General Counsel

Nooks•Arlington, VA

28d•$180,000 - $220,000•Onsite

About The Position

Nooks is seeking a General Counsel to serve as a core strategic architect as we scale the world’s first nationwide network of classified infrastructure. Reporting directly to the CEO, you will craft our legal function into a high-velocity in-house engine. This is a "builder" role designed for a high-octane attorney who thrives in ambiguity and possesses the tactical grit to own the legal DNA of a category-defining startup. Based in National Landing, you will navigate the complex intersection of National Security, institutional Real Estate development, SEC-level corporate governance, and the mission-critical regulatory nuances of the defense industry. At Nooks, you aren't just managing risk or identifying "no"; you are engineering the legal frameworks that enable our partners to move at the speed of the mission. If you are a rising legal leader looking to trade the traditional firm track for a seat at the executive table of a high-growth disruptor, this is your move.

Requirements

10+ years of progressive legal experience, ideally beginning with foundational "Big Law" training followed by a pivotal role within a high-growth startup or a fast-paced technology environment.
Expert-level command of corporate finance, equity compensation structures, and SEC-adjacent compliance. You have a track record of managing complex financial frameworks with minimal reliance on external counsel.
Substantial experience in commercial real estate, with specific expertise in high-security, multi-tenant, or mission-critical infrastructure projects - essential for the Nooks nationwide footprint.
A "Player-Coach" mentality. You are comfortable making high-stakes decisions with incomplete information and possess the grit to move from board-level strategy to granular contract drafting in the same hour.
Familiarity with the unique legal and operational constraints of the defense industrial base, including a working knowledge of security protocols and cleared workforce requirements.
Juris Doctor (JD) earned from a top-tier, accredited law school.
Active member in good standing of the Virginia or DC Bar (or eligible for immediate Corporate Counsel registration).
You must be eligible to work in the U.S. Candidates must be capable of maintaining eligibility up to the Secret level within 45 days of hire.

Responsibilities

Serve as the primary legal architect and advisor to the CEO and Executive Team, translating complex regulatory landscapes into clear, actionable business guidance.
Foster a pragmatic, business-oriented legal culture that treats legal framework as a competitive advantage to accelerate innovation.
Advise the Board of Directors on fiduciary obligations, corporate formalities, and evolving governance standards.
Manage the cap table and all Board-related materials, ensuring the company maintains "audit-ready" status for SEC-level compliance, future capital raises, and strategic M&A.
Lead the legal execution of strategic transactions, including investments, joint ventures, and financing rounds.
Spearhead the legal roadmap for Nooks' physical expansion, including sophisticated lease negotiations, zoning, and site accreditation compliance.
Architect the legal frameworks for CIaaS delivery, ensuring operations exceed federal and commercial safety, security, and export control protocols.
Oversee the end-to-end lifecycle of drafting, negotiating, and executing high-stakes customer, vendor, and partnership agreements.
Develop and protect the company’s intellectual property portfolio and manage all litigation strategy, dispute resolution, and outside counsel relationships.
Act as a strategic partner to leadership on workforce matters, including the drafting of executive agreements and the design of employment policies.
Lead mitigation strategies for employment-related risks, ensuring compliance with multi-state labor laws as the team scales.