Boasting a diverse client roster of top federal contractors, Arnold & Porter advises leading corporates across the healthcare, defense and aerospace, private equity, financial services and education sectors. The firm excels in the full range of government contracts matters, including high-stakes and high-value bid protests, contract dispute litigation, grant requirements and compliance counselling, false claims act matters and national security matters, while also handling a number of M&A transactions involving government contractors. Practice head Kara Daniels is based in Washington DC and has extensive experience in bid protests, contract disputes, investigations and compliance matters. The rest of the core team also sit in Washington DC, which includes Craig Holman, who handles bid protests and other contentious matters for leading tech and IT, engineering, financial services, aerospace and defense clients, Michael McGill, who specializes in M&A transactions involving government contractors and Sonia Tabriz, who is an expert in cost accounting compliance and claims, grants and security compliance. Senior associate Thomas Pettit continues to be active on all government contracts matters, particularly those related to cyber security and information security. James Kim left the department in March 2024.

The ‘highly knowledgeable and nimble team’ of government contracts practitioners at Crowell & Moring LLP provides expert support across bid protests, contract violation claims, cost accounting, cybersecurity matters, false claims act investigations, grants and M&A transactions. The group receives mandates from clients across a range of sectors, including aerospace and defense, IT and telecommunications, healthcare and private equity. The practice is based in the firm’s Washington DC office and is led by Peter Eyre, who is well versed in suspension and debarment matters, internal investigations and M&A transactions, Daniel Forman, a preeminent bid protests litigator and Adelicia Cliffe, who practices at the intersection of international trade and government contracting, handling supply chain issues, national security and export control regimes. Amy O’Sullivan frequently leads on complex bid protests, Nicole Owren-Wiest is a go-to name for cost accounting matters and cost disputes, and Michelle Coleman, who was made partner in January 2024, is also active in contract disputes. Among the teams recent departures were David Hammond in December 2023 and Jim Regan in July 2024, who both retired.

The team at Wiley Rein LLP guides clients through complex bid protest and claims litigation, from start to finish, including handling ensuing appeals. Further areas of strength include internal and governmental investigations, corporate and M&A advice and contract counselling from formation to termination. The team has a broad sector coverage and advises major companies across defense and aerospace, energy, intelligence, tech and healthcare. The Washington DC based practice is led by Scott McCaleb, who advises a number of leading defense and aerospace clients, for example BAE Systems and The Boeing Company, and Paul Khoury, who handles the full range of contentious and non-contentious contracting matters. Jon Burd is also a popular choice for companies in the defense, aerospace and intelligence industries in litigations and bid protests, Tracye Howard handles various compliance mandates for government contractors and has an active bid protests practice as does John Prairie, who frequently advocates before the US Court of Federal Claims and the Government Accountability Office. Brian Walsh handles claims litigation and contract negotiations, Gary Ward counsels government contractors on cost accounting rules, cybersecurity requirements and financial issues while Cara Sizemore, who was made partner in January 2024, handles bid protests and counsels clients on domestic preference rules. Among the further team changes were the partner promotions of George Petel and Ryan Frazee, who were made partners in January 2025, while Eric Leonard left the practice in February 2024, as did Sarah Hansen in August 2024, the latter for an in-house position at Boeing.

Blank Rome LLP regularly serves as government contracts counsel on M&A transactions, recently handling a number of such mandates for aerospace and defense clients, while also providing expert advice on high-value bid protests, FCA litigation, bet-the-company litigation and compliance advice. Other sectors in which the firm maintains an active practice include healthcare, maritime and technology. Justin Chiarodo co-leads the practice and has in depth knowledge of federal, state and local procurement law, handling both regulatory compliance and contentious contract litigation. Dominique Casimir advises major defense contractors on bid protests, suspension and debarment issues, FCA investigations and contract litigation, co-head Luke Meier similarly handles contentious bid protests, contract claims and fraud investigations as does Scott Arnold, who is an expert in foreign military sales, the foreign corrupt practices act and export control issues in this regard. Clients see Elizabeth Jochum as a ‘go-to’ government contracts practitioner, whose practice spans both contentious and non-contentious contracting advice. Other key members of the team include bid protests expert Stephanie Harden and FCA litigation specialist Robyn Burrows. Philadelphia based Michael Montalbano was made partner in January 2025 and maintains a broad practice encompassing advice on bid protests, M&A transactions and compliance matters for clients across the environmental, maritime, IT and cybersecurity industries. The rest of the team is based in Washington DC.

Leading aerospace and defense, universities and academic research institutions and life sciences clients frequently turn to Hogan Lovells US LLP for their ‘unmatched’ breadth of experience across all facets of government contracting. Routine engagements include representation in high value bid protests before the GAO and US court of federal claims, contract disputes, including FCA litigation, suspension and debarment issues and cybersecurity matters as well as M&A transactions that involve government contractors. The Washington DC based practice is led by a trio of practitioners, namely William Ferreira, who is well versed in internal investigations related to contract audits, cost accounting standards, federal grant compliance and FCA enforcement, Michael Mason, who handles contentious matters for clients in the aerospace and defense industries and Stacy Hadeka, who excels in high stakes bid protests, FCA and cybersecurity investigations, disclosure obligations and M&A support. Michael Scheimer has extensive experience in defense contracting and M&A transactions involving contractors, as well as advising clients on cybersecurity and supply chain compliance, while Joy Sturm advises on federal contracts in the life sciences sector. Christine Reynolds has distinguished herself in bid protests at the federal, state and local levels and Taylor Hillman has recently supported the team on high value bid protests and M&A transactions.

Strong relationships with defense contractors and companies in the computing, telecoms and healthcare industries characterize Latham & Watkins LLP government contracts practice, which handles a diverse array of litigation, including high value bid protests, contract claims, fraud and FCA investigations. The team is also a popular choice for compliance counselling and for support with M&A transactions. The team sits in Washington DC and is jointly led by Kyle Jefcoat, who handles both compliance and litigation advice, Anne Robinson, who frequently handles FCA litigation, bid protests and enforcement actions, and Dean Baxtresser, who is well versed in government investigations, compliance obligations and disputes.

With a strong record in traditional bid protests spanning the aerospace and defense, construction, cybersecurity, healthcare and IT sectors, Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP is also frequently called on for support in contract disputes act claims, suspension and debarment matters, M&A transactions, while also providing ongoing counselling on international trade, export and federal funding compliance. Practice head David Dixon sits in Northern Virginia and handles bid protests and claims litigation before the GAO, while Matt Carter splits time between Washington DC and Los Angeles and makes up the second half of the leadership team since the departure of former practice head Alex Tomaszczuk in June 2024. Carter frequently defends major defense contractors in suspension and debarment matters, Richard Oliver is well versed in bid protests and small business challenges and Aaron Ralph handles security clearance applications, cybersecurity obligations, M&A transactions and cost pricing issues, with the latter two also based in the Los Angeles office. In Northern Virginia Meghan Doherty advises government contractors on cybersecurity obligations and John Jensen is highly experienced in M&A transactions concerning government contractors, while in Washington DC Marques Peterson counsels defense clients on all aspects of the procurement process.

Rogers Joseph O’Donnell complements a strong government contracts litigation offering covering federal, state and local bid protests, REA disputes, prime-sub disputes, with tailored advice on cyber and supply chain security and compliance counselling. The firm advises a range of clients from contractors under the small business innovation research program, to leading IT, telecoms, construction, transportation, healthcare and defense contractors. Lucas Hanback in Washington DC and Mark Linderman in San Francisco jointly lead the practice, with the former focusing on regulatory and contract compliance and bid protest litigation, and the latter handling claims, litigation and compliance related to infrastructure projects in the US and Canada. Further key names in San Francisco include Neil O’Donnell, who handles bit protests, FCA litigations and investigations, Aaron Silberman, who is experienced in the gamut of government contracting counselling and litigation and Dennis Callahan, who covers bid protests and contract formation and termination disputes. In Washington DC Robert Metzger handles cyber, supply chain and security matters, Stephen Bacon, is a trusted advisory to small business government contractors and Cindy Lopez, maintains an active protests, disputes and compliance practice.

Seyfarth Shaw LLP is highly regarded for its stellar track record in complex bid protests before the GAO, while also handling contract claims and litigation, international law compliance matters and a broad array of internal investigations, namely those related to small business set-asides, security clearances, export controls and cost accounting. Adam Lasky sits in Seattle and is experienced in bid protests before the GAO, the US court of federal claims and the federal circuit and leads the team alongside Amy Conant-Hoang, who is based in the firms Washington DC office alongside the rest of the government contracts team. Conant-Hoang handles internal investigations, corporate transactions alongside her thriving bid protests practice, Edward Arnold is a go-to practitioner for FCA litigation, internal investigations and whistleblower complaints, Erica Bakies is an expert in foreign investments and the national security aspects of procurement, and Zachary Jacobson advises contractors in the emerging technologies, space, aerospace and defense industries on IP rights aspects. Ken Kanzawa joined the practice in December 2024 and covers both litigation and compliance counselling.

Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP is a popular destination for government contracts and procurement clients operating across the intelligence, aerospace and defense sectors for assistance on the full range of contracting matters. This includes national security advice, bid protests and corrective actions before the GAO, grant advice and transactional support. Jonathan Aronie leads the Washington DC based team and is highly experienced in bid protests, FCA and internal investigations. Further key practitioners in the team include Anne Perry who has a broad practice that encompasses advice on export controls, foreign military sales and financing, suspension, debarment and bid protests. Keith Szeliga handles costs and pricing issues, compliance matters, small business issues and FCA litigation, Ryan Roberts handles a range of counselling, litigation and investigation matters and Townsend Bourne frequently acts as government contracts counsel to defense, tech and retail clients. Jonathan Meyer joined the firm from the Department of Homeland security in October 2024 and bolsters the firms offering in national security matters and governmental investigations.

Akin offers a comprehensive service in FCA matters, bid protests, investigations, suspension and debarment, infrastructure procurement, contract negotiations and transactions for major tech, aerospace and defense contractors. The team is based in Washington DC and is led by Michael Vernick, who handles a range of FCA, contracts and grants, bid protests and compliance issues for high education institutions and healthcare and life sciences clients. Susan Lent is adept at procurement matters in the transportation and energy sectors, focusing on financial agreements, domestic regulations and legislation in this regard, while Scott Heimberg’s broad practice includes advice on transactions involving government contractors, bid protests and compliance counselling. Angela Styles advises defense, energy and homeland security clients on grants, costs and pricing issues and federal procurement, Marta Thompson assists on high stakes FCA cases and McKenzie Miller combines expertise in commercial litigation, white collar investigations with government contracts matters.

Complementing an active practice in high stakes bid protests before the GAO, Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP is equally proficient in M&A transactions involving government contractors, investigations and compliance counselling. Among the firm’s regular clients are major contractors operating across the aerospace, defense, satellite, technology and healthcare spaces. Practice head James McCullough has a broad practice and handles all stages of bid protest litigation. In the team Michael Anstett covers claims and subcontract disputes, compliance issues, M&A and debarment matters, and Alexander Ginsberg is well versed in cost accounting and small business issues. Robert Starling joined the practice in October 2024 from Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP and bolsters the team’s capacity in bid protest litigation. The team is based in Washington DC.

Healthcare, IT, defense, aerospace, software contractors seeking government contracts advice rely on Greenberg Traurig LLP for assistance with M&A transactions, IP issues, cybersecurity compliance as well as a whole host of contentious matters, where the team often works with clients handling emerging technologies. Jeffrey Chiow is highly experienced in handling bid protests, cybersecurity and supply chain issues for aerospace and defense clients and leads the practice alongside Jennifer Zucker who also handles high value bid protests and is praised for the ‘great quality of work’ she provides. Shomari Wade is well versed in government contract finance and Eleanor Ross is an expert in cybersecurity and supply chain regulation. All four are based in Washington DC. Skip Smith joined the firms Denver office in February 2024, while Laura Cummings and Andrew Lee bolster the firm’s Washington DC office, and all three practice at the intersection of government contracting and the space and satellite industry.

Contractors in the technology, professional services and healthcare sectors increasingly turn to McDermott Will & Emery LLP’s government contracts practice for support on high value bid protests, claims litigation and costs disputes as well as cybersecurity counselling. The team is based in Washington DC and is jointly led by Daniel Graham and Tara Ward, with the former covering bid protests, prime- and subcontractor litigation and compliance matters, and the latter handling contractor transactions, small business regulations and supply chain issues next to a strong litigation offering. Llewelyn Engel was made partner in January 2024 and is highly experienced in DOJ and congressional investigations while Mac Routh handles FAR compliance and bid protests.

Steptoe LLP’s broad government contracts practice provides comprehensive advice on a range of contentious and non-contentious matters, including bid protests, contract claims, IP issues, FCA litigation and government investigations. Paul Hurst leads the Washington DC based practice and focuses on disputes and investigations related the FCA, fraud and procurement decisions. Amba Datta handles various compliance matters and maintains and active bid protests practice, Tyler Evans is singled out by clients as a ‘world class government contracts attorney’ and advises primarily life sciences and defense clients and Caitlin Conroy handles contracting issues related to federal funding, small business regulations, cybersecurity requirements and mandatory disclosures. In March 2024 the practice was bolstered by the arrival of three former Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP practitioners; Karl Hopkins, Dana Dyson and Melissa Mahle, all of whom have significant experience in national security and crisis management.

Vinson & Elkins LLP stand out for its stellar track record in complex bid protests and claims litigation, while also being a popular choice for advice on M&A transactions, contract and subcontract negotiations, suspension and debarment matters and FCA litigation and other fraud investigations. The team has clients across a broad range of industries, including aerospace, defense, healthcare, construction and IT. David Johnson handles a range of contract disputes, export controls and foreign investment issues and leads the practice alongside Jamie Tabb, who excels in bid protest litigation before the GAO and COFC. Tyler Robinson handles both litigation and compliance counselling, including on federal acquisition regulation, agency supplemental acquisition regulations and small business administration regulations and Elizabeth McIntyre similarly handles federal compliance for government contractors as well as supporting them in M&A transactions.

The bicoastal government contracts practice at BakerHostetler is adept in a whole host of contentious and non-contentious government contracting matters. This includes representation in bid protests, suspension and debarment proceedings, enforcement matters and claims litigation, as well as ongoing counselling, including on small business and export controls compliance. Los Angeles based Todd Canni makes up half of the leadership of the practice, and is well versed in crisis situations, such as bet the company litigation, suspension and debarment proceedings. Stephen Ruscus in Washington DC co-leads alongside Canni, and advises contractors across the defense, technology, life sciences, healthcare and manufacturing industries on compliance issues and in bid protests. Further key names in Washington DC are bid protests expert Kevin Barnett and experienced public policy and government contracts litigators Kevin Dorn and Kaitlyn Toth.

A strong showing in high value bid protests before the GAO and US court of federal claims makes Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP a strong choice for contractors in the immigration and enforcement, healthcare, defense, education and healthcare sectors. The team is primarily based in Washington DC and led by Aron Beezley, who is adept at contract claims litigation and bid protests, and Robert Symon, who is particularly strong in the construction sector, handling advice and litigation related to FAR and CDA compliance. Nathaniel Greeson is well versed in bid protests, Lisa Markman covers construction and government contracts litigation, Patrick Quigley regularly handles prime/subcontractor disputes, small business contracting matters and FCA litigation, and Gabrielle Sprio in Nashville supports on various government contracting matters. Timothy Whittle joined the team in April 2024 from McGuireWoods LLP and is based in the Washington DC office.

Dentons deep contracting and procurement knowledge is frequently called upon by life sciences, healthcare, technology, aerospace, defense and construction clients looking for support in cost and pricing litigation and cost accounting issues, corporate transactions, bid protests and compliance issues. Denver based Steven Masiello leads the team and is an expert in cost accounting disputes, audits and bid protests. Thomas Lemmer contributes extensive experience in costs and pricing issues, while also frequently representing clients in FCA litigation and Sandra Sok handles a range of contracts litigation: both are based in Denver. Seamus Curley sits in Washington DC and is routinely engaged in government investigations, while Gale Monahan covers costs and pricing litigation and counselling, and is based in Dallas.

The ‘exceptionally knowledgeable and professional’ government contracts practice at DLA Piper LLP (US) has extensive experience in federal, state and local contracting. Among the team’s capabilities are bid protests, transactional support and M&A expertise, cybersecurity compliance, federal grants issues and regulatory counselling. The practice is primarily based in Washington DC and is jointly led by Sam Knowles, who has specialist knowledge in GSA federal supply schedule contracting, commercial item contracting and IP matters, and Dawn Stern, who chiefly handles contracting disputes and cybersecurity compliance issues. Daniel Cook handles contract counselling and litigation for pharma, life sciences and medical devices companies, and Thomas Daley handles a litany of contracts investigations and litigation, including FCA matters and Richard Rector is well versed in bid protests. Brad Jorgensen in based in Austin and focuses on M&A transactions involving government contractors.

Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP is a strong choice for a range of advisory and contentious government contracts matters, including costs and pricing disputes, bid protests before the GAO, corporate transactions, IP rights protection, cybersecurity matters and general compliance counselling. The leadership team is based on Washington DC and is comprised of Dhananjay Manthripragada, who focuses on criminal fraud investigations and litigation, including issues of FCA and cost accounting standards, Lindsay Paulin, who handles the full range of contentious and non-contentious government contracts matters, and Joseph West, whose broad practice includes investigation, enforcement and compliance advising.  Jonathan Phillips is well versed in FCA and whistleblower litigation, John Chesley focuses on contracts litigation and enforcement matters and Daniel Chung handles FCA investigations and bid protests.

Husch Blackwell LLP have a ‘solid foundation’ in the government contracts field and frequently handle an array of contentious matters in the federal construction contracting engineering support services and healthcare contracting spaces. This includes bid protests, contract termination litigation, debarment issues and federal investigations. Brian Waagner leads the team and is well versed in bid protests, disputes and FCA litigation. Waagner sits in the firm’s Washington DC office and is supported there by Hal Perloff, who excels in domestic preference rules and labor standards, FCA litigation and suspension and debarment proceedings, and Steven Neeley, who often covers transactions concerning government contractors, next to his contentious practice. Michael Schrier offers employment advice and litigation for government contractors and Cormac Connor advises on internal investigations, and both are also based in DC. Eric Singley joined the practice in January 2024 followed by John Meyer in April 2024, with the former covering corporate matters and the latter handling matters in the energy sector.

Contractors, subcontractors and suppliers in the defense, education, transport and infrastructure, healthcare and aerospace industries turn to Mayer Brown for support on procurement work. The team continues to advise on bid protests, claims disputes, regulatory and compliance issues, contract formation and negotiation, grants and loans matters. Michael Lackey leads the practice and the firms Washington DC office and is a highly regarded for his expertise in state and federal proceedings and governmental investigations. Luke Levasseur covers bid protests, FCA litigation as well as ethics and compliance counselling and Evan Williams handles the entire range of contentious and non-contentious contracting matters for aerospace, defense and technology clients. All three are based in in Washington DC.

Miller & Chevalier Chartered houses a team of highly experienced litigators who handle a flow of contentious contracts matters, including contractor claims, bid protests, FCA actions, internal investigations and prime/subcontractor disputes, while also being adept at compliance counselling on various topics. Jason Workmaster leads the practice and focuses on high stakes contentious matters that he often leads before the Court of Federal Claims, the GAO and US district courts. Other key contracts include Alejandro Sarria, who covers litigation mandates in the aerospace, defense, nuclear, engineering, transport, pharma and energy spaces, and Scott Flesch, who is highly experienced in the defense sector and covers bid protests, claims disputes and suspension and debarment cases. Ashley Powers joined the team in February 2024 from the Central Intelligence Agency and is well versed in compliance pertaining to the Federal Acquisition Regulation, supply chains and cybersecurity. The team is based in Washington DC.

Washington DC based boutique Nichols Liu is singled out for being able to cover ‘the full suite of critical services any federal contractor needs’. This includes bid protests, cost and pricing claims, suspension and debarment proceedings, FCA investigations, ethics and compliance program drafting. The team is based in Washington DC and led by Robert Nichols, who has deep expertise in contentious and non-contentious international contracting matters, Andy Liu, who is well versed in investigations, fraud, FCA and claims litigation, and Lynne Halbrooks, who counsels clients on compliance and enforcement matters often as part of internal and government investigations. Carla Weiss joined the firm in May 2024 from Jenner & Block LLP and is adept in bid protests before the GAO and court of federal claims. Sarah Curtis joined the practice in December 2023 from an in house position, while Annie Hudgins joined in June 2024 from PilieroMazza LLP and both assist the government contracts team.

Practicing at the intersection between government contracts and construction, Smith Currie Oles regularly represents prime and subcontractors of significant federal and state construction projects in bid protests, equitable adjustments, termination settlement proposals, claims, and disputes. Howard Roth in Seattle has extensive experience in bid protests, IP rights, buy American act and contract disputes act claims and appeals, and leads the practice alongside Jacob Scott in Washington DC, who additionally handles small business issues matters. Lochlin Samples sits in the firm’s Atlanta office and is well versed in contract drafting, RFPs and REAs, as does Scott Walters, who defends contract claims before the federal courts, appeal boards and in arbitration, and Jonathan Mayo, who covers issues of equitable adjustments and termination settlement proposals. Allison Geewax in Washington DC and Nicole Wolfe in Seattle are further active members of the practice.

Contractors operating across the construction, telecoms, life sciences, logistics and manufacturing sectors rely on Thompson Hine LLP’s government contracts practice for ongoing support managing their government contracts, including on regulatory compliance, contract costs and schedule recovery, termination settlement proposals as well as in litigation and disputes. Francis Purcell leads the group, which is based in Washington DC, and advises both prime and subcontractors on drafting agreements, compliance issues and in disputes. Ryan Spiegel is well versed in FCA litigation, contract disputes and business torts on the contentious side while remaining active on non-contentious compliance matters and Andrés Vera covers litigation and transaction support in the government contracts space.

Venable LLP houses a ‘talented team with great experience’ which excels in complex bid protests and frequently acts for clients in the defense and healthcare sectors. Other areas of expertise include compliance advice on FAR and SAFETY Act designations, cost accounting, suspension and debarment proceedings. Paul Debolt and Scott Hommer both lead the Washington DC based team, with the former handling all stages of the procurement process, from the initial bid, through to contract termination and any ensuring disputes, and the latter adept in IP rights, regulatory compliance, bid protests and other related litigation. Dismas Locaria is experienced in suspension and debarment matters, small business contracting and domestic security, James Boland advises defense, intelligence and publicly traded contractors through bid protests and Rebecca Pearson is similarly a go to contract for bid protests and other civil litigation matters.

Williams & Connolly LLP stands out in the litigation and investigations fields, with the team demonstrating proficiency in the gamut of contentious matters, including FCA matters, governmental investigations, fraud, abuse, pricing and other contract claims disputes. The team advises clients in the aerospace, defense, IT, professional services, construction and healthcare sectors. Washington DC-based team is led by Edward Reddington, who excels in investigations, particularly those related to the foreign corrupt practices act, FCA and procurement integrity, and Greg Bowman, who handles patent litigation, class action lawsuits and matters of national security. Christopher Manning represents contractors in FCA litigation, anti-terrorism act and alien tort statute litigation and Christopher Mandernach is a further active member of the practice.