Government: Government Contracts: Nationwide

THE FIRM This stellar group is widely respected for its deep bench and broad experience, which includes bid protests, cost accounting and compliance work. The firm is noted for its business-focused advice and is considered an outstanding choice for government procurement matters. It serves a diverse set of clients including those in the defense and aerospace, healthcare, telecom and construction industries, among others; clients include Blue Cross Blue Shield, IBM and Lockheed Martin.

Sources Say: "It provides exceptional service and priceless expertise – it's the cream of the crop." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS "You couldn't find a better lawyer than Stanfield Johnson," sources say. He has a long-standing reputation as "a superb litigator and scholar of the law." In 2009, he secured a $21 million payment for Lockheed Martin in an Armed Services Board of Contract Appeals (ASBCA) proceeding following a lengthy dispute concerning a contract for F16 simulation training centers. Terry Albertson is "a wonderful lawyer with exceptional experience in the costs disputes area." He is also nationally renowned for his expertise in accounting, pricing and termination issues. Sources praise his ability to simplify complexities and give succinct, practical advice. Recent work includes representing a contractor in negotiating a $20 million settlement from the government in pension plan payments. Thomas Humphrey is "an aggressive litigator with brilliant client skills and strong, strategic vision." His substantial experience includes bid protests, investigations and False Claims Act litigation. He represented Health Net Federal Services in a successful protest challenging the award of a $16 billion TRICARE Managed Care Services contract to Aetna Government Health Plans. Kent Morrison is "a gifted lawyer who really inspires confidence." He excels in counseling and disputes regarding the Truth in Negotiations Act. Clients appreciate how Angela Styles "quickly delivers business-motivated solutions." Her areas of expertise include procurement ethics and compliance, civil and criminal fraud matters, internal investigations and GSA Schedule contracting. In February 2010, she was appointed as coordinator of The Defense Industry Initiative on Business Ethics and Conduct.

THE FIRM A long-standing presence in the government contracts arena, McKenna Long & Aldridge is frequently engaged in high-stakes matters, including False Claims Act cases, procurement fraud, compliance and investigations, cost accounting and bid protests. It has expertise in the aerospace and defense, IT, transportation, healthcare, financial services and construction industries. Clients appreciate the group's geographic reach and focus on cultivating working relationships.

Sources Say: "A terrific team of creative, practical and versatile lawyers."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Stanley Dees has an outstanding reputation as a dean of the government contracts Bar. His practice spans counseling, litigation, mediation and arbitration. Tenacious litigator Thomas Papson "lives and breathes your case," clients say. He is particularly prized for his experience in the bid protest arena. Recent work includes acting for Lockheed Martin in defending a protest against a $2 billion awarded contract to provide site support services for the Hanford nuclear site in Richland, Washington. Department head Thomas Abbott is "a go-to guy" for civil fraud defense, litigation and claims against the federal government. He has particular experience in acting for clients in the space and satellite industries. Jay Gallagher is based in the Los Angeles office. He has "a tremendous depth of knowledge," including experience of False Claims Act cases, civil and criminal fraud investigations and litigation, defective pricing, terminations and breach of contract matters. 

THE FIRM This superb group continues to go from strength to strength. Clients appreciate the depth of the team, highlighting its impressive younger partners and associates. Areas of expertise include compliance programs, claims and disputes, suspension and debarment, False Claims Act litigation, M&A and cost accounting; it is highlighted as an excellent choice for bid protest litigation. The lawyers work closely with other practice groups, including white-collar defense, employment and labor, international trade and public policy. Clients include Boeing, General Dynamics and Hewlett-Packard. 

Sources Say: "Talented attorneys with a deep understanding of the government contracts landscape."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Rand Allen chairs the government contracts practice and stands out for his "exceptional experience across the board." In 2009, he successfully protested a $3 billion award of a Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles (FMTV) contract to Oshkosh Truck Corporation on behalf of BAE Systems. He also defended a multibillion-dollar award to BAE of a Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) contract. Working alongside him in these cases was Paul Khoury. "He is really emerging in the bid protests world," sources say: "He always does a great job." His broad experience covers state and local procurements, subcontracting, terminations, contract disputes litigation, investigations and compliance, among other matters. He recently represented ManTech International in various protests of contract awards, including a Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) professional support services contract. Scott McCaleb's expertise includes bid protests, contract termination claims and disputes, M&A and appellate litigation. Peers describe him as "a confident, aggressive advocate who is a pleasure to work with." He acted for CGI Federal in defending two separate bid protests of contract awards. Rising star Daniel Graham is "an articulate, quick-thinking lawyer who is always on top of things." He is especially strong in litigation relating to government contracting.  

THE FIRM This excellent team handles the full spectrum of public procurement law matters, with strength in bid protests, litigation, investigations and compliance counseling. Areas of expertise include national security, export control and IP. Clients include CIGNA, GE, Microsoft and Accenture.

Sources Say: "It provides dedicated client service and has a passion for excellence."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Impressive litigator Mark Colley leads the group and draws praise for his "great strategic vision." His practice spans bid protests, federal court contract disputes, contractor claims and government audits and investigations. He recently represented L-3 Services in a successful GAO bid protest challenging the $270 million Air Force UniComm contract award to General Dynamics. Drew Harker is "a terrific lawyer who is always responsive to our needs," clients share. He handles bid protests, claims litigation, False Claims Act cases, investigations and enforcement matters. Recent highlights include representing various Fortune 500 companies in Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) investigations. He also acted for a government contractor in a Qui Tam and breach of contract case concerning healthcare insurance costs. Clients appreciate David Metzger's "highly astute, hands-on approach and down-to-earth advice;" he is particularly prized for his "keen business sense." His experience includes litigation, bid protests, claims, contract administration, IP and alternative dispute resolution issues. He defended task orders awarded to Dyncorp against protests under the multibillion dollar Logistics Civil Augmentation Program (LOGCAP) procurement. Paul Pompeo is an excellent choice for costs disputes work. On the transactional side, he counsels clients on M&A, financing arrangements, appropriations and contract negotiation. He has been acting for Raytheon in various cases, including counseling and litigation relating to Cost Accounting Standards (CAS). Craig Holman has "excellent analytical and advocacy skills and a commitment to achieving success." He focuses on litigation, handling claims, default terminations and protests involving federal, state and local government contracts.

THE FIRM This team works closely with other practice groups, including antitrust, business and finance, international trade, energy and white-collar, providing comprehensive service. It has expertise in the aerospace and defense, energy, health and IT sectors. It also has extensive experience acting for educational institutions on federal research compliance issues. Clients include EADS North America, General Dynamics and Columbia University.

Sources Say: "Provides excellent results at an affordable price." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Tom McGovern is "a fantastic litigator with exceptional communication skills." His practice covers protests, claims, termination settlements, misconduct investigations and suspension and debarment cases. Work highlights include acting for Lockheed Martin in various bid protests and other contract administration and disputes matters. Bob Kenney leads the federal research component of the practice and is regarded as "the go-to lawyer" in that area. He represents research institutions in audits, investigations, disputes and compliance matters. Agnes Dover leads the group and focuses on regulatory and contractual issues. She is "an excellent resource" for clients in the energy, IT, defense and biotech industries. 

THE FIRM This group is highly recommended for litigation, particularly bid protests, costs litigation, contract disputes and fraud cases. It also counsels clients on ethics and compliance issues and is skilled in IP issues relating to government. Clients include General Dynamics and Lockheed Martin.

Sources Say: "The group offers business-friendly advice and flexible fees."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Litigator David Churchill is "a seasoned practitioner with a practical approach to problem solving." Clients appreciate his deep knowledge base, timely advice and efficient managing of work. Highlights include representing the protester in a bid protest relating to a major NASA operations contract. The "bright, energetic and efficient" Jay DeVecchio is an expert in IP rights in government contracts; sources say "you couldn't do any better than Jay." His practice covers bid protests, complex claims, suspension and debarment, criminal and civil fraud, Qui Tam actions and internal investigations. Recent successes include challenging a $500 million government contract on behalf of L-3 Services and defending a Medicare contract awarded to Palmetto GBA.

THE FIRM This San Francisco litigation boutique has an excellent national reputation for government contracts work. The compact group handles bid protests at the federal, state and local level. Other areas of expertise include False Claims Act cases, investigations, fraud allegations, compliance, M&A and joint ventures. The team continues to act for Northrop Grumman in connection with its competition against Boeing for the Air Force's multibillion-dollar contract for new Air Tankers. Other clients include BAE Systems, Electric Power Research Institute and DynCorp International.

Sources say: "The best West Coast practice."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Allan Joseph is "a truly top-notch lawyer who finds angles that others miss." His extensive experience includes construction claims, environmental claims, Qui Tam cases and bid protests. Neil O'Donnell is "the complete package," according to interviewees. He draws praise for his ability to distill complex information quickly and to "cut to the chase to provide practical advice." He is particularly esteemed for his expertise in construction contracting. He represents Kiewit in connection with US Army Corps of Engineers projects for hurricane protection in New Orleans.

THE FIRM This highly regarded group has broad expertise encompassing False Claims Act litigation, bid protests, cost recovery, export controls, debarment and suspension proceedings, fraud investigations and corporate compliance programs, among other public procurement matters. The lawyers are based in the firm's Los Angeles and Washington, DC offices. In 2009, the firm favorably settled long-standing government and Qui Tam allegations against Northrop Grumman.

Sources say: "A go-to government contracts group comprising aggressive and persuasive advocates."

KEY INDIVIDUALS John Chierichella is "a first-class, fearless litigator with huge energy." His work includes bid protests, claims and appeals, cost issues, internal investigations and False Claims Act litigation.

THE FIRM These lawyers offer guidance on various public procurement matters, including disputes, investigations and enforcement actions. Other areas of expertise include compliance counseling and dispute resolution. The team acts for a wide variety of clients, including those in the telecom, pharmaceutical and aerospace industries. Clients include L-3 Communications and Wachovia Bank.

Sources say: "The group is committed to outstanding customer service."

KEY INDIVIDUALS "Skilful communicator" Stuart Nibley has strong experience of government contracts claims, disputes and international arbitration matters. Recent highlights include acting for Raytheon in various matters, including settling a substantial contract dispute. David Nadler's practice covers bid protests, compliance programs, suspension and debarment proceedings, contract formation and False Claims Act cases. "He is attentive and explains complex legal issues in a clear way to help us make good business decisions," clients say. 

THE FIRM This team primarily represents clients in the IT, professional services and aerospace industries. Areas of expertise include bid protests, Multiple Award Schedule (MAS), homeland security and construction contracting. The firm's global platform means it is well positioned to advise on public procurement matters with international aspects. For example, it recently counseled Bilfinger Berger in connection with several large construction contracts being performed for US military departments in Europe. Key clients include GE, Lockheed Martin and Nordam.

Sources say: "Highly skilled lawyers with excellent knowledge, experience and expertise." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Rich Rector leads the practice and is recommended as "a thorough, precise litigator and an all-around superstar." He handles all types of federal, state and local procurement issues, with particular strength in contract disputes and bid protests. In 2009, he acted for UPS in successfully defending protests against its $650 million awarded contract for package-delivery services. Carl Lee Vacketta's practice spans pre-award and post-award counseling on supply, service and construction contracts. He is "an absolutely terrific lawyer" and a generous mentor to other government contracts attorneys, sources reveal.

THE FIRM This compact team is particularly prominent in the bid protest arena. Other areas of expertise include due diligence, investigations, Qui Tam actions and cost accounting issues. The lawyers frequently collaborate with colleagues in the firm's corporate, IP, international arbitration, False Claims Act, RICO and white-collar crime practices, providing clients with even greater resources. Representative clients include Northrop Grumman, Bank of America and Computer Sciences Corporation.

Sources say: "The client service is as good as it gets." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS The star of the practice is James McCullough, who market sources describe as "a leading light in the bid protest world; he's a super lawyer with great intuition and a level-headed approach." He leads the group and focuses on litigation matters, including Procurement Integrity and Freedom of Information Act disputes and enforcement matters involving voluntary disclosure and suspension and debarment. He also offers expertise in alternative dispute resolution techniques. Recent bid protest experience includes representing Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) in a successful protest challenging an award of a Federal Supply Schedule (FSS) purchase order for gamma ray vehicle and cargo inspection systems.

THE FIRM This group is experienced across the board in litigation, M&A, compliance, internal investigations, IP matters and False Claims Act cases. It acts for a wide array of industry clients, such as large aerospace and defense contractors, financial institutions, IT businesses and healthcare companies. Clients include Honeywell, Oshkosh Truck Corporation and Raytheon.

Sources say: "This dynamic, efficient team provides creative solutions to procurement problems."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Clients enjoy working with Joe West, describing him as "a diligent, detail-oriented attorney with a wealth of experience." His strengths include post-award claims disputes, compliance and enforcement, suspension and debarment, terminations and construction-related government contracting matters. Recent work includes providing litigation and counseling services to Triple Canopy in connection with its contracts to provide security services in Iraq and Afghanistan. He also counseled AIG on its provision of insurance services to contractors and government agencies. "Fantastically talented lawyer" Karen Manos has impressive experience in costs and pricing issues. She recently acted for KBR in a number of engagements, including defending against government disallowance of subcontract costs incurred during Hurricane Katrina recovery efforts. She also represents Lockheed Martin in various costs disputes matters.

THE FIRM This effective group has expertise in bid protests, claims, compliance, labor and employment, M&A and civil litigation. The practice has a strong enforcement defense component, with experience spanning internal investigations, defense of False Claims Act allegations, suspension and debarment, FCPA investigations and white-collar crime matters. The team recently represented Raytheon in protesting a multibillion-dollar US Air Force award. Other clients include Vangent, IM Systems Group and SRA International.

Sources Say: "Provides deep knowledge and expert advice at reasonable rates."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Virginia-based Richard Duvall leads the national government contracts practice.

THE FIRM This group's deep expertise includes contract negotiations, international and security issues, civil and criminal investigations, litigation, compliance and regulatory matters. The lawyers work closely with the firm's government relations, biotech, healthcare and IP practices.

Sources Say: "Excellent lawyers with broad experience."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Group head Marcia Madsen is "one of the stars of the Bar" and has a strong presence in bid protests work. Her broad experience covers performance disputes, audits, terminations, cost accounting and allowability, mediation, trade secrets and fraud investigations, among other areas. David Dowd is "a smart, thorough litigator." He advises clients in healthcare, IT and engineering industries, among others.

THE FIRM This team's expertise covers bid protests, claims, False Claims Act cases and internal investigations. The lawyers counsel clients across a broad array of matters, including cost accounting, M&A, security clearances, ethics programs and regulatory compliance. They are also skilled in international public contracting matters. Clients include TriTech Software Systems and Honeywell.

Sources Say: "Extremely knowledgeable, responsive attorneys who are totally dedicated to achieving a successful outcome."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Los Angeles-based Robert Metzger is "a smart, knowledgeable attorney." He represents leading aerospace and defense contractors in transactional and litigious matters; he has strong bid protest experience. Also in the Los Angeles office, Alex Tomaszczuk "inspires complete confidence in clients." He focuses on contract disputes and bid protests. In 2009, he successfully secured $117 million in damages for Northern States Power in litigation arising out of the Department of Energy’s failure to commence pick-up of spent nuclear fuel. Joël Van Over is based in Northern Virginia. She focuses on compliance and litigation, and has particular expertise in IP-related government contract matters. 

THE FIRM This widely respected construction and government contract law boutique provides cost-effective counseling. Clients highlight the group's attentive and efficient service.

Sources Say: "These flexible, pragmatic lawyers provide  great value and a personalized service."

KEY INDIVIDUALS "Tenacious and highly intelligent" litigator John Pachter is an excellent choice for dispute resolution and bid protest work; sources say "he always does a terrific job."

THE FIRM This group is recommended for its practical, business-focused advice. Strengths include contract compliance, M&A, contract award protests, suspension and disbarment, investigations and homeland security matters. The lawyers provide excellent client service to a wide range of government contractors. 

Sources Say: "These tenacious lawyers  are committed to delivering great results."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Practice head Thomas Madden is "an influential figure in the government contracts Bar." He is a seasoned lawyer with extensive experience in IP issues, internal investigations, compliance, false claims matters, civil litigation and bid protests. Recent work includes a case involving misappropriation of trade secrets and breach of licensing agreement.

THE FIRM These attorneys are skilled in litigation and have considerable experience of international procurement matters, such as export controls and sanctions. Other key areas of expertise include investigations, voluntary disclosures and Qui Tam defense. In 2009, the group represented GE Security in a successful bid protest, and defended KBR in congressional, federal criminal and civil investigations relating to its work in Iraq, Afghanistan and the Balkans. Other clients include BAE, GE and Agility Logistics.

Sources Say: "Well-trusted advisers with outstanding business sense."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Michael Charness is respected for his international procurement experience. "He brings a wealth of knowledge, an excellent work ethic and thoroughness to any issue he tackles," happy clients report. Recent work includes successfully defending Stratos Government Services' multimillion-dollar award to provide remote communications services. He also recently acted for Versar in suing a prime contractor in a wrongful termination case.