Government Contracts & National Security Associate Attorney

R.L. Barclay & 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 Scheds

Job summary

Top Echelon Software, LLC is seeking a mid-level Associate Attorney to join its Government Contracts & National Security practice in Washington, DC. The role focuses on government contracts, procurement, 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, 3+ years in government contracts, strong writing and research skills, and the ability to work independently

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.
• Experience with mergers, acquisitions, or transactional matters involving government contractors (due diligence, purchase agreements, 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.

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 Inflation Reduction Act and CHIPS Act.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to address regulatory, transactional, and enforcement risks.

Skills

Legal research

Legal writing

Analytical skills

Independent work

Collaborative work

Gov contracts litigation

M&A diligence

Clerkship experience

Top-tier law school (education)

Large firm experience

Education

JD from a top-tier law school

Active Bar Admission in DC

3+ years government contracts experience

Tools

Federal Circuit/Court of Federal Claims clerkship

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.