member of the I&S Sector Legal team, you will report directly to the Vice President and Chief Counsel, Intelligence & Security. As the Senior Counsel, you will:
  • Ensure that the business is in full compliance with all corporate and governmental directives, ethics, policies, regulations, and laws;
  • Formulate and recommend operating policies and objectives or changes in existing policies and procedures to ensure compliance with corporate, ethics, governmental regulations, and laws;
  • Provide legal advice to business and management personnel;
  • Function as liaison between management and outside legal counsel;
  • Manage litigation support department objectives within established budget;
  • Participate in professional associations;
  • Develop and present training materials and courses for the employee workforce on a variety of legal and other functional topics;
  • Develop and demonstrate an expertise in laws and regulations that affect our business;
  • Maintain a safe work environment and ensure compliance with safety objectives and policies;
  • Share responsibility of self-development with immediate supervisor
  • Minimum of ten (10) years relevant experience with a major law firm, aerospace and defense company or the federal government - Areas of Focus: Government Contracting;
  • In-depth knowledge of the FAR/DFARs and other relevant government contracting rules and regulations;
  • Draft, negotiate, and review a broad range of agreements including U.S. Government contracts, software licensing, international licensing, and other commercial software license and support agreements;
  • Review and advise on intellectual property rights, data rights under U.S. Government contracts, software license rights, and intellectual property matters affecting product development, contract negotiation, and other business issues;
  • Conduct legal research and deliver advice and counsel based on that research;
  • Proactively research and report on changes in relevant laws, regulations and industry standards, as well as track emerging trends;
  • Guide successful resolution of legal problems, examine various documents and data and provide counsel to the business on the best course of action;
  • Participate in reviewing, interpreting, and drafting various company policies and procedures including responsibility for developing new or enhancing existing contract templates, guidelines, policies, and training materials in support of the legal department's efforts to empower other functions to better assist the business areas they support;
  • Analyze, prepare, and review various matters to ensure protection of the interests of BAE Systems. Senior Counsel may consult with or refer matters to outside counsel, as required, and with a recommendation from the Deputy Chief Counsel.
  • Assist with analysis and advice regarding litigation and pre-litigation matters;
  • Problem Solving - analytical thought needed to resolve issues in a variety of complex situations without supervision;
  • Nature of Impact - routinely impacts quality, timeliness of results, planning and revenues or budget and frequently sets policies and procedures;
  • Interpersonal skills - communicates sensitive information, modifies belief or opinions within a program or business area based on the facts and situation;
  • Negotiation Skills - negotiates mainly internally, at higher levels, and with external relationships;
  • Strong oral and written communication skills as well as outstanding organizational and analytical skills;
  • Work independently but collaboratively in a team setting while displaying a high level of self direction and sound judgment;
  • Must be a self starter and have a proactive approach to address issues before such issues create legal exposure;
  • Able to handle a multitude of complex and challenging situations;
  • US citizenship required and ability to obtain security clearance required
Required Education, Experience, & Skills Education/Bar Requirements:
  • JD from an ABA accredited law school;
  • Admitted to practice law in a US jurisdiction required;
  • Eligible to be admitted to Virginia state bar or ability to obtain a corporate counsel certificate to practice in Virginia
Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills
  • 11+ years of experience
  • Government contracting; Army/Navy customer experience


Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $164000 - $278800

Please note: This range is based on our market pay structures. However, individual salaries are determined by a variety of factors including, but not limited to: business considerations, local market conditions, and internal equity, as well as candidate qualifications, such as skills, education, and experience.

Employee Benefits: At BAE Systems, we support our employees in all aspects of their life, including their health and financial well-being. Regular employees scheduled to work 20+ hours per week are offered: health, dental, and vision insurance; health savings accounts; a 401(k) savings plan; disability coverage; and life and accident insurance. We also have an employee assistance program, a legal plan, and other perks including discounts on things like home, auto, and pet insurance. Our leave programs include paid time off, paid holidays, as well as other types of leave, including paid parental, military, bereavement, and any applicable federal and state sick leave. Employees may participate in the company recognition program to receive monetary or non-monetary recognition awards. Other incentives may be available based on position level and/or job specifics.
About BAE Systems Intelligence & Security BAE Systems, Inc. is the U.S. subsidiary of BAE Systems plc, an international defense, aerospace and security company which delivers a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. Improving the future and protecting lives is an ambitious mission, but its what we do at BAE Systems. Working here means using your passion and ingenuity where it counts defending national security with breakthrough technology, superior products, and intelligence solutions. As you develop the latest technology and defend national security, you will continually hone your skills on a teammaking a big impact on a global scale. At BAE Systems, youll find a rewarding career that truly makes a difference.

Intelligence & Security (I&S), based in McLean, Virginia, designs and delivers advanced defense, intelligence, and security solutions that support the important missions of our customers. Our pride and dedication shows in everything we dofrom intelligence analysis, cyber operations and IT expertise to systems development, systems integration, and operations and maintenance services. Knowing that our work enables the U.S. military and government to recognize, manage and defeat threats inspires us to push ourselves and our technologies to new levels.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion:
At BAE Systems, we work hard every day to nurture an inclusive culture where employees are valued and feel like they belong. We are conscious of the need for all employees to see themselves reflected at every level of the company and know that in order to unlock the full potential of our workforce, everyone must feel confident being their best, most sincere self and be equipped to thrive. We provide impactful professional development experiences to our employees and invest in social impact partnerships to uplift communities and drive purposeful change. Here you will find significant opportunities to do meaningful work in an environment intentionally designed to be one where you will learn, grow and belong.

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