Government Contracts & National Security Associate Attorney

Ashton North LLC; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 260,000 - 365,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pet insurance

Flexible time

Compressed work schedules

Adoption & surrogacy reimbursement

Fertility treatments benefits

Back-up child care

Job summary

Ashton North LLC in Washington, DC is seeking a mid-level Associate Attorney for its Government Contracts & National Security practice. The role focuses on bid protests, investigations, and regulatory counseling for clients in aerospace, defense, and technology sectors.

Candidates should have a JD from a top-tier law school, DC bar admission, and 3+ years of government contracts experience, with strong research and writing skills and the ability to work both independently and within teams.

Qualifications

• JD from a top-tier law school with excellent academic record.
• Active Bar Admission in Washington, DC, in good standing.
• 3+ years of substantive experience in government contracts law.
• Experience or strong interest in government contracts litigation, investigations, or regulatory counseling.
• Strong research, writing, and analytical skills; able 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 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.

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 and related statutes.

Skills

Active Bar Admission (DC)

3+ years gov contracts experience

Research & writing

Independent & collaborative work

M&A with government contractors

Judicial clerkship (CAFC/CFC)

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, andprofit-sharing.
Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance; FSA/HSA plans; 401(k) retirement plan; PTO; paid parental leave; commuter benefits; and professional development resources.

Additional Perks

Include 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, among others.

Our client is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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