Senior Government Contracts Paralegal

Overview

The organization is seeking an experienced, proactive Senior Government Contracts Paralegal to serve as a trusted advisor to executive leadership and business operations. This role is not a traditional administrative paralegal position. Responsibilities focus on reviewing, analyzing, and providing practical guidance on complex contractual, regulatory, and compliance matters related to United States Government contracting, with an emphasis on identifying legal and contractual risks early and supporting fast, fully compliant business decisions.

Responsibilities

• Review, analyze, and provide recommendations on government contracts, subcontracts, teaming agreements, NDAs, strategic alliances, consulting agreements, reseller agreements, and other commercial and government-related legal documents.
• Review Requests for Proposal (RFPs), Requests for Information (RFIs), solicitations, contract modifications, and government flow-down requirements.
• Identify contractual, regulatory, and compliance risks and recommend practical business solutions.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to executive leadership on matters involving federal procurement regulations and defense contracting.
• Take ownership of contract reviews from intake through recommendation and resolution.
• Collaborate with executive leadership and cross-functional teams, including business development, contracts, finance, operations, and project management, to support strategic initiatives.
• Interpret and advise on applicable FAR and DFARS clauses for government contracts.
• Support negotiations with prime contractors, subcontractors, government agencies, and strategic partners.
• Assist in developing internal contract review processes, templates, governance, and compliance procedures.
• Monitor changes to federal procurement regulations and proactively advise leadership on their impact.
• Coordinate with outside counsel when specialized legal opinions are required.
• Maintain strict confidentiality while exercising sound legal and business judgment.

Requirements

• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience supporting and reviewing US Government contracts within the defense industry.
• Must be a United States citizen currently residing in the United States.
• Bachelor's degree and/or Paralegal Certificate from an accredited institution, or an equivalent combination of education and extensive government contracts experience.
• Extensive experience supporting Department of Defense (DoD) contractors.
• Demonstrated experience working with major defense prime contractors and subcontracting environments.
• Expert knowledge of:
  • Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR)
  • Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS)
  • Government contracting lifecycle and procurement processes
  • Federal subcontracting requirements and contract flow-down provisions
  • Strong understanding of the business of federal defense contracting and government procurement
• Demonstrated ability to independently review, interpret, and advise leadership on contractual, legal, and compliance matters.
• Proven ability to take ownership of legal reviews and provide practical, business-oriented recommendations rather than simply identifying issues.
• Excellent legal writing, analytical, negotiation, and communication skills.
• Highly organized with exceptional attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited United States law school.
• Experience with International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR).
• Experience with Export Administration Regulations (EAR).
• Experience supporting Foreign Military Sales (FMS) programs.
• Familiarity with CMMC, NIST SP 800-171, and other Department of Defense cybersecurity and compliance frameworks.
• Experience supporting contracts with agencies such as the Department of Defense, Department of State, Department of Homeland Security, or other federal agencies.

Compensation & Benefits

Not specified in the provided description.

Location

United States (must be a United States citizen currently residing in the United States).