Government Contracts

Legal Battle Over Secret Recordings Highlights Government Transparency Concerns in Tom Homan Bribery Case

Pieter Gunst04 mins

Democracy Forward, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting government transparency, has initiated legal action against the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for failing to release video recordings related to an alleged bribery case involving Tom Homan, the current White House Border Czar. ([democracyforward.org](https://democracyforward.org/updates/tom-homan-foia/?utm_source=openai)) In September 2024, while serving…

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Federal Circuit’s Jurisdictional Review Could Redefine Legal Strategies in Patent Cases Involving Federal Contractors

Pieter Gunst03 mins

During a recent session in Boston, the Federal Circuit scrutinized the jurisdiction in a patent infringement case against a NASA contractor. The dispute, brought forth by two individuals from California, questions whether their claims should be adjudicated in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims. This legal examination underscores complexities surrounding intellectual property rights when federal…

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Navigating Government Contracts: Key Insights for Successful Dealmakers in a Complex Regulatory Landscape

Pieter Gunst03 mins

Understanding the regulatory environment is crucial for dealmakers involved in government contracts. Compliance with federal acquisition regulations is non-negotiable, and a thorough grasp of these rules can significantly impact negotiations and contract execution. Bloomberg Law outlines several key considerations that supply the foundational knowledge necessary for these complex transactions. Due diligence must be heightened when…

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Amid Heavy Scrutiny, Prominent Law Firms Face Reckoning Over Trump-Era Government Contracts

Pieter Gunst03 mins

Several prominent law firms involved in previous dealings with the Trump administration are now facing intensified scrutiny over their government contracts. As reported by Bloomberg Law, these inquiries are part of a larger effort to assess the legality and ethical implications of their prior engagements with the federal government. The firms in question, which had…

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Federal Court Rules Trump’s 2020 Troop Deployment to Los Angeles Unlawful, Reaffirming Limits on Presidential Power

Pieter Gunst03 mins

In a significant legal decision, a federal court has determined that former President Donald Trump’s deployment of federal troops to Los Angeles during the 2020 protests violated the law. The court’s ruling sheds light on the legal boundaries of presidential power, particularly in the context of domestic law enforcement operations. This decision reiterates the limitations…

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Trump Administration Unveils Comprehensive AI Action Plan to Bolster U.S. Leadership in Artificial Intelligence

Pieter Gunst06 mins

On July 23, 2025, President Donald Trump unveiled the “AI Action Plan,” a comprehensive strategy aimed at reinforcing the United States’ leadership in artificial intelligence. This plan, developed in response to Executive Order 14179, outlines over 90 federal policy actions across three primary pillars: accelerating innovation, building American AI infrastructure, and leading in international diplomacy…

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Perkins Coie Survives Legal Challenges Amid Federal Government Ban and Office Downsizing

Pieter Gunst03 mins

Perkins Coie LLP has successfully defended itself against allegations in an Illinois state court that accused the firm of facilitating a client’s misappropriation of $12 million from an investment company’s accounts. The lawsuit claimed that Perkins Coie played a “critical” role in both the theft and its subsequent concealment. This legal victory comes amid a…

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Virginia Federal Judge Dismisses $63 Million Tech Lawsuit Over Alleged Defense Software Misuse

Pieter Gunst03 mins

In a significant legal development, a Virginia federal judge has dismissed the remaining claims of a former tech employee’s lawsuit seeking $63 million in damages. The plaintiff alleged that unauthorized copies of his software were improperly used to create alternative software for the U.S. Department of Defense. This ruling marks the conclusion of a contentious…

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Insider Stock Sales at Tech Companies Raise Questions on Executive Confidence

Pieter Gunst04 mins

In July 2025, several General Counsels (GCs) at prominent technology firms executed significant stock sales, reflecting a trend of insider transactions amid fluctuating market conditions. At Palantir Technologies Inc., Chief Revenue Officer and Chief Legal Officer Taylor Ryan D. led the selling activity with multiple transactions totaling $9.5 million. On July 15, Ryan sold 33,335…

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Legal Battles Erupt for Red Cat Holdings Amid Allegations of Trade Secret Misuse and Misleading Investors

Pieter Gunst02 mins

Red Cat Holdings Inc. and its subsidiary, Teal Drones Inc., have initiated legal proceedings against a former executive, alleging the misappropriation of trade secrets to establish a competing drone enterprise targeting government contracts. The lawsuit contends that the ex-executive deliberately undermined a significant product development agreement, subsequently utilizing proprietary information to launch a rival company….

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McGuireWoods Expands Government Contracts and Tech Practice with Strategic Hire from Offit Kurman

Pieter Gunst02 mins

McGuireWoods LLP has strategically expanded its government contracts and technology transactions practice by hiring a former principal from Offit Kurman Attorneys At Law. This attorney, who is known for his expertise in these areas, will join the firm’s Washington, D.C., office as counsel. This move underscores McGuireWoods’ commitment to bolstering its capabilities in advising clients…

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McGuireWoods Strengthens Tech and Government Contracts Practice with Experienced Hire from Offit Kurman

Pieter Gunst03 mins

McGuireWoods has announced the addition of a prominent government contracts and technology attorney from Offit Kurman to its team, a move that underscores its strategic expansion in key practice areas. The lawyer joins McGuireWoods with a robust background in both government contracts and technology law, offering significant experience that is expected to enhance the firm’s…

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Venable LLP Strengthens Government Contracts Practice with Strategic Hire of Amy Conant Sheffler

Pieter Gunst03 mins

In a strategic move to bolster its government contracts practice, Venable LLP has announced the hiring of Amy Conant Sheffler, a seasoned attorney known for her extensive experience in public procurement and government contract law. This addition underscores Venable’s commitment to enhancing its legal services in the area of government contracts, a field that continues…

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Evan D. Wolff Joins Akin Gump as Co-Head of Cybersecurity Practice, Strengthening Data Protection Capabilities

Pieter Gunst07 mins

Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP has appointed Evan D. Wolff as co-head of its cybersecurity, privacy, and data protection practice in Washington, D.C. ([akingump.com](https://www.akingump.com/en/insights/press-releases/akin-adds-evan-wolff-as-co-head-of-cybersecurity-privacy-and-data-protection-practice?utm_source=openai)) Wolff, previously co-chair of Crowell & Moring’s privacy and cybersecurity group, brings extensive experience advising Fortune 100 companies on cybersecurity and data protection matters. His practice encompasses proactive cybersecurity…

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Law Firms Struggle with Political Pressure Amid Executive Orders Targeting Previous Associations

Pieter Gunst07 mins

In recent months, several prominent law firms have found themselves at the center of political controversy, facing unprecedented challenges due to their past associations and the current administration’s actions. Firms such as WilmerHale, Perkins Coie, and Jenner & Block have been targeted by executive orders that suspend security clearances, restrict access to federal buildings, and…

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Justice Department to Appeal Striking Down of Trump’s Executive Order Against Law Firms

Pieter Gunst03 mins

The Justice Department recently announced its intention to appeal a federal judge’s decision that invalidated an executive order from former President Donald Trump against several major law firms, beginning with Perkins Coie. The case, which has advanced to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, stems from actions taken by Richard…

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Federal Judge Strikes Down Trump-Era Executive Order Targeting Law Firms

Pieter Gunst03 mins

In a notable legal development, Susman Godfrey, a prominent law firm with roots in Houston, successfully contested an executive order issued by former President Donald Trump. A federal judge in Washington, D.C., ruled that this particular directive, along with similar orders against other major law firms, stands in violation of constitutional principles. The executive order,…

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Riyadh Overtakes Abu Dhabi as Second Largest Legal Hub in GCC, Showing 68% Growth in Lawyer Head Count

Pieter Gunst02 mins

In a notable shift within the Middle Eastern legal sector, Riyadh has experienced a significant growth spurt in lawyer head count, marking a 68% increase over the past year. This rapid expansion has allowed the Saudi capital to overtake Abu Dhabi, becoming the second largest legal hub in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region behind…

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Crowell & Moring Strengthens Government Contracts Group with Former DHS Legal Veteran Sharmistha Das

Pieter Gunst02 mins

In a strategic move, Crowell & Moring LLP has bolstered its government contracts group by appointing Sharmistha Das as a partner. Das, an experienced legal professional, transitions from her role as deputy chief of staff and deputy general counsel at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Her extensive background encompasses prior roles within the White…

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Hogan Lovells Strengthens International Trade Practice with Key DOJ Veteranshire

Pieter Gunst01 mins

“`html Hogan Lovells has expanded its international trade and investment practice with the addition of Joshua Kurland as a partner, the firm announced earlier this week. Kurland, whose expertise encompasses international trade, export controls, and sanctions, will be based out of the firm’s Washington office. Before joining Hogan Lovells, Kurland was senior trial counsel at…

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Navigating Antitrust Risks in Government Contract Teaming: A Strategic Approach

Pieter Gunst04 mins

Collaboration on government contracts through teaming can often provide significant advantages for companies. This strategy allows companies to pool complementary capabilities, enabling them to compete for contracts that require a broad range of expertise. However, while beneficial, the practice of teaming for government contracts presents distinct antitrust risks, including potential allegations of criminal bid-rigging and…

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Supreme Court to Decide on Appeals Process for Government Contractors and Sovereign Immunity Claims

Pieter Gunst02 mins

The legal community is closely monitoring the US Supreme Court’s decision to review a procedural question that could have significant implications for government contractors and defendants claiming sovereign immunity. This case involves a private prison operator, GEO Group, which is seeking to immediately appeal a lower court decision. The lower court blocked GEO Group’s attempt…

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