Counsel

Job Duties/Scope Of Work
JOB SUMMARY:
Responsible for delivering day-to-day legal services in support of Hanford Mission Integration Solutions (HMIS) operations. This includes advising on litigation, administrative and court proceedings, and providing effective litigation support to outside counsel. Able to identify, analyze, and resolve complex legal issues, and determine applicable legal requirements across multiple disciplines. Provides informed legal guidance in the areas of Government Procurement, Subcontract Management, Employment and Labor, Union matters, Information Technology and Cyber Security, Insurance, Property, and Utilities/Energy.

Key responsibilities include:

• Advising on government contracting matters, including drafting, negotiating, and reviewing complex agreements, and ensuring compliance with FAR/DFARS.
• Leading, coaching, and mentoring legal team members who support government contracting programs.
• Providing guidance to HR and management on employment and labor matters, including workplace investigations, policy interpretation, employee discipline, compliance issues, and dispute prevention.
• Supporting the development and implementation of internal compliance frameworks related to government contracting and employment requirements.
• Managing cross functional interactions involving Operations, HR, Supply Chain, and senior leadership.
• Coordinating with and managing outside counsel on government contract disputes and labor/employment matters.

Additional responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Ensuring timely and effective delivery of legal services within the assigned scope of work.
• Representing HMIS and serving as a key participant when interacting with management, staff, government contractors and subcontractors, advocacy groups, labor unions, officials at the federal, state, and local level, courts and arbitrators, educational institutions, and professional organizations.
• Analyzing complex issues and advising clients on available legal options, along with the risks and implications associated with each course of action.

NOTE: This job posting will remain open until the position has been filled. Applicant resumes will be reviewed every one to two weeks, as needed.

• Relocation may be authorized for the selected candidate.

Basic Qualifications
*Juris Doctorate Degree from American Bar Association accredited Law School or licensed in Washington State through the Washington Law Clerk Program.

• Active license to practice law in at least one state, as well as active membership in good standing of the Bar of at least one state, and ability to obtain a Washington State law license or a Washington corporate counsel license.
• 2 to 4 years in the practice of law. Prefer direct (or outside legal counsel support) experience as "in house" counsel and/or experience with a governmental entity in the legal practice areas listed in job duties/scope of work.
• Demonstrable ability to critically evaluate issues, develop methods to address those issues and recommend optimal policy solutions that take into account legal, contractual, economic, and other business impacts.
• Ability to write clearly and persuasively; organize and edit documents of varying complexity and lengths; and ensure that the client's written work product is clear, comprehensive, and well supported.
• 1 year of government contract experience involving FAR, DFARS, export controls, or compliance obligations for federal or state contracts.
• 1 year of employment and/or labor law experience, such as advising on workplace policies, employee relations, compliance with federal/state labor laws, or supporting HR functions.
• Prior leadership experience, including supervising, directing, mentoring, or coaching other legal team members.
• Strong interpersonal and analytical skills, with the ability to provide strategic legal advice to senior management.
• Ability to coach, mentor, and guide attorneys, paralegals, or other legal staff.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Personal Identity Verification (PIV) Credential badge.

Desired Qualifications
Experience & Expertise

• 5–10 years of legal experience in government contracts, regulatory compliance, or related fields.
• 2 years of demonstrated leadership (managing attorneys, paralegals, or cross functional teams).
• 1 year of labor and/or employment law experience, including advising HR, handling investigations, or interpreting workplace policies.
• 2 years of experience working at a Department of Energy site or working in support of Department of Energy contracts
• Strong knowledge of: FAR and DFARS, Export controls (ITAR/EAR), Government procurement compliance, and Corporate compliance programs
• Experience supporting defense industry, aerospace, or other government regulated technical sectors.

Skills & Abilities

• Ability to coach, mentor, and develop attorneys, paralegals, and compliance team members.
• Excellent contract drafting, negotiation, and risk assessment skills.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills for interacting with executives, engineers, HR, and operational teams.
• Ability to manage complex, multi stakeholder legal matters and prioritize appropriately.
• Skilled at developing internal policies, compliance controls, and training modules.

Professional Attributes

• High judgment, integrity, and ability to advise senior leadership under pressure.
• Adaptability to fast paced engineering or advanced technology environments.
• Proactive problem solver with a collaborative, team-oriented mindset.
• Comfortable balancing government regulatory constraints with business-driven decisions.

Compensation & Benefits
Grade 21: $145,150 - $183,050
Grade 22: $162,863 - $214,288
Grade 23: $187,338 - $246,613

HMIS offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical/dental/vision, short-and long-term disability, life insurance, 401(k) plan, and paid time off. For a full list of benefits please visit our benefits website: https://hmis.hanford.gov/hr/page.cfm/employeebenefits

In accordance with the HMIS salary determination process, offers will be made by taking into consideration the level of assigned job duties, responsibilities, and the candidate's qualifications relative to internal peers and the external labor market. A candidate's salary history will not be used in compensation decisions. The salary range listed represents the full range of salary that may be offered.

This position may be required to complete a probationary period. Benefits for eligible employees will begin on day one.

In compliance with Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Hanford Field Office (HFO) direction, employees issued initial badges on or after September 1st, 2025, are required to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identity Verification (PIV) Credential. To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete and pass a federal background check investigation. This investigation encompasses multiple areas of eligibility and includes a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last year. This includes marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.