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Government Contract Attorney Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Government Contracts Attorney + Hybrid Schedule + Bid Protests + FAR/DFARS + Direct Client Contact ... Handle high-profile bid protests and contract disputes * Collaborative, team-oriented culture

About the Role We are seeking a motivated, detail-oriented Government Contracts Attorney to join ... Advise on contract line item number (CLIN) structure, cost/price breakdowns, and deliverable ...

About the Role We are seeking a motivated, detail-oriented Government Contracts Attorney to join ... Advise on contract line item number (CLIN) structure, cost/price breakdowns, and deliverable ...

About the Role We are seeking a motivated, detail-oriented Government Contracts Attorney to join ... Advise on contract line item number (CLIN) structure, cost/price breakdowns, and deliverable ...

Bid protests Contract claims and performance disputes Terminations (default and convenience ... attorneys across practice groups as needed Manage multiple matters in a fast-paced environment ...

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Government Contract Attorney information

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$52K

$119.2K

$200K

How much do government contract attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for government contract attorney in the United States is $119,188.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $89,500.00 and $139,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a government contract attorney, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Government Contract Attorney, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, a valid law license, and strong expertise in federal procurement laws such as the FAR and DFARS. Familiarity with government contract management systems, legal research tools like Westlaw or LexisNexis, and relevant certifications like CFCM or CCCM can be highly beneficial. Exceptional analytical thinking, attention to detail, and persuasive communication skills are essential for interpreting regulations and negotiating contracts. These competencies ensure compliance, minimize legal risks, and secure favorable outcomes for clients involved in government contracting.

What are common challenges faced by government contract attorneys when interpreting federal regulations?

Government contract attorneys frequently encounter the challenge of navigating complex and frequently changing federal regulations, such as the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR). Staying current with amendments and agency-specific supplements requires continuous learning and attention to detail. Additionally, interpreting ambiguous clauses and advising clients on compliance can be demanding, particularly when balancing legal requirements with business objectives. Effective collaboration with procurement officers, compliance teams, and clients is essential to ensure contracts are both legally sound and operationally practical.

What is the difference between Government Contract Attorney vs Contract Specialist?

AspectGovernment Contract AttorneyContract Specialist
CredentialsJ.D. degree, bar admission, legal certificationsBachelor's degree, often with certifications in contract management
Work EnvironmentLaw firms, government agencies, corporate legal departmentsGovernment agencies, private companies, procurement offices
Industry UsageLegal analysis, contract review, complianceDrafting, negotiating, managing contracts

While both roles involve contracts, a Government Contract Attorney focuses on legal review and compliance within legal frameworks, whereas a Contract Specialist handles the drafting and negotiation of contracts, often with less emphasis on legal analysis.

What does a government contract attorney do?

A Government Contract Attorney specializes in the laws and regulations governing contracts between businesses and government agencies. Their responsibilities include advising clients on compliance with federal acquisition regulations, assisting with bidding and proposals, handling contract disputes, and representing clients in litigation or administrative hearings. They work to ensure that contracts are legally sound and that clients understand their rights and obligations when dealing with government entities. This role requires a deep understanding of procurement processes and government regulations.
More about Government Contract Attorney jobs
What cities are hiring for Government Contract Attorney jobs? Cities with the most Government Contract Attorney job openings:
What states have the most Government Contract Attorney jobs? States with the most job openings for Government Contract Attorney jobs include:
Infographic showing various Government Contract Attorney job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $119,188 per year, or $57.3 per hour.

Government Contract Attorney

Applied Industrial Technologies

Cleveland, OH • On-site

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago


Applied Industrial Technologies rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 56 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

262nd of 415 rated retail wholesalers


Job description

The Legal Department of Applied Industrial Technologies (NYSE: AIT), an industrial distributor with a $12.5 billion market cap, seeks an experienced commercial attorney to join its expanding team in this newly created role. This position will be the primary legal team member assisting our businesses on government contract negotiation and compliance, together with other commercial contract matters as applicable, and is located at Applied's corporate headquarters in Cleveland, Ohio.
Essential Duties and Requirements
  • Provide accurate, timely, business-oriented legal advice to business associates across all business segments in connection with their responses to Federal, state, and local solicitations, requests for quotations/proposals, bids, and in taking steps to comply with necessary requirements in fulfilling and performing such contracts and subcontracts.
  • Have in-depth knowledge of, and the ability to provide clear guidance on compliance regarding, those requirements unique to contracting with the U.S. Government, including FAR/DFARS.
  • Experienced in proposal development, negotiations, contract performance and dispute resolution in connection with government contracts at the Federal, state, and local levels.
  • Experienced in contracting and regulatory compliance matters, including EAR, FCPA, CMMC, and trade compliance regulations.
  • Monitor legal and regulatory developments impacting government contracting and advise on required changes to processes, contract positions, and risk controls.
  • Be able to clearly and effectively communicate with all levels of business team associates the requirements necessary to comply with a wide range of government contracts and subcontracts.
  • Develop and deliver training to sales and other personnel on government contracting requirements.
  • Independently draft and negotiate a wide range of agreements to meet business and legal requirements, including sales agreements, supply agreements, distribution agreements, consulting agreements, and various vendor services agreements.
  • Provide creative, practical, business-oriented advice and solutions on contract interpretation, dispute resolution, liability risks, regulatory compliance, and other legal matters.
  • Work with Applied's business development team to conduct due diligence and post-acquisition integration efforts in strategic transactions as needed.

Qualifications
  • Juris Doctorate from a nationally recognized law school.
  • Admitted to practice (preferably in Ohio).
  • At least 3 years of experience in federal government contracting.
  • Experience drafting and negotiating domestic and international commercial agreements.
  • Experience supporting internal investigations, audits, bid protests, contract claims, or government customer disputes.
  • Ability to take accountability, appropriately calibrate risk and enable clear decision-making with confidence and professional maturity.
  • Ability to work flexibly and collaboratively, develop and maintain positive relationships, and lead a diverse workload.
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to interface effectively with clients, peers, outside counsel and opposing parties and the ability to communicate legal topics to non-lawyers.
  • Experience with EEO laws a plus.

Founded in 1923, Applied Industrial Technologies (NYSE: AIT) is a leading value-added distributor and technical solutions provider of industrial motion, fluid power, flow control, automation technologies, and related maintenance supplies. Our leading brands, specialized services, and comprehensive knowledge serve MRO and OEM end users in virtually all industrial markets through our multi-channel capabilities that provide choice, convenience, and expertise.
Applied Industrial Technologies is built on a philosophy that puts people first. We are an equal opportunity employer, and we are committed to a workforce in which we enforce fair treatment and provide growth opportunities for everyone. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of age, race, color, national origin, genetics, religion, gender, marital status, physical or mental disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations, and ordinances.

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