General Counsel

The Nuclear Company•Washington, DC

3d•$263,000 - $296,000

About The Position

The Nuclear Company is seeking a General Counsel who will serve as a key member of the executive leadership team and be the company's chief legal strategist. You will lead the legal function from the ground up, partnering closely with the CEO and Board on corporate strategy, capital formation, and regulatory positioning. This is a rare opportunity to shape the legal infrastructure of a company at the frontier of the energy transition.

Requirements

J.D. from an accredited law school; active bar membership in good standing
12+ years of legal experience, with meaningful time at both a top-tier law firm and an in-house role
Deep expertise in venture capital transactions — you have led multiple financing rounds and can move quickly through complex deal dynamics
Demonstrated experience in government affairs, regulatory strategy, or policy at the federal level, ideally in energy, defense, advanced manufacturing, or a similarly regulated industry
Track record of operating as a senior business partner, not just a legal gatekeeper — you understand the balance between risk and speed
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills; ability to translate complex legal and regulatory issues for non-legal audiences
Comfort with ambiguity and the pace of a startup; ability to build from zero

Responsibilities

Lead all aspects of equity financings, from Series A through late-stage rounds and beyond, including term sheet negotiation, due diligence management, and closing
Serve as primary legal counsel on M&A transactions, strategic partnerships, joint ventures, and licensing agreements
Manage cap table, equity plan administration, and investor relations legal matters
Advise the Board and executive team on fiduciary duties, corporate governance, and investor rights
Own all commercial contracting, IP strategy, and vendor agreements
Develop and execute the company's government affairs strategy at the federal and state levels, including relationships with DOE, NRC, EPA, and relevant congressional committees
Manage regulatory licensing processes and compliance obligations specific to nuclear energy development and deployment
Build coalitions with trade associations, policy organizations, and strategic allies to advance favorable legislative and regulatory outcomes
Advise leadership on policy developments, export controls (ITAR/EAR), national security considerations, and federal contracting opportunities (SBIR, DOE grants, loan guarantees)
Lead engagement with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and navigate the agency's licensing and permitting frameworks
Build and manage a lean, high-impact legal team; oversee outside counsel relationships and control legal spend
Implement scalable legal processes and systems appropriate for a company preparing for significant growth
Proactively identify and mitigate legal, regulatory, and reputational risks across the business
Ensure compliance with securities laws, employment law, and all applicable regulations