Associate Attorney (Government Contracts)

Orionplacement; San Francisco (CA); Hybrid; USD 195,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Dental insurance

Paid time off

Retirement plan

Vision insurance

Job summary

Orionplacement is seeking a litigation attorney with at least 3 years of experience in government contracts. The successful candidate will litigate bid protests and claims disputes while advising clients on regulatory compliance.

This hybrid role based in San Francisco or Washington, DC, values collaborative work and offers a supportive environment to build a meaningful career. The firm promotes personal connections with clients and a commitment to excellent lawyering.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of litigation experience focused on government contracts.
• Strong drafting and communication skills are essential.
• Ability to manage multiple projects while being a team player.

Responsibilities

• Litigate bid protests and claims disputes in federal courts.
• Advise clients on compliance and ethics issues.
• Draft and review legal documents with precision.

Skills

Litigation experience

Excellent written and oral communication skills

Analytical thinking

Education

Admission to practice in DC, Virginia, Maryland, or California

Job description

Pay: $195,000.00 - $210,000.00 per year

Why This Is a Great Opportunity

• Step into a tight-knit, nationally respected litigation boutique where smaller truly means smarter — no bureaucratic red tape, just exceptional lawyering and real client relationships
• Work at the forefront of government contracts law: bid protests, False Claims Act matters, regulatory compliance, procurement integrity, claims and performance disputes — substantive, high-stakes work from day one
• Get client-facing experience early and often — this firm believes in putting associates in the room, not behind the scenes
• A realistic path to shareholder for those who invest in their own development — this is not a firm where partnership is a moving target
• Collaborate across practice groups if you want breadth — the structure here supports it
• Competitive compensation plus full coverage of health and dental insurance premiums for you, and 30% of dependent premiums — a genuinely generous benefits package
• Eligible for both hours-based non-discretionary bonuses and merit-based bonuses tied to outstanding results, contributions, and business development
• A 1,800-hour annual billable target with approved pro bono (up to 100 hours) and DEI work (up to 25 hours) counting toward that goal — a firm that puts its values in writing

Location: This role is based in our Washington, DC or San Francisco office. We operate on a hybrid schedule with a 3-day in-office expectation — a structure that keeps our team connected and collaborative while giving you the flexibility to do your best work.

Note: Candidates must be admitted to practice in the District of Columbia, Virginia, Maryland, or California. Government contracts litigation experience is required; this is not a general litigation position.

About Us

We are a litigation boutique with over four decades of experience representing Fortune 500 companies, private corporations, nonprofits, government entities, and individuals throughout California and across the United States. Founded on the belief that smaller is smarter, we've built a firm free from the weight of large‑firm bureaucracy — one where attorneys can think more creatively, act more nimbly, and build genuine, lasting relationships with clients. Our collaborative team of staff and attorneys is what keeps this firm not just successful, but a true pleasure to work for. Confidential Employer.

Job Description

• Litigate bid protests, claims and performance disputes, and terminations for default or convenience before federal agencies and courts
• Advise clients on regulatory compliance, procurement integrity, Organizational Conflicts of Interest, and ethics issues
• Handle False Claims Act matters — both defense and counseling — with thoroughness and strategic focus
• Draft and review briefs, pleadings, motions, and client correspondence with precision and clarity
• Manage multiple complex matters simultaneously in a fast‑paced, deadline‑driven environment
• Collaborate with senior attorneys and partners while maintaining meaningful autonomy on assigned work
• Engage directly with clients, contributing to relationships that are personal, trust‑based, and long‑term
• Participate in other practice group matters as interests and firm needs align

Qualifications

• 3+ years of litigation experience, with a focus on government contracts
• Admitted to practice in DC, Virginia, Maryland, or California (required)
• Experience with bid protests, claims disputes, False Claims Act, and/or compliance counseling strongly preferred
• Excellent written and oral communication skills — strong drafting is non‑negotiable
• Solid academic credentials and sharp analytical thinking
• Ability to manage multiple projects independently while contributing to a collaborative team
• Self‑starter mentality with a consistent attention to detail

Why You Will Love Working Here

This is a firm that genuinely values the people who work here. You'll have a real voice, real client contact, and a real shot at building a career — not just filling a seat. The culture is collaborative without being political, and the work is substantive without being soul‑crushing. If you're the kind of attorney who wants to be known for excellent lawyering and trusted client relationships — not just your billable hours — this is the place for you.

Benefits

• Dental insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance