Blank Rome LLP

With a strong record in the defense, aerospace, and IT sectors, Blank Rome LLP matches expertise in traditional bid protests and claims with industry-specific experience in national security, export controls, M&A transactions, and government investigations. Justin Chiarodo chairs the Washington DC-based practice, and assists clients with all facets of federal, state, and local procurement law, including FCA claims and cost accounting and audit matters. Dominique Casimir complements strength in suspension and debarment proceedings with notable bid protests work. Luke Meier is adept in bid protests and government investigations, and specializes in contracts with the Department of Energy. Scott Arnold is a stalwart in both litigation and counseling, representing industry giants like Oshkosh Defense. Elizabeth Jochum is best known in the bid protests space, and also counsels the range of prime, sub, large, and small contractors on regulatory compliance, voluntary disclosures, and investigations. Stephanie Harden fields experience in audits and claims, mandatory disclosures, and FCA and Anti-Terrorism Act litigation. Robyn Burrows, who is developing a focus on emerging supply chain and cybersecurity issues, was promoted to partner in January 2024. Brian Gocial left the firm in February 2023.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘The Blank Rome Government Contracts practice group is uncommonly business-oriented.’
‘Elizabeth Jochum is my go-to partner on all government contracts matters. She has been an extended element of my legal team for years, and I trust her sensibility and practical advice more than any other outside counsel.’
‘Great people, great communication, creative approaches to legal arguments.’
‘Excellent communication, always available when you need them.’
‘The team is responsive and receptive to ideas from in-house counsel. At the same time, they are direct and clear when they recommend a specific course of action. ’
‘The individuals are very easy to work with. Luke Meier is smart and thoughtful. Dominique Casmir is a hard nosed litigator, who will not shy away from a battle when one is needed.’
‘We used them for an FCA matter. They were very knowledgeable and had experience with the government agency involved. They are collaborative and sensitive.’
‘Dominique Casimir and Luke Meier's legal work was excellent and they were very practical. Dominque was very responsive and available, even with the difference in time zones. She pushed back on the government lawyers, in a nice but insistent way, as they were being unreasonable. I would highly recommend them for government contract litigation.’

Key clients

Trident Maritime Systems
Korn Ferry
Amentum
The Louis Berger Group/WSP USA Inc.
Washington River Protection Solutions
Oshkosh Defense
CDW
Hanford Tank Waste Operations & Closure LLC
Nuclear Waste Partnership
Sparksoft Corporation

Work highlights

Represented Trident Maritime Systems in connection with the acquisition of the assets of Custom Alloy Corporation, a critical supplier to the U.S. Navy on key programs, including nuclear submarines and aircraft carriers.
Assisted CDW with its acquisition of Enquizit, an experienced provider of AWS cloud services.
Successfully represented KPMG in a bid protest before the Court of Federal Claims related to an award originally received by KPMG from the NRO but then awarded to Deloitte following a decision by the GAO.