Deputy General Counsel

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

The Deputy General Counsel (DGC) will play a pivotal role in supporting all legal matters affecting the company. Reporting directly to the Chief Legal Officer, the DGC will collaborate closely with senior leadership to provide legal counsel, manage the legal department, and address a wide range of legal and compliance questions, particularly those related to power generation, power purchase agreements, entity structures, labor law, and securities law.

The DGC will have a broad range of responsibilities, including drafting and negotiating commercial agreements, supporting merger and acquisition transactions, overseeing litigation, and collaborating with outside counsel. A significant aspect of the role will involve partnering with internal and external business leaders to align legal strategies with Oklo’s goals, while fostering the company’s innovative and entrepreneurial culture.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Act as a legal advisor and partner to the CLO and the senior leadership team.
• Develop and implement legal strategies in alignment with Oklo’s business objectives.
• Oversee and negotiate complex commercial contracts, including power purchase agreements and vendor agreements.
• Provide legal guidance on compliance, risk management, and regulatory matters, particularly in the nuclear and renewable power sectors.
• Support and lead the company’s legal efforts in mergers, acquisitions, financing transactions, and shareholder relations.
• Collaborate with external counsel to manage corporate transactions and litigation matters.
• Ensure compliance with corporate governance, including Board of Directors meetings and governance-related matters, and act as Corporate Secretary as needed.
• Manage legal budgets and select external legal vendors.
• Support the protection and management of Oklo’s intellectual property, including patents, trademarks, and copyrights.
• Provide counsel on employment law and collaborate with People Operations on workforce matters.
• Support the company’s compliance programs and code of ethics, working closely with finance and HR leadership.
• Ensure that Oklo’s staff receive training as needed to ensure compliance with relevant legal and regulatory standards.
• Evaluate the legal department’s performance and implement strategies to improve its effectiveness.
• Manage and mentor any assigned legal department staff, including hiring, training, and performance evaluations.
• Respond promptly and accurately to requests from the General Counsel, CEO, COO, and other executives.
• Contribute to special projects as assigned and take on other duties as required.

MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead and manage a team within the legal department, including external legal resources and contractors.
• Oversee the direction and coordination of work, set expectations, and monitor delegated activities.
• Provide leadership, mentoring, and regular feedback to team members.
• Address issues, manage conflicts, and resolve problems in collaboration with senior leadership.

KEY COMPETENCIES:

• Analytical Acumen: Ability to synthesize complex legal and business information and provide actionable insights.
• Problem Solving: Strong skills in identifying, addressing, and resolving legal challenges efficiently.
• Communication: Clear and effective communicator, capable of providing concise legal advice and presenting to diverse audiences.
• Leadership: Inspires and motivates others, accepts constructive feedback, and fosters a collaborative work environment.
• Judgment: Exhibits sound judgment in making decisions and demonstrates the ability to act decisively when required.
• Strategic Thinking: Ability to align legal strategy with business goals and operational execution.
• Organizational Skills: Capable of managing multiple priorities, utilizing time efficiently, and developing realistic plans.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school and active bar membership in the relevant jurisdiction.
• 7+ years of experience practicing law, with a focus on corporate and commercial matters.
• Proven track record in managing legal teams and handling complex transactions in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated ability to provide strategic counsel and navigate legal challenges in a startup or rapidly evolving company.

ABOUT YOU:

• Entrepreneurial Spirit: You thrive in a startup environment, e