Associate Attorney

Pay: $195,000.00 - $210,000.00 per year

Why This Is a Great Opportunity

• Step into a tight-knit, nationally respected litigation boutique where smaller truly means smarter — no bureaucratic red tape, just exceptional lawyering and real client relationships
• Work at the forefront of government contracts law: bid protests, False Claims Act matters, regulatory compliance, procurement integrity, claims and performance disputes — substantive, high-stakes work from day one
• Get client-facing experience early and often — this firm believes in putting associates in the room, not behind the scenes
• A realistic path to shareholder for those who invest in their own development — this is not a firm where partnership is a moving target
• Collaborate across practice groups if you want breadth — the structure here supports it
• Competitive compensation plus full coverage of health and dental insurance premiums for you, and 30% of dependent premiums — a genuinely generous benefits package
• Eligible for both hours-based non-discretionary bonuses and merit-based bonuses tied to outstanding results, contributions, and business development
• A 1,800-hour annual billable target with approved pro bono (up to 100 hours) and DEI work (up to 25 hours) counting toward that goal — a firm that puts its values in writing

Location: This role is based in our Washington, DC or San Francisco office. We operate on a hybrid schedule with a 3-day in-office expectation — a structure that keeps our team connected and collaborative while giving you the flexibility to do your best work.

Note: Candidates must be admitted to practice in the District of Columbia, Virginia, Maryland, or California. Government contracts litigation experience is required; this is not a general litigation position.

About Us

We are a litigation boutique with over four decades of experience representing Fortune 500 companies, private corporations, nonprofits, government entities, and individuals throughout California and across the United States. Founded on the belief that smaller is smarter, we've built a firm free from the weight of large-firm bureaucracy — one where attorneys can think more creatively, act more nimbly, and build genuine, lasting relationships with clients. Our collaborative team of staff and attorneys is what keeps this firm not just successful, but a true pleasure to work for. Confidential Employer.

Job Description

• Litigate bid protests, claims and performance disputes, and terminations for default or convenience before federal agencies and courts
• Advise clients on regulatory compliance, procurement integrity, Organizational Conflicts of Interest, and ethics issues
• Handle False Claims Act matters — both defense and counseling — with thoroughness and strategic focus
• Draft and review briefs, pleadings, motions, and client correspondence with precision and clarity
• Manage multiple complex matters simultaneously in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
• Collaborate with senior attorneys and partners while maintaining meaningful autonomy on assigned work
• Engage directly with clients, contributing to relationships that are personal, trust-based, and long-term
• Participate in other practice group matters as interests and firm needs align

Qualifications

• 3+ years of litigation experience, with a focus on government contracts
• Admitted to practice in DC, Virginia, Maryland, or California (required)
• Experience with bid protests, claims disputes, False Claims Act, and/or compliance counseling strongly preferred
• Excellent written and oral communication skills — strong drafting is non-negotiable
• Solid academic credentials and sharp analytical thinking
• Ability to manage multiple projects independently while contributing to a collaborative team
• Self-starter mentality with a consistent attention to detail

Why You Will Love Working Here

This is a firm that genuinely values the people who work here. You'll have a real voice, real client contact, and a real shot at building a career — not just filling a seat. The culture is collaborative without being political, and the work is substantive without being soul-crushing. If you're the kind of attorney who wants to be known for excellent lawyering and trusted client relationships — not just your billable hours — this is the place for you.

JPC-1230

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Requirements: Must haves: Hiring in San Francisco, CA and Washington, DC. CA bar if CA candidate. DC, VA, or MD bar if DC candidate. Must have 2+ yrs litigation exp. Must have 1+ yr government contracts exp.

• Nice to haves:

• Preferred Years as Associate: 3+

• Additional context: Relocation- [yesno]. Packages - [yesno]

• Salary Bands (Only if attorney role):

• 3 years experience: ~$195,000

• 4 years experience: ~$200,000–$205,000

• 5+ years experience: ~$205,000–$210,000

Submission Email: Name / Emily -

emurphy@rjo.com

mchernowski@rjo.com

Quick Recruiter Reference

Established litigation boutique (40+ years, offices in DC and San Francisco) with a strong government contracts practice seeks a 3-5 year associate to handle bid protests, FCA matters, regulatory compliance, and related disputes. Client-facing from day one, realistic partnership track, generous compensation and benefits. Government contracts experience required; bar admission in DC, VA, MD, or CA required.

Recruiters Submission: To submit, cancel - Associate Attorney (Government Contracts) - Rogers Joseph O'Donnell - JPC 1230 - Source

*New Job Order Alert*

• Client job title: Associate Attorney (Government Contracts)

• Location: Washington, DC

• On-site, hybrid, remote: Hybrid

• Experience: 3

• Good fit job titles/keywords for candidates: Government Contracts Associate Attorney, Government Contracts Litigation Associate, Bid Protest Attorney, False Claims Act Associate, Federal Procurement Attorney, Regulatory Compliance Attorney, Government Contracts Counsel, Federal Litigation Associate

• # of hires needed: 1

• Open or not to recruiters on TE: No

• Job posting strategy (bottom of package details): Atty, 3+ yrs, lit, DC & San Fr.