Associate Attorney (Government Contracts)
Orion Placement
Listing collected from Orion Placement's career site. NextChapter is independent of Orion Placement.
San Francisco, CA · Posted October 15, 2026
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Pay compared with the market
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About the job
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-1229
Benefits:
Dental insurance
Health insurance
Life insurance
Paid time off
Retirement plan
Vision insurance