Government: Government Contracts: Nationwide

THE FIRM This highly respected practice rises to the top tier after a successful year advising high-profile clients across a range of industry sectors. The team offers the full spectrum of government contracts expertise, including cost accounting, bid protests, False Claims Act litigation, investigations and corporate transactions. Of particular note was the firm's representation of industry giant Raytheon in a landmark $60 million dispute relating to cost accounting standards. Other clients include BAE Systems, Oracle and United Concordia, demonstrating the firm's broad industry reach.

Client Service "The team works an extreme amount of hours, and the attitude never changes – when you are dealing with the group, you feel they care as much as you do."

Commercial Awareness "It is just a superb firm. It comes down to an ability to have a collaborative approach that comes up with the best business result. The firm is very good at recognizing that."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Mark Colley is universally praised by peers and clients alike, and is singled out as a "go-to person." He is equally as adept at representing high-profile clients in bid protests as he is at guiding them through False Claims Act investigations.

Jeffrey Smith is well regarded for his knowledge of national security matters, and regularly advises multinational clients on national security compliance. Clients value his "experience and wisdom, and knowledge of how things work in Washington, DC."

Paul Pompeo stands out for his work in the cost accounting arena and is praised by clients for the creative solutions he offers. He was the lead counsel and contact partner on the Raytheon cost accounting dispute.

Renowned government contracts practitioner Kristen Ittig is new to the rankings this year, having earned client praise for her ability to provide "excellent legal advice based on good commercial knowledge."

Another new entrant is Ronald Schechter, who handles a range of matters for his stellar client base. "It is important to go to those who know what they are doing, and Ron Schechter is firmly in that bracket," said one client.

THE FIRM This government contracts heavyweight maintains a lofty position in the market, offering almost unparalleled expertise and covering a diverse range of industry sectors. The team is best known for its activity in defense matters, and is also increasingly active in the healthcare and telecom sectors. Recent highlights include representing AT&T in litigation pursuant to the False Claims Act, and assisting MetLife with a bid protest in connection with a $3 billion dental insurance contract with the Department of Defense.

Client Service "Superb attorneys who are extremely knowledgeable and provide outstanding client service." "The firm has the biggest roster and the best experts, and the expertise is incredible – this ensures that we get the best service."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Terry Albertson receives broad praise for his cost disputes and accounting standards practice. He regularly advises the biggest names in the defense sector on complex costs matters against the Department of Defense and other government agencies. "He has regularly provided outstanding service and has gone out of his way to help me," said one client.

Thomas Humphrey is described as "a bid protest lawyer par excellence. He has very high standards and produces top-quality work." One client added: "In my experience, he is among the very best bid protest lawyers." Humphrey represents the likes of IBM and MetLife in high-profile bid protests, and is also active in False Claims Act and qui tam litigation.

Government contracts all-rounder Kent Morrison has a broad-ranging practice and is noted for his expertise in defective pricing and Truth in Negotiations Act investigations. Clients point out his experience in finding practical solutions, with one remarking: "He finds a way to do things from a business perspective."

Angela Styles regularly represents prominent government contractors in a range of industry sectors in suspension and debarment proceedings. Her experience as Administrator for Federal Procurement Policy in the Office of Management and Budget at the White House means that she is well placed to achieve positive results for key clients.

Daniel Forman is described as an "up-and-coming force in the industry." He has a growing practice and represents clients in a range of matters, including bid protests, qui tam litigations and false claims investigations.

The "very distinguished and savvy" Stanfield Johnson continues to lend his expertise and gravitas to the firm's leading clients, advising on a number of complex government contracts matters.

THE FIRM This firm remains at the top of the table thanks to its long-standing combination of expertise and depth in the sector. It stands out for handling big-ticket matters for high-profile clients in the defense industry, including Lockheed Martin and Kellogg Brown & Root, the latter of which the team has represented in a range of tort claims arising from battlefield accidents in Iraq and Afghanistan. Other high-profile clients include BP, which the firm advised on suspension and debarment proceedings relating to the explosion at its Texas refinery and a CWA violation at the Alaska pipeline.

Client Service "The group's knowledge, expertise and influence are unsurpassed. These strengths are broad and deep across government contract personnel, including the firm's associates and nationwide offices."

Commercial Awareness "The team is highly skilled and practical, with broad expertise. It is capable of handling almost any complex, high-risk issues, including litigation."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Clients are keen to point out James Gallagher's experience in government contracts matters, with one saying: "There is virtually no area he does not have knowledge of – there is nothing he has not done or seen." Gallagher is particularly noted for his knowledge of the False Claims Act, and has led on a number of high-profile investigations.

Thomas Abbott is "extremely intelligent and tenacious," and represents clients in a range of government contracts matters. He stands out especially for his work in False Claims Act and qui tam investigations. 

Thomas Papson is praised by clients as "one of the best bid protest lawyers in the business." He regularly handles bid protests for a number of industry-leading clients, including Lockheed Martin and United Health.

Ray Biagini is a newcomer to the rankings, having built a specialized practice in disaster and tort defense for government contractors. He is highlighted for his unique expertise in the SAFETY Act, in which area he has advised a varied range of clients, including KBR and The Cincinnati Airport. "He has proven himself time after time," said one interviewee. 

Stanley Dees brings enormous gravitas to McKenna Long & Aldridge's government contracts team and is universally respected by peers, one of whom described him as "just a wonderful guy." 

THE FIRM Wiley Rein stands out for the strength in depth it can offer its well-known clients in the government contracts sphere. It is best known for its bid protest work, where it represents key industry names such as Boeing and AECOM. However, the team's expertise is broad, as demonstrated in its work for Computer Sciences Corporation on a claim relating to alleged breaches of a government contract, where it was able to call on resources from the firm's IP, employment and privacy groups.

Commercial Awareness "It is just a superb firm. It comes down to an ability to have a collaborative approach that comes up with the best business result."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Rand Allen is universally regarded by industry leaders as a standout lawyer in the market, who "achieves remarkable results." He is responsible for some of Wiley Rein's most significant mandates, and is the key contact for major government contractors such as Boeing and Computer Sciences Corporation.

Paul Khoury is very well regarded for his work in the bid protest arena. He regularly leads protests on behalf of the firm's most high-profile clients, including CAMSS Shelters and UnitedHealth.

Market sources single out Scott McCaleb as being "very astute," and someone to whom they can entrust the most complex matters. He is active in bid protests, and also assists with False Claims Act investigations and arbitration proceedings.

Sources view Daniel Graham as one of the "next generation" of government contracts lawyers, and worthy of recognition. 

Nicole Owren-Wiest is regarded as a future leader in the costs disputes sphere, and often works with high-profile names such as Booz Allen Hamilton on such matters.

THE FIRM Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher's government contracts team continues to go from strength to strength, and has the relevant expertise and experience to handle almost any government contracts matter. The team is particularly revered in the costs disputes sphere, where it regularly advises the likes of Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman. The well-rounded group offers expertise in False Claims Act litigations and compliance matters across a range of industry sectors. It also has a high-caliber corporate transactions practice, commonly advising entities that interact with government contractors, such as Enterprise Rent-A-Car and Deloitte Consulting.

Commercial Awareness "The quality of work from the partners is very high. They can provide practical advice and have broad experience that is helpful to us – they can answer any question."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Karen Manos is widely lauded for her skills in the cost accounting sphere, with one source dubbing her "the preeminent lawyer for cost accounting." Manos regularly advises industry big hitters such as Raytheon and AECOM on the most high-profile cost disputes. 

Joseph West is highly respected and assists both private entities and government agencies in a variety of significant government contract disputes. Clients highlight his experience, with one stating: "He is very knowledgeable and has come across most situations."

THE FIRM Hogan Lovells' government contracts team benefits from the support of the firm's deep resources, which enable it to represent clients beyond the traditional pursuits of bid protests and False Claims Act litigations, regularly advising on the sale and purchase of government contracting entities. The group is particularly strong in the defense sector, where it regularly advises the likes of EADS, Lockheed Martin and General Dynamics. It is also noted for its prowess in the education sector, acting for the likes of Columbia University and St. Louis University. 

Client Service "The team works so hard, meets every deadline and is exceedingly pleasant to work with."

Commercial Awareness "The work is exceptional. The team understands the area well, is practical and keeps our business needs in mind."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Thomas McGovern is very highly regarded for his work in the bid protest arena, and regularly represents leading names in the defense sector. "He is extremely experienced and is familiar with the nuances and regulations of GAO protests," say interviewees.

Clients enjoy working with Michael Mason, with one calling him "one of my go-to guys. I like how practical his advice is – he gets to the point and balances risk with business decisions." Mason covers the full range of government contracts litigation, including bid protests, false claims and investigations.

Agnes Dover is regularly involved in complex transactions, often assisting foreign clients investing in US companies with government contracts. She is "very good to deal with," say market sources.

THE FIRM This team proves a formidable counterpart in bid protest matters, and also has extensive experience in advising clients on M&A, federal investigations and compliance matters. Its broad skill set enables it to handle complex issues in areas such as technical data, privacy and IP. The team acts for a range of clients, including small start-up enterprises and defense sector heavyweights such as General Dynamics.

Sources say: "Very active and good in bid protests."

KEY INDIVIDUALS David Churchill is noted for his broad government contracts practice, and is praised by sources as "an excellent lawyer and a gentleman." He is responsible for leading bid protests for the likes of General Dynamics and Honeywell.

Jay DeVecchio also receives praise from sources, with one describing him as a "standout guy." Clients single him out as a specialist in IP and technical data matters.

Kevin Mullen is highlighted as a name to keep an eye on in the government contracts realm. One interviewee lauded him as "a rising star – I have a tremendous amount of respect for what he is doing."

THE FIRM This specialist group is widely regarded as one of the leading government contracts teams on the West Coast, and has developed diverse expertise on a foundation of extensive experience. The firm is active on bid protest matters at federal, state and local levels, and provides a high level of knowledge in areas such as cost disputes, compliance and False Claims Act litigation. Regular clients include Apple, Google and Lockheed Martin.

Sources say: "A quality specialist firm." "I am very impressed with the group."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Clients praise group cochair Allan Joseph for his "wonderful experience and great wisdom." His practice encompasses all aspects of government contracts litigation. 

Fellow cochair Neil O'Donnell specializes in bid protests and is a regular before the Government Accountability Office (GAO), where peers regularly enjoy working with him.

THE FIRM This sizable practice provides the full range of services to government contracts clients. It has notable expertise in contentious matters, with a focus on bid protests, fraud investigations and qui tam litigation. The team has experience in representing clients before a broad range of government agencies, including those of the Departments of Defense and Homeland Security. It has notably acted for ICx Technologies, successfully defending and challenging bid protests for the homeland security contractor.

Sources say: "The firm’s work is top-notch."

KEY INDIVIDUALS John Chierichella is widely respected by market commentators for his broad-ranging expertise. He regularly provides counsel to clients on a variety of government contracts, including representation in bid protests, advising on False Claims Act investigations and assisting with corporate transaction due diligence. "I only have positive things to say about him," said one source, adding: "He is a quick thinker and an astute analyst."

THE FIRM Bid protests form the backbone of Fried Frank's government contracts department, with highlights including acting for Science Applications International on a number of protests before the GAO. The group is also experienced in a range of government contract-related disputes. It successfully advised Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport on a False Claims Act investigation brought before a federal jury by a former employee with a claim of more than $600 million; the judgment was further affirmed by the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals.

Client Service "The firm is lean, mean and does things quickly – that translates to lower costs for us. We get good value out of it and the experience is so efficient."

Commercial Awareness "The advice is extremely detailed and very well prepared; they are knowledgeable and experienced."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Peers highlight James McCullough for his expertise in national security matters and for his experience in handling high-profile bid protests. "He has been doing it for so long, there is no area of the law he does not know about. He delivers outstanding value for us," said one client. McCullough is the key contact partner for SAIC, for which he handles a range of bid protests.

THE FIRM This growing and successful bid protest practice benefits from the firm's wide resources, and is supplemented by solid corporate expertise. It acts for a range of noteworthy clients across a diverse array of matters. Highlights include representing Raytheon in a number of bid protests before the GAO, and assisting Textron Systems in connection with strategic advice and compliance issues from both a US and an international perspective, demonstrating the team's versatility.

Client Service "Holland & Knight is extremely impressive in its ability to bring a wide variety of legal knowledge to the table. I can call them at any time and ask for anything."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Terry Elling has a broad practice, representing clients such as URS Federal Services in bid protests and compliance matters. He is described by peers as "a real gentleman – someone I really enjoy working with." 

David Black is "experienced and knowledgeable," and has a well-respected practice. He regularly works with high-profile clients such as Raytheon on bid protests and investigations.

Practice head Richard Duvall leads the 32-strong government contracts team. He has a wide-ranging government contracts practice and is praised by clients for providing expert advice.

THE FIRM Mayer Brown's reputation as a significant international firm attracts complex mandates from high-profile clients across a broad range of industries. The well-established bid protest practice regularly assists some of the biggest names in the defense sector, with highlights including defending Booz Allen Hamilton in connection with a protest of an $873 million contract awarded by the Federal Aviation Administration. Emphasizing the varied nature of the practice, the team represented GM in a claim to recover pension costs under a government contract.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Marcia Madsen is highly regarded in the bid protest field. Sources regularly mention her expert knowledge in the area, and she advises industry big hitters such as Lockheed Martin and BAE Systems on bid protests. "Marcia knows the answer immediately. I feel very comfortable with how nuanced her thinking is."

David Dowd is very active in the bid protest field, and is singled out by clients for the "very practical advice" he offers.

THE FIRM This firm has experienced teams in both Washington, DC and California, offering genuine national coverage at state and federal levels. The established government contracts group is therefore well placed to operate a successful bid protest practice, catering to clients across a diverse range of industries, including aerospace and defense. In addition, the firm has a track record of advising government contractor clients on spent nuclear fuel claims from the Department of Energy, as demonstrated by its work for Entergy on claims worth more than $120 million.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Clients praise Alex Tomaszczuk for providing a high-quality work product. He is described as being "exceptional among his peers," and his litigation and bid protest practice is particularly strong in the real estate and energy sectors.

Joël Van Over is known for her specific expertise in government contract-related IP disputes. "She is very erudite, knowledgeable, thorough and easy to get on with," comment interviewees.

THE FIRM This compact group is a regular competitor on the government contracts circuit. The Virginia-based team advises on all aspects of government contracts, with a strong focus on bid protests and litigation matters. The group has strong ties to the construction industry, and also represents clients from the defense, food and information technology sectors, among others.

KEY INDIVIDUALS John Pachter is hugely experienced and highly recommended by peers. His government contracts practice covers all forms of litigation and bid protests. "He is a terrific lawyer; I have a great deal of respect for him," said one market commentator.

Gregory Smith joined the firm from Cooley LLP in August 2011, bringing a significant and well-regarded costs disputes practice.

THE FIRM This well-regarded, active team combines a busy bid protests practice with the ability to represent clients in complex government contract-related disputes and investigations. It demonstrated its deep expertise in government legislation through its representation of Securitas in negotiations with the Department of Homeland Security for the extension of its SAFETY Act Certification award. Other clients include Science Applications International Corporation and Sodexo. 

Client Service "The firm produces a very high-quality work product – there is always a high talent level on the teams."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Thomas Madden's experience in the field of government contracts is an integral part of the team's success. He provides "very good, concise answers" to clients on a range of issues, while remaining active in the bid protest scene. 

Scott Hommer enters the rankings this year, having developed a successful bid protest practice. His recent highlights include advising ITT Corporation on defending a $1 billion contract award from NASA.

THE FIRM Vinson & Elkins utilizes its wide international reach to provide clients with a unique service encompassing expertise in the Middle East and Asia. The firm's acknowledged appreciation of those markets affords it the opportunity to advise clients with significant interests in those regions, such as Versar. In addition to representing big names in the defense industry in bid protests, and highlighting its national reach, the team has also advised Software AG in a claim against the State of California Department of Technology Services.

Commercial Awareness "The firm's institutional knowledge of our business means it can offer practical counseling. Many can cite chapter and verse, but Vinson & Elkins translates that into practical advice."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Michael Charness heads the practice and is "smart and effective." He regularly represents high-profile clients in the defense sector in claims before a range of government agencies.

Clients praise David Johnson's ability to offer practical advice and to handle matters from an international perspective.

Jamie Tabb is often involved in the team's most significant matters, and is described as "an associate operating at a partner level." 

THE FIRM Covington & Burling makes its debut in the government contracts table on the back of a successful year advising high-profile clients on a range of matters, including bid protests, compliance matters and corporate transactions. Highlights include representing private equity firm Lindsay Goldberg in its acquisition of Pacific Architects & Engineers from Lockheed Martin. Other clients include Microsoft, Goodyear and AstraZeneca.

Client Service "The firm puts us at ease. Nothing is overcomplicated by the team."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Clients appreciate Alan Pemberton's practical approach to providing solutions. "He understands our business – that is invaluable," said one client.

THE FIRM The government contract practice at Dickstein Shapiro assists a range of clients on bid protests, contractual disputes and general compliance matters. The team is particularly strong in representing clients in bid protests before the GAO, as highlighted by its assistance to HP Enterprise Services in defending its award from NASA to supply the agency's computing services. The group also regularly works with the likes of Accenture, DynCorp International and Siemens on government contracts matters.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Clients praise David Nadler for his "outstanding subject matter expertise and understanding of his clients' business." He is representing Carson Helicopters in all matters pertaining to an investigation into an accident that killed nine firefighters. 

THE FIRM DLA Piper's significant national reach means that it is ideally placed to assist clients on both a state and federal level. As a result, it can combine a federal bid protest practice with a state-level government contracting practice, with a particular focus on the real estate sector. Highlights include advising Oracle on the lease amendments and renewals for a federal government tenant. The team also represents the likes of Northrop Grumman in bid protests before the GAO.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Carl Lee Vacketta lends his considerable expertise and gravitas to a number of government contracts claims and disputes. He is described as "an outstanding attorney with extremely broad experience."

Richard Rector is highly regarded by peers and clients alike, and singled out for providing "practical advice in an easily digestible form." He regularly represents the likes of Northrop Grumman in high-profile bid protests. Fernand Lavallee is well known for his IP experience, and led the team assisting Aquilent with software licensing and IP issues arising out of its government contracts.

THE FIRM Foley & Lardner's focused practice assists clients in formation, performance and compliance with government contracts. The team is spread across the firm's US offices, including in Washington, DC, Detroit and Tallahassee, making it well placed to advise clients on specific local issues. It assisted specialty vehicle group Spartan Motors with a series of federal contracts and the drafting of the firm's compliance code. Other key clients include the Canadian National Railway.

KEY INDIVIDUALS David Ralston "inspires confidence" in clients with his "excellent service, business focus and very pragmatic advice." He regularly represents the likes of Cummins in a range of matters, including bid protests, investigations and compliance matters.