GOVERNMENT CONTRACTS ASSOCIATE OR SPECIAL COUNSEL

Posted on
26 January 2026
Accepting Applications

Description

McCarter and English’s Chambers-ranked Government Contracts group is seeking an experienced, diligent, and proactive government contracts attorney to join our growing and dynamic team. Candidate must have a minimum of 5 years experience practicing law in the specific area of federal government contracts, and preferably 6-9 years such experience. There is a strong preference for candidates who have practiced government contracts law in a law firm setting. Applicants must have strong analytical, research, and writing skills, and should have experience with: bid protests; acquisition regulation (including FAR and DFARS) interpretation and compliance counseling; drafting REAs and claims, related claims analysis and counseling, and CDA claim litigation; federal subcontracting and related dispute and flow-down/compliance issues; terminations; OCIs; suspension and debarment; multiple award contracts; and small business procurement issues. Intellectually curious self-starters with a demonstrable ability to work on certain matters independently, as appropriate, are strongly preferred. GovCon M&A experience is a plus and experience with aerospace/defense, infrastructure/construction, life sciences/pharmaceutical, and/or manufacturing industries would be helpful, but is not required. The ideal candidate will be interested in a rise to partnership. Candidates will be offered certain opportunities for written and oral “thought leadership” on government contracts topics, and candidates with an interest in/propensity for client development will be encouraged in their business development efforts. Location flexible across our offices; DC or Philadelphia preferred. Base salary range for this position is $200,000-275,000, depending on seniority, experience, and skills. Title will similarly depend on candidate’s experience and skills level. If you have relevant experience and a desire to grow your career, please consider joining our team. We will be working directly with candidates for this opening. Please send your resume, cover letter, transcript, and a writing sample to Christine Lydon at . Candidates who do not submit cover letter and writing sample will not be considered. Other Compensation: Eligibility for discretionary bonus. Benefits (if FTE requirements met): Firm-Paid: Basic life and accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance and short-term (ST) and long-term (LT) disability benefits. Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical/prescription drug coverage (the Firm pays a share of the cost), including a high deductible health plan with an annual Firm health savings account (HSA) contribution. Employee-Paid Voluntary Benefits: Dental and vision coverage, supplemental health plans (accident, cancer and critical illness), flexible spending accounts, optional life and AD&D insurance (supplemental employee, spouse and child) and supplemental STD coverage. Retirement: 401(k) plan offering three types of contributions: pre-tax, Roth and after-tax contributions. Time Off: Paid Time Off (PTO), paid holidays, and leaves of absence to support work-life balance (e.g. parental leave) Additional Benefits: Free and confidential employee assistance program (EAP) and behavioral health services 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 McCarter & English, LLP is an Equal Opportunity Employer.It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.