Government Contracts Associate

dlapiper; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

DLA Piper in Washington, DC is seeking a mid-level associate to join our Government Contracts practice to handle bid protests, claims litigation, investigations, and compliance counseling. Ideal candidates have 4–5 years of experience in government contracts with leadership on litigation, diligence, or investigation matters.

Preferred JD and coursework related to Government Contracts; submission includes resume, transcript, writing sample, and two references.

Qualifications

• 4–5 years of relevant government contracts experience.
• Experience as lead associate on govt. contract litigation, diligence or investigations.
• Law school coursework in Government Contracts preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• Conduct legal research to support case strategy and filings.
• Draft briefs, motions, contracts, and client communications.
• Manage complex cases/transactions from inception to resolution.
• Maintain strong internal and external client relationships with professionalism.
• Collaborate with lawyers and professionals to form strategy.
• Attend hearings, depositions, negotiations and trials as needed.
• Ensure compliance with applicable laws and precedents.
• Pursue ongoing training and professional development.

Skills

Communication

Research skills

Analytical thinking

Attention to detail

Professional judgment

Organization

Collaboration

Persuasive communication

Management skills

Education

JD

Law school degree

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.

Our employees are expected to embrace and uphold our firm values as a part of our DLA Piper culture. We are committed to excellence in how we represent our clients and develop our p