Associate, Government Contracts (Disputes)

Latham & Watkins; Northern; Hybrid; CAD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking an Associate for its Government Contracts practice. This role offers the opportunity to advocate for government contractors in disputes, requiring a blend of legal expertise and strong communication skills. Ideal candidates will have 3-6 years of experience in government contracts and a passion for providing actionable advice in a fast-paced environment. The firm emphasizes mentorship and professional growth, making it an exciting opportunity for those looking to shape their careers within a dynamic team. If you thrive in a challenging legal landscape and are ready to make a significant impact, this position is for you.

Qualifications

• 3-6 years of experience in Government Contracts required.
• Strong legal writing and communication skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Advocating for government contractors in disputes.
• Managing matters independently with client interaction.

Skills

Excellent writing skills

Strong communication abilities

Attention to detail

Regulatory compliance (FAR/DFARS)

Negotiating agreements

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Admission to Virginia Bar

Job description

Associate, Government Contracts (Disputes)

Fluet is a boutique law firm devoted to the national security industry: aerospace, defense, intelligence and dual-use technology. Like our clients, we are creative and entrepreneurial, and we practice law in the fast-paced and agile manner that our clients require to guide their high growth businesses to success in an industry replete with risks and rewards.

Do you like writing long legal memos, covering the law of all 50 states?

Do you like to learn by reading law books or law review articles?

Do you like doing one thing every day for the same partner?

Are you looking for a place where the work is easy?

If you answered “yes” to any of the above, we are not the firm for you. But if you want to be mentored from partners looking to train the next generation of the firm’s leadership; if you are intellectually curious, but not academic; if you want to counsel in a world where the answers often are unclear, but your clients need actionable advice now; and if you want to advocate for mission-focused clients where the stakes could not be greater, please apply to Fluet.

We offer a full range of services in our practice areas:

• Government Contracts
• Corporate + Transactional
• Litigation + Investigations
• International Trade

Position Description

As an associate in our Government Contracts practice, you will be advocating for government contractors of all sizes with all aspects of government contracts disputes. You will be part of a dynamic and collegial team with opportunities to work directly with clients and to expand and shape your own practice.

Experience with regulatory compliance (e.g., FAR/DFARS), drafting and negotiating agreements (e.g., teaming agreements, prime and subcontract agreements), and government investigations is essential. Additionally, experience with prime-sub disputes, bid protests, suspension and debarment, compliance audits, novations, and small business programs is desirable. A successful candidate will possess excellent writing skills, strong communication abilities, and consistent attention to detail.

This position can expect to have direct interaction with clients and responsibility for managing matters independently.

The position is eligible for hybrid work. The expectation would be for at least two days in our Tysons, VA office. This position offers a competitive full-time billable hour requirement of 1600 hours.

Qualifications

• 3-6 years of experience in Government Contracts
• Admission (or waiver) to Virginia Bar

Preferred Qualifications

• DoD/National Security background
• Judicial Clerkship in the Court of Federal Claims or Board of Contract Appeals
• Work experience with a federal contractor, a government agency, and/or a nationally recognized government contracts practice