Position Description
Title: Senior Litigation Associate
Reports to: Managing Partner, Management Committee
FLSA Status: Exempt
Effective Date: February 18, 2026
Qualifications
Education and Licensing
- Juris Doctor from an accredited law school
- Member in good standing of the bar of at least one U.S. jurisdiction (District of Columbia bar membership or eligibility preferred)
Experience
- 5–8+ years of litigation experience, including substantial experience in federal courts
- Demonstrated experience litigating matters before the U.S. Court of Federal Claims, including bid protests and/or contract disputes
- Experience with government contracts law, including FAR/DFARS and related compliance and claims frameworks
- Experience with related litigation in other federal courts, including U.S. Courts of Appeals and U.S. District Courts, preferred
- Experience handling discovery, depositions, dispositive motions, and evidentiary issues
- Clerkship experience (Court of Federal Claims, Federal Circuit, federal district court, or Boards of Contract Appeals) strongly preferred
Skills and Competencies
- Excellent legal research, writing, and analytical abilities
- Strong drafting skills for pleadings, dispositive motions, briefs, and other litigation filings
- Ability to manage complex litigation matters and multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment
- Strong oral advocacy and client-facing communication skills
- Sound litigation judgment and attention to detail
- Commitment to ethical practice and client service
- Proficiency with legal research tools (Westlaw) and Microsoft Office
Position Description
The Senior Litigation Associate will support and lead complex litigation matters under the supervision of the firm’s Partners. The Associate will serve as a key member of the firm’s litigation team, with a primary focus on matters before the U.S. Court of Federal Claims, Boards of Contract Appeals, and other federal tribunals, including bid protests, contract disputes, claims litigation, and related government contracts matters. This role involves substantial responsibility for day-to-day case management, drafting and argument preparation, discovery, and client counseling. The ideal candidate is a highly skilled, proactive, accountable, and detail-oriented litigator who is focused on providing value and impact for our clients and who thrives in a fast-paced, intellectually rigorous, collaborative, respectful, and supportive environment.
Responsibilities
Client Service and Case Management
- Manage assigned litigation matters and assist supervising attorneys with complex cases
- Draft and file pleadings, motions, briefs, and other litigation documents in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims and other federal courts
- Conduct legal research and prepare memoranda on complex litigation and government contracts issues
- Manage discovery, including drafting and responding to written discovery, preparing document productions, and coordinating e-discovery as needed
- Prepare witnesses for depositions and hearings; take and defend depositions as appropriate
- Attend client meetings, depositions, mediations, hearings, and oral arguments as directed
- Maintain consistent and professional communication with clients regarding case status and developments
Litigation Strategy and Advocacy
- Analyze case facts and applicable law to develop litigation strategy in coordination with supervising attorneys
- Prepare dispositive motions, including motions to dismiss and motions for summary judgment, and related briefing
- Support trial preparation, including pretrial motions, exhibit and witness preparation, and trial strategy development
- Assist in preparing for and presenting oral argument before the Court of Federal Claims and other federal courts
- Identify risks, opportunities, and strategic options to advance clients’ objectives
- Coordinate with experts, consultants, and other litigation support professionals as needed
Firm Contribution and Professional Development
- Support firm initiatives, including business development, marketing, and thought leadership
- Mentor junior attorneys and contribute to training and development within the firm
- Maintain accurate and timely billing records
- Participate in continuing legal education and other professional development activities
- Contribute to a positive, collaborative, and inclusive work environment
Compensation and Benefits
- Competitive compensation commensurate with experience
- Eligible for annual performance-based bonus
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- Paid time off, CLE reimbursement, and bar membership support
Work Environment
This position is based in Washington, D.C., with flexibility for hybrid or remote work as appropriate. Occasional travel may be required for hearings, depositions, conferences, or client meetings.
Equal Opportunity Statement
Nichols Law is committed to fostering an inclusive environment where each team member’s talents and perspectives are valued. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds.
