General Counsel - Nooks

ABOUT THE ROLE

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.

KEY 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.

THE SKILLSET:

• 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).

ELIGIBILITY + CLEARANCE:

• 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.