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II-VI UK, Ltd.

... government contracts. * Engage with the DoD, Department of State, other federal agencies, prime contractors, and external counsel on significant contractual or regulatory matters. CMMC and ...

Code Metal, Inc.

... counsel, vendors, engineers, executives, customers, and regulators. * Help build and maintain a practical, business-centric government contracts compliance program, including scalable policies ...

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Government Contracts Counsel information

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$79.5K

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$212.5K

How much do government contracts counsel jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for government contracts counsel in the United States is $157,356.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $130,000.00 and $183,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a government contracts counsel?

Government Contracts Counsel are attorneys who specialize in the laws, regulations, and procedures related to contracts between businesses and government entities. They advise organizations on compliance with federal, state, and local government contracting requirements, help draft and negotiate contracts, and represent clients in disputes or audits. Their expertise ensures that organizations can navigate the complex rules governing government contracts and avoid legal pitfalls. They may also assist with bid protests, contract claims, and regulatory matters specific to government procurement.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a government contracts counsel?

To thrive as a Government Contracts Counsel, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, bar admission, and in-depth knowledge of federal procurement laws such as the FAR, as well as experience drafting, negotiating, and advising on government contracts. Familiarity with contract management systems, legal research databases like Westlaw or LexisNexis, and relevant compliance tools is typically necessary. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills distinguish top performers in this role. These skills ensure legal compliance, mitigate risks, and support organizational success in the highly regulated government contracting environment.

What are some common challenges faced by a government contracts counsel when ensuring compliance with federal regulations?

Government Contracts Counsel often encounter challenges in interpreting and applying complex federal acquisition regulations (FAR), staying current with frequent legislative and regulatory changes, and advising teams on compliance requirements. They must also navigate audits, respond to government inquiries, and mitigate risks related to contract performance and reporting. Success in this role requires strong attention to detail, proactive communication with internal stakeholders, and the ability to translate legal requirements into practical guidance for project teams.

What is the difference between Government Contracts Counsel vs Contract Specialist?

AspectGovernment Contracts CounselContract Specialist
Required CredentialsJuris Doctor (JD), Bar Admission, often specialized in government contracts lawBachelor's degree, often with certifications like Certified Federal Contracts Manager (CFCM)
Work EnvironmentLegal departments, law firms, government agenciesProcurement offices, government agencies, private contractors
Employer & Industry UsageLegal advisory roles within government and private sectorsContract management and procurement roles primarily in government contracting
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding legal responsibilities and qualificationsFocus on contract administration and procurement processes

While both roles involve working with government contracts, the Government Contracts Counsel primarily provides legal advice and handles complex legal issues related to government contracts. In contrast, Contract Specialists focus on managing, negotiating, and administering contracts within procurement processes. The roles differ mainly in their responsibilities, credentials, and work environment, but both are essential in government contracting.

What cities are hiring for Government Contracts Counsel jobs?

Cities with the most Government Contracts Counsel job openings:

What states have the most Government Contracts Counsel jobs?

States with the most job openings for Government Contracts Counsel jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Government Contracts Counsel jobs?

For Government Contracts Counsel jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Government Contracts Counsel jobs near you
Infographic showing various Government Contracts Counsel 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 $157,356 per year, or $75.7 per hour.

Government Contracts Counsel

Alexandria, VA • On-site

Kearney & Company
See more jobs at Kearney & Companyexternal

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Provide legal advice and counsel regarding federal government procurement laws and regulations, including the FAR, agency supplements, procurement statutes, regulations, and relevant case law and administrative decisions

  • Review and analyze complex solicitations, requests for proposals, contractual requirements, and procurement strategies to identify material legal, regulatory, compliance, and business risks

  • Advise proposal and business teams on procurement requirements, proposal risk, representations and certifications, solicitation terms, acquisition strategy, and other legal issues arising during the pursuit process

Job description

Kearney & Company is currently seeking a Government Contracts Counsel to join our team. The Government Contracts Counsel will be responsible for the following:
  • The Government Contracts Counsel serves as a strategic legal advisor on government procurement, regulatory compliance, and contracting risk. Reporting to the General Counsel, this position provides legal guidance across the government contracting lifecycle, with primary emphasis on federal procurement and support for the Company's expanding state and local government business.
    The Government Contracts Counsel partners closely with the General Counsel, Director of Contracts, Growth/Business Development, Finance, Pricing, Technology, and operational leadership to identify and mitigate legal and regulatory risk while supporting the Company's strategic business objectives.
    This position requires strong knowledge of federal procurement law, sound legal judgment, and the ability to translate complex legal and regulatory requirements into practical, business-oriented advice.
    Essential Duties and Responsibilities
    • Provide legal advice and counsel regarding federal government procurement laws and regulations, including the FAR, agency supplements, procurement statutes, regulations, and relevant case law and administrative decisions.
    • Review and analyze complex solicitations, requests for proposals, contractual requirements, and procurement strategies to identify material legal, regulatory, compliance, and business risks.
    • Advise proposal and business teams on procurement requirements, proposal risk, representations and certifications, solicitation terms, acquisition strategy, and other legal issues arising during the pursuit process.
    • Analyze organizational conflicts of interest (OCI), procurement integrity, unequal access to information, biased ground rules, impaired objectivity, and related ethics and compliance matters; develop or advise on appropriate mitigation strategies when necessary.
    • Advise the General Counsel, Director of Contracts, and business leadership regarding non-standard or high-risk contractual provisions, including indemnification, limitations of liability, intellectual property and data rights, cybersecurity, confidentiality, audit rights, pricing obligations, termination provisions, and regulatory flow-down requirements.
    • Provide legal support regarding bid protests, procurement disputes, claims, investigations, and other government contracting matters, including coordination with outside counsel as directed by the General Counsel.
    • Monitor and analyze changes in federal procurement laws, regulations, executive actions, agency guidance, and other regulatory developments affecting government contractors; translate developments into practical guidance and recommended actions for the business.
    • Support the Company's expansion into state and local government contracting by researching and advising on jurisdiction-specific procurement requirements, contract terms, certifications, public-records requirements, indemnification, pricing provisions, cooperative purchasing arrangements, and related risks.
    • Advise on government contract vehicles and acquisition structures, including IDIQ contracts, GSA Multiple Award Schedule contracts, GWACs, BPAs, and other federal and state/local procurement vehicles.
    • Develop and maintain legal guidance, policies, templates, playbooks, training, and other compliance resources related to government procurement and contracting risk.
    • Conduct legal research and prepare concise written analyses and recommendations regarding complex or emerging procurement and regulatory issues.
    • Collaborate effectively with the Contracts function while maintaining clear functional responsibilities: Contracts owns contract operations, administration, and routine transactional execution; Counsel provides legal interpretation, legal risk analysis, and advice on matters requiring legal judgment.
    • Escalate material enterprise legal risks, precedent-setting matters, and significant legal or regulatory issues to the General Counsel.
    • Perform other legal duties as assigned by the General Counsel.

Qualifications
    • Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.
    • Active membership in good standing in at least one U.S. state bar.
    • Minimum of eight (8) years of relevant legal experience, including substantive experience with federal government procurement and government contracts law.
    • Demonstrated knowledge of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and federal procurement laws and regulations, with the ability to independently research, interpret, and apply complex legal and regulatory requirements.
    • Experience advising on government contracting matters involving solicitations and proposals, contract terms and compliance requirements, procurement risk, and regulatory issues.
    • Demonstrated ability to identify, analyze, prioritize, and clearly communicate complex legal and business risks.
    • Demonstrated ability to translate complex legal and regulatory requirements into practical, business-oriented advice that appropriately balances legal risk, compliance obligations, and business objectives.
    • Strong legal research, analytical, drafting, negotiation, and written and oral communication skills.
    • Ability to independently manage complex legal matters, exercise sound judgment, prioritize competing demands, and provide clear recommendations.
    • Ability to collaborate effectively with executive leadership, attorneys, contracts professionals, and cross-functional business teams.
    • The ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance

    Preferred Qualifications
    • Experience with organizational conflicts of interest (OCI), procurement integrity, ethics, and government contractor compliance.
    • Experience reviewing complex solicitations and advising on proposal strategy, procurement risk, bid protests, claims, or procurement disputes.
    • Familiarity with GSA Multiple Award Schedule contracts, OASIS+, GWACs, IDIQs, BPAs, and other government-wide acquisition vehicles.
    • Experience with government contractor pricing requirements, commercial products and services, cost or pricing data, representations and certifications, and subcontracting requirements.
    • Experience advising on state and local government procurement or demonstrated ability and interest in developing expertise in state and local procurement laws and contracting requirements.
    • Familiarity with government contractor requirements involving cybersecurity, data rights, artificial intelligence, supply-chain risk, and other emerging regulatory areas.
    • Agency procurement attorney
    Prior experience as in-house counsel for a government contractor, in a law firm government contracts practice, or in a relevant federal government legal or procurement position.

#LI-MA1
Overview
Exclusively focused on the Government, Kearney & Company provides financial services, including auditing, consulting, and technology services. Our commitment to our employees and clients as well as to dedication and trust, critical values to our Firm, have led to Kearney's recognition as one of the leading accounting firms in the country. Based on our employees' feedback, we are also consistently rated a Best Place to Work. Employment at Kearney means a flexible, collaborative, and open-minded work environment. We hope it is your "first easy decision." Learn more at www.kearneyco.com/careers.
The expected salary range for this position is between $175,000 and $250,000. This range is representative of base pay only and does not include straight time pay for hours worked over 40 per week, company contributions towards paid benefits, and/or bonuses. Actual compensation (meeting or exceeding the range) will be determined based on specific experience, education, work location, clearance level, and other factors permitted by law. This position is eligible for bonuses (when applicable).
We also offer a competitive benefits package that includes:
  • Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, AD&D, and Disability Insurance
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan and 529 Education Savings Plan
  • Flexible Spending & Health Savings Account
  • Accident, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity Insurances
  • Legal Insurance and Pet Insurance
  • Employee Assistance Program, fitness and wellness benefits, and other firm benefits.
  • Paid holidays, vacation, and sick time

EEO Notice
Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws
EEO Notice
Work location is subject to change based on client requirements.
Kearney & Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer and will consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, national origin, ethnicity, ancestry, genetic information, religion, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, childbirth, any medical condition related to pregnancy or childbirth, age, disability, protected veteran status, relationship or association to a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by local, state or federal laws, rules or regulation. Click here for more information on Kearney's EEO Policy.
If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, regarding accessibility of our website, a modification or adjustment of the job application or interview process due to a disability, please call 703-236-2391 or email accommodations@kearneyco.com. Please be advised that this contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of an application.
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
FMLA is designed to help employees balance their work and family responsibilities by allowing them to take reasonable unpaid leave for certain family and medical reasons. Kearney & Company provides eligible employees with up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave per year. Military family leave is available for up to 26 weeks under FMLA. Click here to learn more.
Employee Polygraph Protection Act (EPPA)
The EPPA prohibits most private employers from using lie detector tests either for pre-employment screening or during the course of employment. Kearney & Company adheres all provisions of the EPPA. Click here to learn more.

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