Legal Counsel

Purpose of Position

We are seeking an attorney to support our business, specifically involving matters and transactions related to government contracting, subcontract negotiation, intellectual property licensing and protection of company technical data and software intellectual property, with a strong preference for experience in defense and aerospace programs. This role will support FSI's contracts, program management, procurement and engineering functions as well as business leadership, helping to exceed company goals and objectives while mitigating and managing legal and compliance risk in a highly regulated industry.

The Legal Counsel will advise and provide legal guidance to FSI’s defense business on all aspects of current and prospective defense programs and government transactions.  This role will report to the Senior Legal Counsel for FSI’s defense and government contracts segment and will be expected to support and assist in navigating the full spectrum of government and commercial contracting, from proposals through program performance.  The ideal candidate brings a balance of technical legal expertise, strong business acumen and judgment, and the ability to operate independently in a fast-paced, collaborative setting while focused on results-oriented problem solving and providing value-added solutions.

Tasks and Responsibilities

The following duties are essential to the successful and satisfactory performance of this job. This description is not intended to be all-inclusive of the duties needed, and other responsibilities and tasks may be assigned from time to time.

• Support the negotiation and administration of government contracts and subcontracts, including FAR/DFARS and CMMC flow-down provisions and compliance obligations.
• Advise on data rights strategy and compliance under U.S. Government contracts, including technical data and computer software rights, markings, and assertions.
• Draft and negotiate a wide range of contracts (customer contracts, subcontracts, teaming agreements, license agreements, non-disclosure agreements, etc.) necessary for the support of FSI contract obligations in defense and government programs.
• Provide practical legal guidance on IP protection, ownership, and risk mitigation across government and commercial programs.
• Serve as a legal advisor on IP licensing and technology transactions and supporting the development of licensing strategy and policy.
• Partner with key stakeholders to support proposal development and program execution.
• Identify and manage legal and regulatory risks associated with defense and aerospace programs.
• Support DCMA or DCAA audits, inquiries, and manage and provide guidance on disputes related to government contracts, IP, or data rights.
• Research and analyze laws and regulations and advise the business on potential impacts; monitor for changes to applicable regulations and support any necessary changes needed to address new requirements.  Partner with subject matter experts in Regulatory Affairs, Trade Compliance, Facilities, and Risk/Insurance to ensure legal and regulatory risks are fully understood by stakeholders.
• Assist with development and implementation of contracting best practices concerning drafting, information protection and retention, and review and approval processes; assist in development of policies, procedures and templates to put.
• Manage and coordinate with outside counsel as needed, including managing workload and assignments, establishing budgets, and approving expenditures and invoices.
• Develop and deliver training and other education to employees on legal and regulatory requirements.
• Assist with merger and acquisition activity and joint venture opportunities, including integration activities.
• Routine travel will be required (approximately 10-15%) to effectively support FlightSafety business operations and build relationships, primarily to Broken Arrow, OK, St. Louis, MO, Urbana, IL, Columbus, OH and other customer or supplier/subcontractor sites. International and domestic travel to additional company facilities or other locations in support of business operations may also be required on occasion.

Minimum Education

• Bachelor's Degree, required
• Juris Doctor from an ABA-accredited law school, required
• Active license in good standing in at least one U.S. Jurisdiction

Minimum Experience

• 3+ years relevant practive experience, preferred
• Experience in Defense, Aerospace, or other highly regulated indust, preferred
• A mix of firm and in-house counsel experience, preferred

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Familiarity with DoD acquisition frameworks, including data rights assertions and compliance requirements.
• Experience working closely with engineering or technical teams.
• Understanding of export control considerations (e.g., ITAR/EAR) is a plus.
• Demonstrated ability to balance addressing legal risk with achievement of business objectives.
• Ability to work with minimum supervision and judgment to know when escalation or higher-level leadership review is appropriate.
• Skilled in effectively building relationships and guiding stakeholders on legal requirements, compliance measures, and process improvement.
• Advanced verbal and written communication skills in the English language.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Strong collaboration capability and focus on problem solving with all levels of management.
• Ability to adapt to changing schedules, priorities, and high-pressure and unpredictable situations.
• Knowledge of sound business and management principles and their applications.
• Ability to communicate legal advice concisely in a way that is understandable and actionable for business leaders and other personnel.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met and/or encountered by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.