If you are planning to bid on a government contract or be involved in a contract-related dispute, you have a lot of work ahead of you. Most public contracts are surrounded by a complex body of regulations which can be extremely challenging to navigate. However, you don’t have to do it alone.
A government contract attorney can guide you through any government contracts you may be involved in. Read on to find out how these legal specialists can help you.
What is a Government Contract Attorney?
A government or public contract attorney is a lawyer who specializes in local, state, and federal government contracts. They may help companies prepare competitive bid proposals, advise on relevant regulations, and assist with litigating any disputes that arise.
Both large and small businesses can be involved in government contracts, although larger companies may be better prepared to handle the scale of some contracts.
How Can a Government Contract Attorney Help Me?
Private companies that bid for contracts with the government must meet specific requirements, including full compliance with federal labor laws. This body of law is constantly changing. Working with someone who has expertise in government contracts and labor laws can help you navigate these changing requirements, prove you meet them, and build a more competitive bid.
Public contract attorneys can also help you prepare a thorough proposal to submit to the government. A lawyer who understands the ins and outs of government contracts will be able to use their accumulated knowledge to help you create the best possible bid proposal.
One of the best times to hire a government contract attorney is when you are involved in a related dispute. For example, you will likely want to hire an attorney in any of the following situations:
- A dispute over a discriminatory bidding process
- A lawsuit over hazardous working conditions
- Recovering compensation after unfair payment
Some government contract attorneys represent government agencies in the process of bid selection, contract negotiation, and litigation. If you are a government agency, you may wish to hire a specialized attorney to assist with your contracts.
Government contracts are very strictly regulated, so it may take extensive time and effort to prove your case. An attorney can help in a wide range of situations. Regardless of whether you are dealing with poor treatment during a major construction project or working toward an employment contract, you are unlikely to regret seeking expert assistance.
When Do I Really Need an Attorney?
You may want to consider hiring or retaining an attorney if you’ve experienced mistreatment as a government contractor. Mistreatment could include a failure to provide benefits as agreed, missing pay, illegal working conditions, or discriminatory practices either before or after being awarded a contract.
It’s also a good idea to hire an attorney if you are preparing a government bid, especially if it’s your first time. A specialized attorney can advise you on best practices and help you ensure you’re following all regulations correctly.
In most situations requiring an attorney, you will want to hire a government contract attorney. Many lawyers have sub-specialties such as government contract litigation or contract administration. If you are looking for someone who can spot problems and handle daily legal matters, you may want to hire an in-house lawyer.
Don’t underestimate the cost of misunderstanding government contract regulations. Hiring a government contract attorney will help you avoid expensive mistakes and ensure the contract work goes as smoothly as possible.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Government Contract Attorney?
The cost of hiring an attorney varies depending on the scope of work, location, and lawyer. Most contract attorneys either charge a contingency fee or bill at an hourly rate.
Contingency fees are a percentage of your settlement. There is no upfront fee, and you will not have to pay the fee if you lose. You will generally only see this structure if you have a good chance of winning a large settlement.
In other situations, you may see an hourly rate. This rate includes not only the lawyer’s time, but also the lawyer’s associates and paralegals. An hourly rate may be more common if you have a more complex case that requires additional time.
How Do I Choose the Right Attorney?
Look for an attorney who is familiar with the government in question and specializes in public contracts. Ideally, the lawyer should also be familiar with the business on the other side of the contract. Ask any attorneys you are considering whether they have handled cases similar to yours.
If you are looking for someone to help you create a bid proposal for your local county choose someone who has worked with that county. They will be more familiar with local laws and how to make a persuasive case to that particular public agency.
If you are a part of a government agency, choose a lawyer who is familiar with the body of law affecting your particular agency. You may also want to look for someone who is part of a local bar association or has experience counseling other municipal entities in the surrounding area.
Government Contract Attorneys in Everett
Anderson Hunter public contract attorneys have experience with a wide variety of municipal agencies and contracts. Whether you need someone to help you navigate discrimination litigation or prepare a bid proposal on a multi-million dollar construction project, we are here to help. Contact us to get in touch with a qualified contract attorney today.