Gov't, Defense and National Security Associate Attorney

Food Management Search, Inc.; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Food Management Search, Inc. in Washington, DC seeks an Associate Attorney to join a national law firm's Defense, National Security & Government Contracts Practice Group in a hybrid role.

The attorney will advise on government contracts, bid protests, and internal investigations, partnering with a sophisticated team. Candidates must have a JD from a top-tier law school, DC Bar in good standing, 5–8 years of government contracts experience, and strong FAR knowledge.

Qualifications

• Top-tier JD with excellent academic record.
• Active DC Bar in good standing or eligible.
• 5–8 years of substantive Government Contracts experience.
• Experience handling government contracts matters including bid protests and Contract Disputes Act.
• Strong knowledge of FAR and related procurement regulations.
• Experience advising on compliance, investigations and dispute resolution.
• Excellent legal writing, research and analytical skills.
• Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills; large firm experience preferred.
• Ability to manage complex matters with meticulous attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Advise clients on a broad range of government contracts and federal procurement matters.
• Handle bid protests, Contract Disputes Act claims, and other government contract-related disputes.
• Counsel clients regarding FAR compliance and other procurement regulations.
• Conduct and support internal investigations involving government contracting issues.
• Draft and negotiate contracts, agreements, legal memoranda, and related transactional documents.
• Provide strategic guidance on regulatory, compliance, and risk management matters for government contractors.
• Collaborate with attorneys across practice areas on complex government, regulatory, and national security matters.

Skills

Legal writing

Legal research

Analytical skills

Collaboration

Communication skills

Education

JD from top-tier law school

DC Bar admission

5-8 years government contracts experience

Job description

Gov't, Defense and National Security Associate Attorney

Defense, National Security & Government Contracts Practice Group

Location: Washington, DC

HYBRID

Our client, a leading international law firm, is seeking a talented Associate Attorney to join its highly regarded Defense, National Security & Government Contracts Practice Group in Washington, DC. This is an exceptional opportunity to work with a sophisticated team advising clients on complex government contracts matters, regulatory compliance, federal procurement issues, internal investigations, bid protests, and contract disputes. The practice represents clients at the intersection of government, business, and national security, offering attorneys exposure to high-profile and strategically significant matters.

Candidate Profile

• JD from a top-tier law school with an excellent academic record
• Active Bar Admission in Washington, DC, in good standing (or eligible for admission)
• 5-8 years of substantive Government Contracts experience
• Demonstrated experience handling government contracts matters, including bid protests, Contract Disputes Act matters, internal investigations, regulatory counseling, and federal procurement issues
• Strong knowledge of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and related procurement regulations
• Experience advising clients on government contracting compliance, investigations, and dispute resolution matters
• Excellent legal writing, research, and analytical skills
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to work effectively in a collaborative team environment
• Large law firm experience preferred
• Demonstrated ability to independently manage complex matters while maintaining exceptional attention to detail

Key Responsibilities

• Advise clients on a broad range of government contracts and federal procurement matters
• Handle bid protests, Contract Disputes Act claims, and other government contract-related disputes
• Counsel clients regarding compliance with the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and other applicable procurement regulations
• Conduct and support internal investigations involving government contracting issues
• Draft and negotiate contracts, agreements, legal memoranda, and related transactional documents
• Provide strategic guidance on regulatory, compliance, and risk management matters affecting government contractors
• Collaborate with attorneys across practice areas on complex matters involving government, regulatory, and national security considerations

Why Join Us?

This is an outstanding opportunity to join a nationally recognized practice representing clients in some of the most complex and consequential government contracts and national security matters. Attorneys in this group work closely with sophisticated clients navigating highly regulated industries and challenging legal environments. The firm offers a collaborative culture, high-level client exposure, meaningful professional development opportunities, and the ability to build a dynamic practice within a leading legal platform.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive Salary: Commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• Comprehensive Benefits Package: Includes medical, dental, vision, life insurance, retirement savings plans, generous paid time off, parental leave benefits, professional development resources, wellness programs, and additional employee benefits.

Our client is an Equal Opportunity Employer.