Government Contracts & National Security Associate Attorney

Software Placement Group, SPG; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 260,000 - 365,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental & Vision

Disability & life insurance

FSA/HSA

401(k)

Job summary

Software Placement Group in Washington, D.C. is seeking a talented mid-level Associate Attorney for its Government Contracts & National Security practice.

The role focuses on bid protests, regulatory counseling, investigations, and high-stakes matters for aerospace, defense, and technology clients. You will counsel on federal funding programs, compliance with statutes like the Inflation Reduction Act and CHIPS Act, and collaborate with cross-functional teams on regulatory and transactional risk

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 government contracts law experience.

Responsibilities

• Handle broad government contracts matters including bid protests, litigation, and investigations.
• Advise clients on compliance with federal procurement regulations, grant requirements, and national security laws.
• Support transactional matters involving government contractors, including due diligence and regulatory approvals.

Skills

Legal research

Legal writing

Analytical skills

Independent & collaborative work

Education

JD from top-tier law school

Job description

Location: Washington, D.C. | Schedule: Full-time | Compensation: $260,000 – $365,000

Overview

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

What you'll do

• 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

Required 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
• 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

Preferred qualifications

• 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

Compensation and benefits

• Expected salary range of $260,000 – $365,000, commensurate with experience
• Bonus eligibility and profit-sharing
• Comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance
• FSA/HSA plans
• 401(k) retirement plan
• PTO and paid parental leave
• Commuter benefits and professional development resources
• Additional perks including pet insurance, health advocates, flex-time and compressed work schedules, adoption and surrogacy reimbursement, fertility treatments benefits, and full-time and back-up child care

Why this role

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, with exposure to sophisticated, high-value matters, a collaborative environment, meaningful client interaction, and strong mentorship.