Government Contracts & National Security Associate Attorney

Management Performance Associates; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 260,000 - 365,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

medical

dental

vision

disability

life insurance

FSA/HSA plans

401(k) retirement plan

PTO

paid parental leave

commuter benefits

professional development resources

pet insurance

health advocates

flex-time and compressed work schedule

adoption and surrogacy reimbursement

fertility treatments benefits

full-time and back-up child care

Job summary

Management Performance Associates is seeking a mid-level Associate Attorney for its Government Contracts & National Security practice in Washington, D.C. The candidate will handle bid protests, investigations, regulatory counseling, and complex government contracting matters for clients in aerospace, defense, and tech sectors.

Ideal candidates have a JD from a top-tier law school, active DC bar admission, 3+ years in government contracts, strong research and writing skills, and the ability to

Qualifications

• JD from a top-tier law school with an excellent academic record.
• Active Bar Admission in Washington, D.C., in good standing.
• 3+ years of substantive experience in government contracts law.
• Experience or strong interest in government contracts, including litigation, investigations, or regulatory counseling.
• Strong research, writing, and analytical skills, with the ability to manage complex legal issues.

Responsibilities

• Handle a broad range of government contracts matters, including bid protests, litigation, and investigations.
• Advise clients on compliance with federal procurement regulations, grant requirements, and national security-related laws.
• Support transactional matters involving government contractors, including M&A diligence and regulatory approvals.
• Assist in negotiating complex agreements with government agencies, including OTAs, CRADAs, and TIAs.
• Counsel clients on federal funding programs, including compliance with statutes such as the Inflation Reduction Act and CHIPS Act.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to address regulatory, transactional, and enforcement risks.

Skills

Research skills

Writing skills

Analytical skills

Education

J D from top-tier law school

Job description

GOVERNMENT CONTRACTS & NATIONAL SECURITY ASSOCIATE ATTORNEY

Government Contracts & National Security Practice Group

Location: Washington, D.C.

A leading AmLaw 100 firm is seeking a talented mid-level Associate Attorney to join its highly regarded Government Contracts & National Security practice in Washington, D.C. This practice is widely recognized for its market-leading work across litigation, investigations, export controls, cybersecurity, mergers and acquisitions, and regulatory counseling. The team advises prominent clients in the aerospace, defense, and technology sectors on complex, high-stakes matters, including bid protests, government investigations, and cutting-edge transactional issues involving federal funding and national security concerns.

Candidate Profile

• JD from a top-tier law school with an excellent academic record.
• Active Bar Admission in Washington, D.C., in good standing.
• 3+ years of substantive experience in government contracts law
• Demonstrated experience or strong interest in government contracts, including litigation, investigations, or regulatory counseling
• Strong research, writing, and analytical skills, with the ability to manage complex legal issues
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment
• Experience with mergers, acquisitions, or transactional matters involving government contractors (including due diligence, purchase agreements, and novations) is a plus
• Judicial clerkship experience with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit or the Court of Federal Claims is highly valued
• Academic training or coursework in government contracts law is a plus
• Large law firm experience preferred

Key Responsibilities

• Handle a broad range of government contracts matters, including bid protests, litigation, and internal or government-facing investigations
• Advise clients on compliance with federal procurement regulations, grant requirements, and national security-related laws
• Support transactional matters involving government contractors, including M&A diligence and regulatory approvals
• Assist in negotiating complex agreements with government agencies, including OTAs, CRADAs, and TIAs
• Counsel clients on federal funding programs, including compliance with statutes such as the Inflation Reduction Act and CHIPS Act
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to address regulatory, transactional, and enforcement risks

Why Join Us?

This is an opportunity to join a nationally recognized Government Contracts & National Security team at the forefront of issues impacting global security, innovation, and public policy. The practice offers exposure to sophisticated, high-value matters that are often closely tied to current geopolitical and economic developments. Attorneys benefit from a collaborative environment, meaningful client interaction, and strong mentorship, providing an excellent platform for professional growth and advancement.

Compensation & Benefits

Compensation: Includes an expected salary range of $260,000 – $365,000, commensurate with experience, bonus eligibility, and profit-sharing.

Benefits:

• medical
• dental
• vision
• disability
• life insurance
• FSA/HSA plans
• 401(k) retirement plan
• PTO
• paid parental leave
• commuter benefits
• professional development resources

Additional Perks:

• pet insurance
• health advocates
• flex-time and compressed work schedules
• adoption and surrogacy reimbursement
• fertility treatments benefits
• full-time and back-up child care
• among others.

Our client is an Equal Opportunity Employer.