Arnold & Porter‘s practice is typically engaged in some of the most high-profile government contracts matters in the market, recently defending HomeSafe’s award of a $20bn military move logistics contract, for example. With a particular strength in the aerospace, defense, IT,  life sciences and communications industries, typical mandates include high-stakes bid protests, False Claims Act investigations and litigation, national security issues and M&A-related government contracts matters. Leading the team is Kara Daniels, who has extensive experience in representing contractors in bid protests and false claims investigations. Craig Holman is a key litigator in the team, with significant expertise in all levels of the judiciary. Kristen Ittig is seasoned in contract and subcontract negotiations, compliance programs, audits and investigations. Transactional matters is the area of expertise of Michael McGill, who typically handles M&A involving government contracts. Charles Blanchard is a popular choice among defense and aerospace companies. Paul Pompeo focuses on accounting, cost and pricing issues while Mark Colley is recommended for litigation and investigations. All named lawyers are based in Washington DC.

The ‘deeply knowledgeable’ practice at Crowell & Moring LLP is noted for its deep bench of experienced litigators and counselors. Prominent in the defense, aerospace, IT, telecoms and healthcare fields, the group covers the full range of government contracts work, most notably bid protests, cost accounting disputes, suspension and debarment issues and M&A involving government contracts matters. The Washington DC-based team is led by  Peter Eyre, Daniel Forman and national security group head Adelicia Cliffe. Eyre is specialized in suspension and debarment proceedings and complex internal investigations, Forman has extensive experience litigating high-stakes bid protests before the US Government Accountability Office, The US Court of Federal Claims and various state courts.  Stephen McBrady is another key senior name, and a go-to litigator for disputes against the US Government. Other key names include  litigator Nicole Owren-Wiest, who often leads on cost accounting matters.

Offering ‘very pragmatic and commercially-minded advice’, Morrison Foerster‘s Washington DC-based group is highly rated for its ‘incredible depth of experience and expertise’. Well-known for its premier bid protest practice, the team presents leading technology, aerospace, healthcare and defense companies. Demonstrating strength across the whole spectrum of government contracts and procurement work, the department handles False Claims Act litigation, international investigations, M&A for private equity firms and contractors, complex classified matters and cybersecurity issues. Focusing on contract counseling and compliance, Tina Reynolds manages the practice alongside Kevin Mullen, who leads on M&A and procurement fraud matters, and Alex Ward, whose expertise spans bid protests, internal investigations and litigation at state and federal levels. Also recommended are M&A expert Damien Specht and David Churchill, who is sought after to advise on internal investigations, government inquiries and federal contract disputes. Locke Bell is a key associate and well versed in nontraditional acquisition arrangements and government acquisition of intellectual property.

Leveraging its team of former federal prosecutors, government attorneys and GAO lawyers, Blank Rome LLP stands out for its track record in the defense, IT, software and aerospace fields. Rated for its ‘impressive mastery of government contracts matters’, the group regularly handles bid protests, False Claims Act cases and cost accounting issues. Washington DC-based practice is also noted for its experience in M&A-related government contracts matters, and is led by state and federal procurement law expert Justin Chiarodo. Scott Arnold has a strong background in bid protest, suspension and disbarment, internal investigations and compliance programs. Dominique L Casimir is a popular choice for accounting firms, major defense contractors and health insurers. Other key practitioners include Elizabeth Jochum, Luke Meier and Stephanie Harden.

Hogan Lovells US LLP‘s government contracts and public procurement team offers a sector-focused service, assisting domestic and international clients across key industries, most notably aerospace, defense, tech, life sciences and education. In addition to its strong track record in M&A and foreign investment transactions, the group demonstrates strength in cybersecurity, federal grants, bid protests and national security matters. William Ferreira heads up the team and is a key contact for high-stakes matters related to undue foreign influence on government contracts. Global head of aerospace and defense industry sector group Michael Mason is well versed in bid protest litigation and False Claims Act matters. Life sciences specialist Joy Sturm is recommended for federal health and medical procurement issues. Michael Scheimer and counsel Stacy Hadeka are also key names in the team. All named lawyers are based in Washington DC.

Offering ‘top-notch legal support’, Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP‘s government contracts group has a nationwide reach. Prominent in the defense, aerospace, healthcare and energy spaces, the practice is well versed in large bid protests, suspension and debarment matters, M&A and export control issues. From North Virginia, John Jensen  advises on mid-market M&A involving government contractors, while bid protest expert David Dixon leads on federal litigation cases. Co-heading the team with Dixon is Los Angeles-based Alex Tomaszczuk, who handles international investigations, False Claims Act matters and high-value bid protests. Also in Los Angeles is Michael Rizzo, who excels in state and federal litigation. In Washington DC, Marques Peterson focuses on international procurement issues. Suspension and debarment specialist Todd Canni left the firm in March 2023.

With a proven track record in securing major wins, Rogers Joseph O’Donnell represents clients in bid protests at federal, state and local levels. Alongside its strong litigation and arbitration practice, the team is frequently sought after to handle cybersecurity, supply chain and national security matters. Key areas of strength of the practice include IT, telecom, defense and healthcare. In San Francisco, Mark Linderman, who focuses on complex claims and litigation, co-heads the group with Washington DC-based Lucas Hanback. Also in San Francisco are Neil O’Donnell and Aaron Silberman, who have a wealth of experience in acting on bid protests, internal investigations and False Claims Act matters. Another key name is procurement fraud and national security specialist Robert S. Metzger in Washington DC.

Offering ‘pragmatic advice’, Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP‘s government contracts team is the go-to adviser of major defense and aerospace contractors and Fortune 500 companies. In addition to its ‘deep experience in commercial item contracting, bid protests, government audits, cybersecurity requirements and compliance issues’, its lawyers have high security clearance and handle significant national security matters. The practice is led by Jonathan Aronie, who is ‘knowledgeable, efficient and always gives practical guidance.’ Anne Perry and Keith Szeliga are key names for complex bid protest litigation, while David Douglass is noted for his wealth of experience in advising healthcare, pharmaceutical and tech companies on False Claims Act investigations and litigation. All named lawyers are based in Washington DC.

Vinson & Elkins LLP‘s Washington DC-based government contracts practice is noted for its wealth of experience in high-stakes bid protests and claims litigation. The group acts for major contractors operating in the defense, aerospace, healthcare, construction and IT industries. Headed by David Johnson, the team is equipped to handle suspension and debarment proceedings, False Claims Act matters, contact disputes, M&A and compliance issues. Regarded as a ‘rock star in government contracts’, Jamie Tabb is especially active in contract disputes at the federal level. At counsel level, Elizabeth McIntyre leads on economic sanction and export control compliance, and Tyler Robinson is recommended for bid protests and subcontractor disputes.

Frequently representing small and large contractors in the tech, aerospace and national security spaces, Akin covers procurement matters at local, state, federal and international levels. Recently, the group has handled a varied workload, spanning security clearance issues, False Claims Act investigation and litigation, M&A and intellectual property-related government contract matters and bid protests. Leading the team is Michael Vernick, who has significant experience in researching funding, investigations and compliance issues, with a focus on the education and life sciences sectors. Scott Heimberg is specialized in transactions involving security clearance and foreign ownership, control and influence issues. Infrastructure and transportation are the areas of expertise of Susan Lent, while Angela Styles is prominent in grants, cost and pricing issues and commercial item contracting.

At Mayer Brown, the government contracts team sits within the firm’s wider national security department and features lawyers with high-level security clearance, making it well placed to handle litigation involving the security agencies. Noted for its wealth of experience in acting for major contractors, subcontractors and suppliers, the practice handles bid protests, compliance matters, investigations and contractual negotiations, with a focus on the aerospace, defense and healthcare segments. Leading the Washington DC-based group is Marcia Madsen, who is highly regarded for her ‘outstanding technical knowledge’. Madsen manages a broad practice, spanning False Claims Act issues, bid protests, cybersecurity matters and federal litigation, working alongside counsels Luke Levasseur and Cameron Edlefsen.

The ‘energetic and creative’ government contracts team at Seyfarth Shaw LLP is highly regarded for offering ‘any federal contractor a “one-stop shop” for all their needs.’ The group is noted for its strong litigation practice, with a proven track record in bid protests, cost accounting disputes and False Claims Act cases. The practice was boosted in July 2022 with the arrival of former K&L Gates practitioners and Washington DC-based Amy Hoang, counsel Erica Bakies and associate Sarah Burgart, bringing a wealth of experience in bid protests and internal investigations. Hoang, who is well regarded as ‘very hands on and knowledgeable’, co-leads the department with Donald Featherstun in San Francisco and Seattle-based Adam Lasky, whose practice covers bid protests, international procurement matters and SBA regulatory compliance. Another key name is contract claims and bid protest expert Edward Arnold in Washington DC.

With ‘a wide range of knowledge’, Thompson Hine LLP offers comprehensive assistance with government contract matters at federal, state and local levels. Based in Washington DC, the team demonstrates notable strength in the telecom, IT, life sciences and defense industries, where it handles contract disputes, compliance programs and False Claims Act matters. Leading the group is Francis Purcell, who is sought after to handle intellectual property and M&A-related government contracts matters as well as litigation. Ryan Spiegel  focuses on compliance, counselling and dispute resolution work involving bid protests, trade secrets and False Claim Act cases. A new addition to the team includes Edward DeLisle, who joined the firm in September 2022 from Offit Kurman.

WilmerHale‘s Washington DC-based group boasts a strong track record in large bid protests and is noted for its wealth of experience in IP, government contract patent rights and cybersecurity. Housing lawyers with security clearance, the team is well versed in issues at the intersection of government contracts and national security. Prominent in the defense, tech, aerospace and energy, the practice is jointly led by Stephen Preston, whose past experience includes serving as general counsel of the Department of Defense and the CIA, and Andrew Shipley. Preston is particularly active in advising on crisis management, procurement fraud cases and investigations, while Shipley is recommended for bid protests, federal court litigation and appeals. Other key names include Barry Hurewitz, who handles transactional and regulatory work, and investigations specialist Erik Swabb.

Offering ‘practical and useful advice’, Dentons is ‘highly knowledgeable in all areas of government contracts.’ The group is active in a wide range of industries, most notably defense, aerospace, healthcare, tech and life sciences, handling diverse mandates including bid protests and False Claims Act litigation to IP protection in government contracts and M&A. Steven Masiello heads up the team and has extensive experience in handling domestic and cross-border bid protests, corporate transactions and procurement fraud matters. He works alongside Thomas Lemmer, who is noted for his expertise in cost accounting disputes, and Joseph Martinez, whose practice covers contracts litigation and corporate counseling. All named lawyers are based in Denver.

Husch Blackwell LLP‘s ‘very knowledgeable’ government contracts team is particularly known for its strong litigation offering, with a proven track record in bid protests and disputes before federal courts. Alongside this practice, the group assists contractor and subcontractors with compliance matters, government investigations and federal and state government healthcare programs. The Washington DC-based team is led by Brian Waagner, who is especially sought after to handle complex litigation. Hal Perloff is well versed in suspension and debarment proceeding, while Steven Neeley is recommended for bid protests. Another key name is Michael Schrier.

Miller & Chevalier Chartered is noted for its wealth of experience in representing contractors in high-stakes bid protests and contract disputes involving complex procurement laws. Headed by Jason Workmaster, the Washington DC-based practice has recently handled a varied workload, spanning subcontractor disputes, False Claims Act claims, international investigations, intellectual property protection in the government contracts and M&A. Alejandro Sarria is a popular choice among major tech and construction companies seeking assistance with internal investigations and contract disputes.

With a core focus in bid protests, the government contracts department at Venable LLP is notably active in the defense and healthcare sectors in addition to logistics services. Paul Debolt co-heads the team from Washington DC and he is thoroughly knowledgeable of claims, data rights matters and internal investigations. Scott Hommer also co-leads the team and is located in Virginia, often engaged in administrative law issues as well as, contract and regulatory litigation. Rebecca Pearson in DC represents clients before the Department of Justice and federal courts on civil matters concerning government contractors. Also Virginia-based, James Boland is noted for his experience before the Court of Federal Claims and Government Accountability Office.

Williams & Connolly LLP represents contractors across an array of industries including aerospace and defense, construction and engineering, healthcare, and industrial products and supply. The team is seasoned in health care government contracts matters including false billing and reporting, Medicare/Medicaid reimbursement, rebates and purchase discounts, and is jointly headed by Edward Reddington and Greg Bowman. The former is often engaged in both internal and governmental investigations, while the latter’s client roster features an assortment of government officials and private sector companies. He has also assisted a plethora of corporate clients with government investigations and negotiations. All individuals that have been mentioned are located in Washington DC.