Associate Attorney
2 days ago
Washington
Please send your resume to . About Cohen Seglias Cohen Seglias laid a foundation of legal excellence in the construction industry more than 35 years ago, an area where we remain preeminent. By being responsive and conscientious business partners, our footprint and capabilities have grown alongside our clients’ needs—becoming extensions of their teams. We provide our clients with a full range of legal services, with 20+ disciplines, to clients across nine offices. The firm and our attorneys are consistently recognized as top leaders in legal rankings such as Chambers USA, Legal 500, Law 360, and Best Lawyers. Culture As a mid-sized firm, we offer attorneys a collegial, collaborative and people-friendly working environment, while also providing interesting and sophisticated legal work. We help our attorneys build their skill sets and practices through an open-door, professional environment that encourages hands on experience. Cohen Seglias is a growing and dynamic law firm committed to the growth and well-being of our employees. This commitment is demonstrated through a range of initiatives, including a mentoring program, ongoing training and development, pro bono work, regular office events, parental leave, Habitat for Humanity Build Days, and more. Position Summary This position supports our Government Contracts and Research Misconduct practice groups. Our Government Contract practice includes a wide range of experiences to include regulatory compliance with the agency’s various programs, structuring joint venture agreements, teaming agreements, contract interpretation and performance counseling, negotiation of Requests for Equitable Adjustment, resolution of subcontractor disputes, contract terminations, suspension and debarment, and advising on small business procurement programs in various federal agencies. Our nationally-recognized Research Misconduct practice conducts investigations concerning allegations of research misconduct (falsifications of data, fabrications of data or plagiarism in federally funded scientific research). We represent scientists (including Nobel laureates and other world-class researchers) as well as assisting the institutions conducting investigations. Cohen Seglias has an opening in its Washington DC office for an associate with 5+ years of experience. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Government Contracts: • Advises clients on compliance with federal procurement regulations, including FAR, DFARS, agency-specific requirements, and small business program obligations., • Drafts, reviews, and negotiates government contracting agreements, including teaming agreements, joint ventures, prime contracts, and subcontracts., • Counsels clients on contract performance, risk mitigation, scope changes, delays, and compliance with contractual obligations and government directives., • Assists clients with REAs, claims, bid protests, subcontractor disputes, and negotiations with contracting officers and other parties., • Advises on high-risk government contracting matters, including terminations, suspension and debarment proceedings, investigations, and related mitigation strategies., • Analyzes facts and performs legal research and writing pertaining to questions of law on federal contracting matters., • Maintains regular and clear communication with clients, keeping them informed on case status and strategy. Research Misconduct: • Analyzes allegations brought against clients., • Reviews the research record (scientific background not required)., • Prepares submissions to the institutions’ investigative committees conducting the inquiry/investigation., • Collaborates frequently with clients and the team., • Prepares clients for investigative interviews., • Drafts letters to universities, counsel, and the Office of Research Integrity (part of HHS) on behalf of clients. Skills/Knowledge Requirements • Excellent verbal and written communication skills, both persuasive and organized., • Identifies and explores key details/concepts that are factual and legal., • Excellent customer service skills, responsive, and proactively updates clients., • Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines., • Strong oral advocacy, with the ability to support the facts, law, and briefs of both sides., • Strong organizational and multi-tasking skills with the ability to juggle competing priorities and personalities., • Actively builds a professional network through various professional and trade organizations, with the proclivity to generate business., • Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail., • Ability to function well in a high-paced and at times stressful environment., • Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to manage sensitive and confidential situations with tact, professionalism, and diplomacy. Experience Requirements • Juris Doctor degree., • Licensed to practice law in Washington DC, and preferably at least one other jurisdiction (Maryland and/or Virginia), in good standing, in one or more jurisdictions., • Must maintain CLE requirements and license renewal., • Five plus years of experience, ideally 2+ years of government contracting experience., • Strong academic credentials (preferably law review)., • Strong legal research and writing skills., • Knowledge of the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), and revised FAR., • Prior experience with a federal agency, administrative board, or federal court is desirable. Equal Opportunity Employer Cohen Seglias is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, gender, pregnancy, religion, national origin, ancestry, disability, genetic information, veterans’ status or military affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, or other characteristics protected by applicable law.