Space and Defense Tech Law

Launching and scaling a space or defense tech company takes something special. Founders need to simultaneously reach full-scale production and secure meaningful government and commercial customers—all while raising significant capital. The technical innovation is as disruptive as it gets, often at the intersection of tech, aerospace engineering, manufacturing, software and energy innovation. The regulatory environment in which they operate is robust. Talent and speed of execution are key.

We help founders from disruptive industries create the next best space and defense companies, bringing cross-sector expertise that accelerates their path to success. There’s no community of founders and operators more passionate about what they do.

We know this because our practice is led by an experienced operator: two-time space and transportation company general counsel Laura Lariu, who served as general counsel at Relativity Space until their rocket launch. Laura leads and collaborates with a specialized team, partnering with companies and investors to shape and deliver on their business plans. We’ve stood shoulder-to-shoulder with space tech companies on the path through IPO and M&A exits.

We bring valuable connections to the space tech ecosystem, DOD innovation community, the broader tech sector—and our strong network of funds. There’s no law firm better built to counsel New Space disruptors.

Capital Formation & Growth

  • Our top 5 tech platform advises disruptors, including raising $36+ billion for AI companies over the past 20 months
  • Advised space & defense tech companies on raising over $3 billion in venture capital and other private capital
  • Currently counseling 100 unicorns preparing for exit

Strategic Compliance Infrastructure

  • Chambers USA-recognized team for their work relating to CFIUS, export controls and sanctions led by Harry Clark, Co-Founder and Deputy Chairman of the International Sanctions and Export Control Society
  • Routinely advise companies on federal contracting (including FAR/DFARS) and industrial security requirements (NISPOM/FOCI), including facility requirements
  • Advise on physical and cyber security (including NIST assessments), supply chain risk mitigation and responsible business practices

Commercial Customers & Partnerships

  • Negotiated billions in total contract value for commercial space contracts (launch, payload hosting, orbital transfers) and projects (satellite financing and development)
  • Negotiate physical infrastructure agreements (launch sites, manufacturing facilities), tailored to space and defense needs
  • Market leaders advising the energy tech ecosystem, with top 5 nuclear experience, having advised all three commercial nuclear reactors in the U.S.

Innovating & Operating

  • Provide industry-specific IP counseling to secure your innovations and avoid exfiltration of trade secrets
  • Help attract and retain key space and defense talent and navigate sector-specific employment issues
  • Infrastructure modernization guidance, including public finance expertise

Events