Gov't, Defense and National Security Associate Attorney

Top Echelon Software, LLC; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Job summary

Top Echelon Software, LLC seeks an Associate Attorney to join its Defense, National Security & Government Contracts Practice Group in Washington, DC. The role focuses on complex government contracts matters, including bid protests, internal investigations, and regulatory compliance.

Candidates should have 5–8 years' government contracts experience, DC Bar admission, and a strong FAR background. Hybrid work arrangement available with a collaborative, high‑caliber firm environment.

Qualifications

• JD from a top-tier law school with excellent academic record.
• Active Washington, DC Bar in good standing (or eligible).
• 5–8 years of substantive Government Contracts experience.
• Strong knowledge of FAR and related procurement regulations.
• Experience advising on bid protests, internal investigations, and federal procurement issues.
• Excellent legal writing, research, and analytical skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively in a team environment.
• Large law firm experience preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex matters with 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 related disputes.
• Counsel clients on FAR compliance and procurement regulations.
• Conduct and support internal investigations involving government contracting issues.
• Draft and negotiate contracts, agreements, and legal memoranda.
• Provide strategic guidance on regulatory, compliance, and risk matters for government contractors.
• Collaborate across practice areas on complex government, regulatory, and national security issues.

Skills

Government contracts experience

Bid protests

FAR knowledge

Legal writing

Regulatory compliance

Analytical skills

Team collaboration

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Bar admission in DC

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.