General Counsel

The Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) is a premier U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) national security Laboratory with an annual budget more than $3 billion.  LLNL is managed by Lawrence Livermore National Security LLC (LLNS).  The Laboratorys mission is to enable U.S. security and global stability and resilience by empowering multidisciplinary teams to pursue bold and innovative science and technology.

LLNL is seeking a General Counsel to serve as the senior legal advisor for the Laboratory. As the General Counsel you will be a trusted advisor to the Laboratorys senior leadership team provide legal advice and counsel on all matters affecting the Laboratory lead and manage the Office of General Counsel oversee external legal resources. This includes leading mentoring and developing a high-performing legal compliance and IP team of about twenty professionals. You will also provide legal advice and perspective to the LLNS Board of Governors. The General Counsel reports to the Laboratorys Principal Deputy Director of LLNS.

Depending on your assignment this position may offer a hybrid schedule blending in-person and virtual presence. You may have the flexibility to work from home one or more days per week.

You will 

• Serve as a strategic leader who can architect transformational organizational change that aligns with LLNLs mission and leadership priorities.
• Provide proactive risk assessment that leans into operational needs and mission priorities of LLNL and DOE/NNSA.
• Be a catalyst for change with an ability to effectively collaborate with and influence senior management and leadership at all levels of the organization.
• Advise LLNS management and provide practical strategic and solution-oriented advice on a broad range of legal matters.
• Partner with the senior management team to establish strategic priorities implement policies and provide oversight and management for the Laboratory.
• Provide legal support to the LLNS Board of Governors as appropriate.
• Provide proactive LLNL executive representation of LLNS to DOE/NNSA.
• Coordinate and lead a team of legal professionals managing a variety of disputes and litigation employment matters complex business transactions (e.g. industry and academic consortia joint ventures CRADAs) regulatory compliance intellectual property technology transfer and other legal matters.
• Lead the Office of General Counsel an organization consisting of about twenty attorneys and other legal professionals including responsibility for budgetary matters recruitment retention and career development.
• Identify retain and manage outside counsel and oversee others who do to represent LLNS in litigation and to provide specialized legal advice.
• Participate in the development and drafting of policies and procedures implementing legal and regulatory requirements and developing and implementing programs to ensure compliance.
• Develop relationships and networks with key stakeholders such as DOE and NNSA attorneys and leaders at headquarters and the Livermore Field Office LLNS members and their counsel local officials and other attorneys across the DOE/NNSA national laboratory complex.
• Work cooperatively with LLNS member counsel including keeping designated member counsel apprised of significant legal matters.
• Provide coaching and mentorship to junior attorneys to develop legal skills and judgment.

Qualifications :

• Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship.
• Juris Doctor (or equivalent degree) and membership in the California Bar (or the ability to obtain a limited practice license as Registered In-House Counsel in California).
• Extensive experience leading and managing a team of legal professionals in a corporate legal office a federal government legal office a university or a law firm.
• Extensive experience managing legal functions relating to litigation employment and benefits regulatory compliance (including environmental) procurement intellectual property and business transactions.
• Advanced analytical problem solving and decision-making skills necessary to independently interpret advise recommend approve and implement solutions/actions.
• Expert verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills necessary to effectively explain present negotiate advise and influence all levels of management and stakeholders.
• Experience working with government agencies and commitment to establishing a close working relationship with federal counterparts.

• Qualifications We Desire

• Expertise and experience managing a legal counsel office in an organization that provides services to the federal government.
• Experience working in a national laboratory or other federally funded research and development center (FFRDC) and/or prior interaction with DOE/NNSA.
• Broad knowledge of DOE and/or NNSA.
• Experience working with federal government contracts.
• Experience working with a Board of Directors.

Pay Range

$521580 - $669864

This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting; pay will not be below any applicable local minimum wage.  An employees position within the salary range will be based on several factors including but not limited to specific competencies relevant education qualifications certifications experience skills seniority geographic location performance and business or organizational needs.

Additional Information :

#LI-Hybrid 

Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

• Included in 2026 Best Places to Work by Glassdoor!
• Flexible Benefits Package
• 401(k)
• Relocation Assistance
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs)
• Our values - visit  Clearance

  This position requires a Department of Energy (DOE) Q-level clearance.  Also you must have the ability to obtain and maintain Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) access.  If you are selected we will initiate a Federal background investigation to determine if you meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information or matter. Also all L or Q cleared employees are subject to random drug testing. Q-level clearance requires U.S. citizenship. 

  Pre-Employment Drug Test

  External applicant(s) selected for this position must pass a post-offer pre-employment drug test. This includes testing for use of marijuana as Federal Law applies to us as a Federal Contractor.

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  If you use a medical device which pairs with a mobile device you must still follow the rules concerning the mobile device in individual sections within Limited Areas.  Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities require separate approval. Hearing aids without wireless capabilities or wireless that has been disabled are allowed in Limited Areas Secure Space and Transit/Buffer Space within buildings.

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  Remote Work :

  No

  
  

  Employment Type :

  Full-time