Government Contracts Associate Attorney

Direct Counsel; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 225,000 - 260,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits including 401(k

Medical, dental, vision coverage

Job summary

Direct Counsel seeks a Government Contracts Associate in Washington, DC, to join its Government Contracts practice on a full-time, hybrid basis. You will handle bids, disputes, compliance, and advisory matters for clients in aerospace, defense, and energy sectors.

The role requires DC admission or eligibility, 1–3+ years of government contracts experience, and strong research and drafting skills. Hybrid schedule with in-office and remote work options.

Qualifications

• JD from an accredited law school (minimum GPA 3.5 preferred).
• Admitted to practice in DC (or eligible for admission).
• 1–3+ years of government contracts experience, ideally at an Am Law 100 firm or with federal agencies/contractors.
• Clerkship with the U.S. Court of Federal Claims or Boards of Contract Appeals is a plus.
• Strong legal research, writing, analytical, and problem‑solving skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Advise clients on government contracts matters, including bid protests, claims litigation, investigations, and compliance counseling.
• Draft, negotiate, and manage complex contracts, licenses, and developmental agreements for aerospace, defense, and energy clients.
• Support transactional matters and assist with disputes, investigations, and regulatory counseling.
• Conduct legal research and analysis to support case strategy, compliance, and transactional work.
• Draft high-quality legal documents including briefs, motions, contracts, and correspondence.
• Manage cases and transactions from inception through resolution, coordinating with clients and teams.
• Build relationships with stakeholders and provide timely updates and advice.

Education

JD from an accredited law school

Admitted to practice in DC

Clerkship with U.S. Court of Federal Claims or Boards of Contract Appeals

Job description

Job Description

Direct Counsel is seeking a Government Contracts Associate to join the Government Contracts practice of a leading Am Law 100 law firm in Washington, DC. This is a full-time, hybrid-position supporting a range of government contracts matters across transactional, litigation, compliance, and advisory work, including clients in Aerospace, Defense, and Next-Generation Energy sectors.

Location: Washington, DC (Hybrid)

Key Responsibilities

• Advise clients on government contracts matters, including bid protests, claims litigation, investigations, compliance counseling, and M&A due diligence involving government contracts
• Draft, negotiate, and manage complex contracts, licenses, and developmental agreements, particularly for clients in the aerospace, defense, and energy sectors
• Support transactional matters while also assisting with disputes, internal investigations, and regulatory counseling
• Conduct legal research and analysis to support case strategy, compliance, and transactional work
• Draft high-quality legal documents including briefs, motions, contracts, and correspondence
• Manage cases and transactions from inception through resolution, coordinating with clients and internal teams
• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, providing timely advice and updates
• Collaborate with lawyers and business professionals to develop innovative solutions and strategies
• Participate in professional development and contribute to firm initiatives, pro bono work, and community engagement

Qualifications

• JD from an accredited law school (minimum GPA 3.5 preferred)
• Admitted to practice in DC (or eligible for admission)
• 1–3+ years of experience in government contracts matters, ideally from an Am Law 100 firm or equivalent experience with federal agencies or government contractors
• Prior experience in Aerospace, Defense, or Next-Generation Energy sectors preferred
• Prior clerkship with the U.S. Court of Federal Claims or Boards of Contract Appeals, or relevant pre-law professional experience, is a plus
• Strong legal research, writing, analytical, and problem-solving skills
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment

Work Environment

Hybrid schedule with regular in-office presence and some flexibility for remote work. Primarily sedentary work with occasional physical activity as needed.

Compensation

Expected base salary: $225,000 – $260,000

(Final compensation depends on experience and other relevant factors.)

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, and 401(k)

Additional Information

This role offers exposure to complex government contracts matters across transactional, compliance, and litigation work, with opportunities to support high-profile clients in critical industries.