Associate Counselor Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Locations: Anchorage, AK | Portland, OR | Seattle, WA | Washington, D.C.
Salary Range: $147,000 – $325,000 annually

Direct Counsel is seeking a Government Contracts Counseling & Litigation Associate to join a nationally recognized Am Law firm. This is an exceptional opportunity for a mid-level associate with 3–6 years of experience to work on sophisticated matters involving federal, state, and local procurement, regulatory counseling, grants and cooperative agreements, investigations, and high-stakes government contracts litigation. The role also includes advising Alaska Native Corporations (ANCs) and affiliated entities on issues related to federal contracting and federal assistance programs.

The ideal candidate will have experience counseling government contractors and grant recipients on compliance and regulatory matters, as well as representing clients in disputes arising under government contracts and federal funding programs. This position offers meaningful client contact, hands-on responsibility, and collaboration with attorneys across multiple offices on complex regulatory and litigation matters.

• Advise clients on federal procurement regulations, including the FAR, DFARS, and agency supplements
• Represent clients in bid protests, contract claims, and disputes before the GAO, U.S. Court of Federal Claims, Boards of Contract Appeals, and other tribunals
• Handle False Claims Act (FCA) investigations, qui tam actions, civil litigation, and related enforcement proceedings
• Conduct internal investigations and compliance reviews involving federal funding
• Counsel clients on federal grants and cooperative agreements, including compliance with Uniform Guidance (2 C.F.R. Part 200)
• Assist with grant lifecycle matters, including proposal strategy, award negotiation, post-award administration, and closeout
• Advise on grant compliance, audit findings, suspension and debarment risks, and agency oversight matters
• Support M&A diligence and transactional matters involving government contracts and federal funding
• Counsel clients on SBA small business programs, including 8(a) Business Development Program requirements, mentor-protégé arrangements, and joint ventures
• Advise Alaska Native Corporations and affiliated entities on regulatory compliance, eligibility, and structuring considerations
• Assist with matters involving sole-source procurements, affiliation issues, and federal construction contracting requirements
• Handle construction-related claims and disputes, including delay, disruption, differing site conditions, changes, and terminations

• 3–6 years of experience in government contracts and/or federal grants counseling, investigations, or litigation
• Strong familiarity with federal procurement regulations, including the FAR and DFARS
• Experience advising on federal financial assistance programs and Uniform Guidance compliance
• Exposure to SBA small business programs, including 8(a), mentor-protégé arrangements, and joint ventures
• Excellent research, writing, analytical, and advocacy skills
• Strong academic credentials
• Admission to the bar in the jurisdiction where the candidate will practice, or ability to obtain admission promptly

• Experience advising Alaska Native Corporations, tribal entities, or Native-owned businesses
• Familiarity with federal grant compliance, audit requirements, and cost principles
• Experience responding to OIG inquiries, agency investigations, or enforcement actions involving federal funding
• Experience before the GAO, U.S. Court of Federal Claims, or Boards of Contract Appeals
• Prior government or clerkship experience related to procurement or grants
• Experience advising on False Claims Act exposure, suspension and debarment, or federal enforcement risks
• Familiarity with federal construction contracting, FAR Part 36, Davis-Bacon Act compliance, and related construction claims

This highly regarded practice advises leading government contractors, nonprofits, universities, small businesses, and ANC enterprises throughout the full lifecycle of federal contracting and grant funding. Associates work closely with experienced practitioners on cutting-edge matters involving regulatory compliance, disputes, investigations, audits, and enforcement proceedings while gaining significant responsibility early in their careers.

The firm offers a highly competitive compensation structure and comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, 401(k), bonus eligibility, paid time off, disability coverage, life insurance, flexible spending accounts, wellness resources, commuter benefits, and additional voluntary benefit programs.