Government Contracts & National Security Associate Attorney

Joseph Michaels International

Washington (District of Columbia)

On-site

USD 260,000 - 365,000

Full time

14 days+

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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

Health advocates

Flexible schedules

Adoption reimbursement

Fertility treatments

Job summary

Joseph Michaels International is seeking a mid-level Associate Attorney to join its Government Contracts & National Security Practice Group in Washington, DC. The candidate will handle a broad range of matters including bid protests, litigation, investigations, and regulatory counseling for aerospace, defense, and technology clients.

Requirements include a JD from a top-tier law school, active DC bar admission, and at least 3 years of government contracts experience.

Qualifications

JD from a top-tier law school with excellent academic record.
Active Bar Admission in Washington, D.C. in good standing.
3+ years of substantive experience in government contracts law.
Experience or interest in government contracts including litigation, investigations, or regulatory counseling.
Strong research, writing, and analytical skills; able to manage complex legal issues.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
Experience with mergers, acquisitions, or transactional matters involving government contractors (a plus).
Judicial clerkship experience with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit or the Court of Federal Claims 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: 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 M&A diligence and regulatory approvals.
Assist in negotiating complex agreements with government agencies, including OTAs, CRADAs, TIAs.
Counsel clients on federal funding programs and compliance with statutes like the Inflation Reduction Act and CHIPS Act.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to address regulatory, transactional, and enforcement risks.

Skills

3+ years government contracts

Strong research writing analytical

Independent and collaborative

M&A due diligence/regulatory

Judicial clerkship experience (Federal

Education

JD from a top-tier law school

Active Bar Admission in Washington, D.C.

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: