General Counsel

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is a world-class research institution powered by a highly educated, diverse workforce committed to the values of Integrity, Creativity, Collaboration, Impact, and Courage. Every year, scores of dynamic, driven people come to PNNL to work with renowned researchers on meaningful science, innovations and outcomes for the U.S. Department of Energy and other sponsors; here is your chance to be one of them!

At PNNL, you will find an exciting research environment and excellent benefits including health insurance, flexible work schedules and telework options. PNNL is located in eastern Washington State—the dry side of Washington known for its stellar outdoor recreation and affordable cost of living. The Lab’s campus is only a 45-minute flight (or ~3 hour drive) from Seattle or Portland, and is serviced by the convenient PSC airport, connected to 8 major hubs.

Overview

PNNL seeks an in-house general counsel for full-service legal duties. The general counsel is the resident expert in providing advice and counsel on a broad range of legal and litigation strategies in support of the organization’s overall mission. Reports directly to the Laboratory Director, is a member of the Laboratory Leadership Team, and works closely with Department of Energy and corporate counterparts. The successful candidate will have sound knowledge and understanding of applicable laws and regulations with the ability to make prudent legal decisions and provide executive leadership for the Laboratory.

Responsibilities

Prepare and render legal opinions as chief legal counsel

Lead an office of approximately 14 legal experts and direct them to achieve the best legal outcomes

Advise executive members on new and existing laws, legal compliance, and rights that impact functionality of the Laboratory

Maintain knowledge of organization’s operations and legal documents

Craft and review legal strategy in response to any litigation

Keep a record of all legal documents and proceedings for the organization

Identify proactive solutions that eliminate or mitigate risks

Build trust and respect with key stakeholders and external parties (e.g., local site office, sponsors, auditors, outside agencies, and elected officials)

Collaborate with counterparts at other national laboratories supporting the strategic objectives of the PNNL Director and the DOE National Laboratory Directors Council

Attract, develop, direct, motivate and drive performance from team

Communicate with corporate and outside counsel

Manage and protect the organization's intellectual property in concert with the Laboratory’s technology development office

Remain informed of all the latest changes on the federal, state, city and county measures that could affect the operation of the organization

Manage the Laboratory’s integrated ethics program

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

Juris Doctor degree from accredited law school

15 years of relevant experience

Experience with corporate governance issues and corporate secretarial duties

Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Knowledge of statutes, rules and regulations pertaining to businesses

Proficient understanding of business sensitivities and confidentiality

Prior experience with motion practice, discovery dispute, and trial preparation

Preferred Qualifications

Previous experience as a general counsel on an executive team

Previous litigation experience

4+ years of practice with an established law firm

4+ years as an in-house attorney

Experience with federally funded research and development (FFRDC) organizations

Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment

Not Applicable

Additional Information

This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a federal security clearance.

Requirements:

U.S. Citizenship

Background Investigation: Applicants selected will be subject to a Federal background investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified matter in accordance 10 CFR 710, Appendix B.