Associate Defense Attorney Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Aerospace & Defense Attorney

Location: Detroit, Troy, Ann Arbor, Lansing, Grand Rapids, or Washington, D.C.

Type: Full-Time, Hybrid

Compensation: Flexible depending on experience, practice focus, and portable book of business

About the Opportunity

A highly respected and long-established law firm is seeking attorneys to join and help expand its Aerospace & Defense practice. This opportunity is open to both partner-level attorneys with an established portable book of business and associate-level attorneys interested in supporting a sophisticated and growing client base in the aerospace, defense, government contracting, and export controls sectors.

This practice advises clients on complex government and commercial contracting matters, including FAR and DFARS compliance, bid protests, claims, investigations, subcontracting issues, and regulatory compliance. Attorneys in this group work closely with innovative companies operating in highly regulated industries, including aerospace manufacturers, defense contractors, suppliers, and emerging technology organizations.

The firm offers a collaborative and entrepreneurial environment with strong long-term growth potential. Attorneys are encouraged to take an active role in client development, practice growth, and leadership initiatives. This opportunity may also appeal to attorneys seeking a platform for expanding an existing practice or building a long-term succession-focused career path within a well-established firm.

Hybrid flexibility is strongly supported, with most attorneys generally working in-office approximately three days per week while maintaining flexibility based on practice and client needs.

What You’ll Do

• Advise clients on federal government and commercial contracting matters involving aerospace and defense industries

• Counsel clients on FAR, DFARS, ITAR, EAR, OFAC sanctions, and related compliance matters

• Draft legal memoranda, bid protests, REAs, claims, and policy-related materials

• Support clients in administrative proceedings, investigations, claims disputes, and compliance planning

• Advise on subcontracting, teaming agreements, joint ventures, mentor-protégé relationships, and supply chain matters

• Handle matters involving data rights, M&A support, security clearances, FOCI, and CFIUS considerations

• Conduct legal research involving government contracts, administrative law, and federal regulatory requirements

• Develop and maintain strong client relationships while contributing to business development efforts

• Collaborate with attorneys across multiple practice areas on complex and strategic matters

What You Bring

• 3+ years of experience in federal government contracts and related regulatory matters

• Experience with FAR, DFARS, agency supplements, government compliance, and contract-related disputes

• Familiarity with export controls, including ITAR, EAR, and OFAC sanctions

• Strong legal research, writing, communication, and analytical skills

• Ability to work independently while managing multiple priorities and client relationships

• Experience handling bid protests, claims, investigations, or compliance-related matters preferred

• Experience with space law, FMS, FMF, IP rights, security clearances, or government cost issues is a plus

• Admission to the Michigan Bar, D.C. Bar, or eligibility for admission by start date

• Portable book of business is a plus for more senior-level candidates

• Interest in long-term practice growth and active business development

What’s Offered

• Unlimited PTO for Attorneys

• 401(k) with 3% employer contribution

• Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage

• Paid Parking

• Professional Dues

• Associate Attorney Student Loan Repayment Program

• Wellness Programs

• Hybrid flexibility

• Strong collaborative culture

• Long-term growth opportunities