HEAD OF LEGAL - Full-time

At Daniel Defense, Only the Best Build the Best…

Daniel Defense engineers and manufactures the world’s finest weapon systems and accessories. Our mission to honor God and defend freedom is accomplished by serving customers and providing top quality solutions to our military, law enforcement and civilians that are seeking premium firearms for home defense, hunting, and sport shooting.

As the Head of Legal, you will be responsible for the functions outlined below:

Essential Functions:

• Responsible for demonstrating commitment to and leadership of environmental health and safety principles, policies and procedures.

• Develop and implement legal strategy in alignment with Daniel Defense’s overall business objectives.
• Ensure strict compliance with all relevant laws and regulations, particularly those set forth by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) governing the manufacture, distribution, and sale of firearms and ammunition.
• Provide legal advice and guidance to senior management on a broad range of issues, including but not limited to contract negotiation, intellectual property, employment law, and regulatory compliance.
• Oversee the drafting, review, and negotiation of contracts, agreements, and other legal documents.
• Develop and maintain contract templates and standard operating procedures to streamline the contracting process.
• Stay abreast of changes in ATF regulations, industry best practices, tort reform, litigation landscape, and update internal policies and procedures accordingly.
• In conjunction with external legal counsel, manage all litigation matters, including disputes, claims, and regulatory investigations.
• Manage relationships with all external legal counsel with attention to ROI and cost improvement
• Advise on corporate governance matters, including ensuring maintenance of all corporate documents, and ensure compliance with corporate governance best practices.
• Support the Board of Directors and Board committees on legal and regulatory matters.
• Identify legal and regulatory risks and develop proactive strategies to mitigate exposure.
• Conduct internal investigations as necessary and recommend corrective actions to address compliance issues.
• Collaborate with other departments to develop and implement risk management protocols.
• Develop and deliver training programs on legal and compliance-related topics for employees at all levels of the organization.
• In conjunction with external legal counsel, manage Daniel Defense’s intellectual property portfolio, including trademarks, patents, and copyrights.
• Ensure the protection of intellectual property rights and the enforcement of such rights when necessary.
• Provide oversight, input, and project management leadership for reorganization of Daniel entity org structure and capitalization table.
• Promote a culture of compliance and ethics throughout the company.
• Expected to be a contributor to the company standards on high integrity, safety, fair and equitable treatment and a positive work environment
• Provides adequate support, training and development to team members to continuously improve Safety, 6S, Quality, Delivery and Productivity.
• Other responsibilities as deemed appropriate or necessary by management.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school and active membership in good standing with the state bar.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience practicing law, with significant experience in firearms law, ATF regulations, and compliance.
• Proven leadership experience managing a legal department and/or compliance team.
• Strong understanding of federal, state, and local laws and regulations applicable to firearms manufacturing and distribution.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to effectively manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience working with government agencies, particularly the ATF, is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated ability to work in accordance with our Permission to Play Values.

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to lift and carry awkward items weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Requires intermittent standing, walking, sitting and bending throughout the workday.
• Must be able to work in a manufacturing environment, to include working in and around machinery, exposure to noise and chemicals, lights/lasers, etc.
• Must be able to wear appropriate Personal Protection Equipment as required by your position and/or Company policy.

Daniel Defense is an EOE AA M/F/Vet/Disability employer and promotes a "Drug-Free Workplace."

Note: The statements above are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by those assigned to the job. This list is not intended to be an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel in this job. Responsibilities are subject to change at the discretion of the employer and do not establish a contract of employment – Daniel Defense is an at-will employer.