Government Contracts Associate

BCL Legal; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Comprehensive benefits

Parental leave

Wellbeing program

Pro bono support

Job summary

BCL Legal Limited is assisting an elite international law firm in Washington, DC, recruiting a junior to mid-level Associate for the Government Contracts & Public Procurement team. The role covers procurement strategy, bid protests, compliance, and technology licensing on complex government contracts.

Ideal candidates have 1–4 years of government contracts experience, strong drafting/advocacy skills, excellent academics, and DC Bar eligibility or admission.

Qualifications

• 1–4 years of government contracts experience at a leading law firm, government agency, or in-house legal department.
• Strong drafting, analytical, and advocacy skills.
• Excellent academic credentials.
• Admission to the District of Columbia Bar, or eligibility to waive into the DC Bar.

Responsibilities

• Advise on procurement strategy, pre-award counselling, and competitive bidding.
• Support bid protests before government agencies and federal courts.
• Handle contract disputes, claims, negotiations, and performance issues.
• Assist with internal investigations and government enforcement matters.
• Counsel on federal/state procurement laws and cybersecurity/compliance obligations.
• Assist with technology licensing and government contracts due diligence.

Skills

Government contracts

Drafting

Analytical

Advocacy

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Job description

The Firm

An elite international law firm is seeking a junior to mid-level Associate to join its highly regarded Government Contracts & Public Procurement team in Washington, DC. The firm is recognised globally for its market-leading legal work, collaborative culture, and commitment to professional development, consistently earning top rankings across major legal directories and industry publications. The Government Contracts practice advises clients across a broad range of industries on complex federal, state, and local procurement matters. The team is known for handling sophisticated, high-stakes government contracts work for leading companies operating in highly regulated sectors.

What You Will Be Doing

• Advise clients on procurement strategy, pre-award counselling, and competitive bidding processes.
• Support bid protests before government agencies and federal courts.
• Handle contract disputes, claims, negotiations, and performance-related issues.
• Assist with internal investigations and government enforcement matters.
• Counsel clients on compliance with federal and state procurement laws and regulations.
• Advise on cybersecurity requirements and government contractor compliance obligations.
• Support technology licensing and commercial agreements involving government customers.
• Conduct government contracts due diligence for mergers, acquisitions, financings, and other corporate transactions.
• Work directly with clients on complex, high-profile matters at the intersection of government contracting, technology, and regulation.
• Collaborate with leading practitioners on nationally significant engagements and cutting-edge legal issues.

What You Will Have

• 1-4 years of government contracts experience gained at a leading law firm, government agency, or in-house legal department
• Strong drafting, analytical, and advocacy skills
• Excellent academic credentials
• Admission to the District of Columbia Bar, or eligibility to waive into the DC Bar
• A genuine interest in developing a long-term career within a premier government contracts practice

Why Join?

• Work alongside nationally recognised government contracts lawyers on high-profile matters
• Transparent and structured career progression with clear expectations at every level
• Robust mentoring and sponsorship programmes designed to support long-term success
• Dedicated career development resources focused on leadership, business development, networking, and professional growth
• Collaborative, inclusive culture with meaningful opportunities for client contact and responsibility
• Market-leading compensation and comprehensive benefits package
• Industry-leading parental leave and family support benefits
• Flexible time away and reduced-hours arrangements
• Comprehensive wellbeing programme, including mental health and wellness resources
• Strong commitment to pro bono work and community engagement