Government Contracts & National Security Associate Attorney

MDS Staffing

Washington (District of Columbia)

On-site

USD 260,000 - 365,000

Full time

2 days ago

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Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

Disability insurance

Life insurance

FSA/HSA plans

401(k) retirement plan

PTO

Paid parental leave

Commuter benefits

Professional development resources

Pet insurance

Flex-time and compressed schedules

Adoption and surrogacy reimbursement

Fertility treatments benefits

Child care assistance

Job summary

Leading AmLaw 100 Firm in Washington, DC seeks a mid-level Associate Attorney for its Government Contracts & National Security practice. The role focuses on bid protests, investigations, and regulatory counseling for government contractors, with exposure to M&A diligence and complex negotiations.

The ideal candidate has a JD from a top-tier school, DC bar admission, 3+ years in government contracts, and strong research/writing skills. Large-firm background and clerkship are highly valued.

Qualifications

JD with excellent academic record from a top-tier law school.
Active DC Bar in good standing.
3+ years of substantive government contracts experience.
Experience in government contracts litigation, investigations, or regulatory counseling.
Strong research and writing skills; capable of handling complex issues.
Able to work independently and in teams.
Experience with government contractor M&A due diligence is a plus.
Judicial clerkship with Federal Circuit or Court of Federal Claims valued.
Academic coursework in government contracts is a plus.
Large law firm experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Handle a broad range of government contracts matters including bid protests and investigations.
Advise clients on compliance with federal procurement regulations and grant requirements.
Support transactional matters involving government contractors, including due diligence.
Assist in negotiating complex government agreements (OTAs, CRADAs, TIAs).
Counsel on federal funding programs and related statutes.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to address regulatory risks.

Skills

Strong research & writing

Independent & collaborative work

Complex issue management

M&A diligence for government contracts

Education

JD from a top-tier law school

Active DC Bar admission

3+ years government contracts experience

Clerkship at Federal Circuit or Court of Federal Claims

Academic training in government contracts

Large law firm experience

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.