Government Contracts Associate

DLA Piper; Washington; Hybrid; USD 310,000 - 365,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/dental/vision insurance

401(k) plan

Hybrid work arrangement

Job summary

DLA Piper is seeking a mid-level associate to join our Government Contracts practice to handle bid protests, claims, investigations, compliance counseling, and M&A due diligence in matters involving government contracts.

The candidate must have 4–5 years of experience in a firm’s government contracts practice or equivalent experience handling procurement-related issues for a Federal agency, and experience serving as a lead associate on government contract litigation, diligence, and/or

Qualifications

• JD from an accredited law school; DC admission preferred but not required.
• 4–5 years of relevant government contracts experience in a law firm or equivalent.
• Clerkship with any Federal court or Boards is preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• Perform legal research and analysis to support case strategies.
• Draft briefs, motions, contracts, and client correspondence.
• Assist/manage complex government contracts cases and transactions.
• Maintain client relationships with timely updates and professional conduct.
• Collaborate with other lawyers to develop innovative case strategies.
• Attend hearings, depositions, negotiations, and trials as needed.
• Ensure compliance with legal standards and firm policies.
• Pursue ongoing professional development and training.

Skills

Legal Research

Legal Writing

Attention to detail

Communication

Collaboration

Judgment

Time management

Client interaction

Persuasive communication

Management skills

Education

JD

Law degree from accredited school

Job description

DLA Piper is, at its core, bold, exceptional, collaborative and supportive. Our people are the backbone, heart and soul of our firm. Wherever you are in your professional journey, DLA Piper is a place you can engage in meaningful work and grow your career. Let’s see what we can achieve. Together.

Summary

We are looking for a mid-level associate to join our firm’s Government Contracts practice to handle an array of Government Contract issues including bid protests and claims litigation, investigations, compliance counseling, and M&A due diligence in matters involving government contracts. The candidate must have a demonstrated interest in and experience with Government Contracts. The ideal candidate would have 4-5 years of experience in a firm’s government contracts practice or the equivalent experience handling procurement-related issues for a Federal agency, and experience serving as a lead associate on government contract litigation, diligence, and/or investigation matters. Law school course work related to Government Contracts and/or a clerkship with the U.S. Court of Federal Claims, Federal Circuit, or Boards of Contract Appeals is preferred but not required. Submission of a resume, transcript, writing sample and two references is required at time of application submission.

Responsibilities

• Responsibilities as an Associate will vary based on level of experience and specific practice group.
• Legal Research: Conduct thorough and comprehensive legal research and analysis to support case/transaction preparation and strategy.
• Legal Writing: Draft well‑written, error free, and reasoned legal documents, including briefs, motions, contracts, and correspondence.
• Case/Transaction Assistance and Management: Assist/Manage a variety of complex cases/transactions from inception to resolution including preparing for trials, negotiations, settlements, closings, and other legal activities while continuously demonstrating strong judgement.
• Internal/External Client Interaction: Build, maintain, and cultivate strong internal and external client relationships by providing support, regular updates, advice, and addressing concerns promptly and with the utmost professionalism.
• Collaboration: Work collaboratively with other lawyers and business professionals to support and develop innovative case/transaction strategies to achieve the most favorable outcomes for internal and external clients.
• Attend, support, and participate in high‑level legal activities including court hearings, depositions, negotiations, trials, etc.
• Compliance: Ensure rigorous compliance with legal standards and regulations, staying abreast of changes in law and legal precedents.
• Professional Development: Proactively seek out and participate in ongoing training and development opportunities to enhance your legal knowledge, practice technology, management, and leadership skills.
• Firm Citizenship and Community Involvement: Engage in and contribute to; firm programs and initiatives; civic and professional organizations; pro bono work by providing legal assistance to underserved and underrepresented communities.

Desired Skills

• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
• Strong research, analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Attention to detail.
• Good business and professional judgment.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively and independently.
• Conceptual thinking.
• Persuasive communication.
• Management skills.

Education

• JD
• Degree from an accredited law school.

Certifications

• Admitted to practice in DC.

Experience

• 4 - 5 years of relevant experience.
• Direct and applicable law firm, government, and/or clerkship experience involving government contracts.

Essential Job Expectations

• Effectively communicate, verbally and in writing, with clients, lawyers, business professionals, and third parties;
• Produce deliverables, answer phone calls, and reply to correspondence in an efficient and responsive manner;
• Provide timely, accurate, and quality work product;
• Successfully meet deadlines, expectations, and perform work duties as required;
• Foster positive work relationships;
• Comply with all firm policies and practices;
• Engage in both physical and sedentary activity, such as (a) working at a computer for extended periods of time, including on‑screen reading and typing; (b) participating in digital/virtual conference calls; (c) participating in meetings as needed;
• Ability to work under pressure and manage competing demands in a fast‑paced environment;
• Perform all other duties, tasks or projects as assigned.

Physical Demands

Sedentary work: This is primarily sedentary work, requiring occasional exertion of up to 10 pounds of force to lift, carry, push, pull, or move objects. The role involves sitting for extended periods, with occasional walking and standing, and occasional travel, both domestic and international.

Work Environment - firm’s work location requirements may be modified at the firm’s discretion

• Hybrid - Regular in-office presence with some flexibility for work-from-home

Disclaimer

This job description provides a concise overview of the role and is not intended to describe all work elements that may be performed. It should not serve as the sole criteria for personnel decisions. Job duties, requirements, and expectations may be modified at the firm’s discretion at any time. This job description does not alter the at‑will nature of employment.

Pay Transparency

The firm’s expected hiring range for this position is $310,000- $365,000per year depending on the candidate’s geographic market location. The compensation offered for employment will also be dependent on other factors including the candidate’s experience, skills, educational and professional background, and overall qualifications. We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including medical/dental/vision insurance, and 401(k).

Applicants who are not based in the jurisdiction in which this position is posted and who apply for this role are doing so voluntarily and are not eligible for relocation assistance. Any relocation benefits, if any, are provided only where a relocation is required at the firm’s direction and in accordance with applicable policy and law.

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DLA Piper is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.