Government Contracts Associate Attorney

Job Overview

An established law firm is seeking an experienced and proactive Government Contracts Associate to join its Chambers-ranked Government Contracts group. This position involves high-level work on complex government contracts matters, offering opportunities for growth and advancement toward partnership.

Location

• Hartford, CT

Duties

• Represent clients in bid protests and related legal proceedings.
• Provide counsel on cybersecurity compliance and acquisition regulations, including FAR and DFARS.
• Draft and manage Requests for Equitable Adjustments (REAs) and claims.
• Conduct claims analysis, provide counseling, and handle Contract Disputes Act (CDA) litigation.
• Address federal subcontracting issues, including compliance and dispute resolution.
• Support matters related to multiple award contracts and small business procurement.
• Advise on cases involving aerospace/defense, infrastructure/construction, life sciences/pharmaceutical, and manufacturing sectors.

Requirements

• A minimum of 4–5 years of experience in government contracts law, preferably in a law firm setting.
• Ability to independently manage specific legal matters.
• Interest in client development and contributing to legal thought leadership.

Education

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.

Certifications

• Admission to the Virginia State Bar is strongly preferred.

Skills

• Expertise in bid protests and compliance with FAR and DFARS regulations.
• Strong skills in drafting REAs, claims, and handling CDA litigation.
• Excellent analytical, research, and writing abilities.
• Proactive and self-motivated with intellectual curiosity.
• Strong collaboration and communication skills.

This firm has given a lot of thought to the interplay between the New York and the New Jersey legal markets. Although one of the oldest and largest in New Jersey, this firm wants to capture the Manhattan type work at Manhattan type billing rates. Although they are not quite there yet, this firm has developed a structure that enables it to base the bulk of its personnel and resources in New Jersey, and have a small New York space from which to handle the 'big city' work. An interesting plan, to be sure. Associates here raves about the reasonable hours and the immediate responsibility, many of whom deal directly with clients and handle entire cases. This is one of the few New Jersey firms where you will see the reverse commute--attorneys leaving Manhattan to take advantage of pleasant work environment and excellent training ground.