Government Contracts Associate or Special Counsel

Job Overview

A law firm seeks an experienced government contracts attorney to join their team in Newark, NJ. The ideal candidate will have a minimum of 5 years of experience in federal government contracts law, with a preference for 6-9 years. The role requires strong analytical, research, and writing skills, and offers opportunities for career growth.

Duties

• Handle bid protests and acquisition regulation compliance.
• Draft and analyze REAs, claims, and CDA claim litigation.
• Advise on federal subcontracting and related disputes.
• Manage terminations, OCIs, and suspension/debarment issues.
• Engage in small business procurement and multiple award contracts.
• Participate in client development and thought leadership activities.

Requirements

• Minimum 5 years of experience in federal government contracts law.
• Experience in a law firm setting is strongly preferred.
• Ability to work independently on certain matters.
• GovCon M&A experience is a plus.
• Experience in aerospace/defense, infrastructure/construction, life sciences/pharmaceutical, or manufacturing industries is helpful.

Education

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree required.

Certifications

• Bar admission in good standing.

Skills

• Strong analytical, research, and writing skills.
• Proficiency in FAR and DFARS interpretation.
• Excellent communication and client development skills.

Benefits

• Firm-paid basic life and AD&D insurance, and short-term and long-term disability benefits.
• Comprehensive medical/prescription drug coverage with firm HSA contribution.
• Employee-paid dental and vision coverage, and supplemental health plans.
• 401(k) plan with pre-tax, Roth, and after-tax contributions.
• Paid time off, holidays, and parental leave.
• Free and confidential employee assistance program.
• Firm-paid back-up child/elder care, academic support, and pet care program.
• Tax-advantaged college savings 529 Plan.
• Employee discounts through Working Advantage.

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 rave 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.