Tara L. Ward - McDermott Will & Emery

Overview


Tara L. Ward represents a wide variety of companies that do business with the federal government, ranging from small and emerging tech companies looking to break into or expand their stake in the federal marketplace, to well-established defense, professional services and information technology contractors and subcontractors. Tara’s diverse practice covers the full range of government contracting issues, including litigation and counseling related to bid protests, contract claims and disputes and teaming agreement and other strategic alliance issues. Tara regularly helps clients navigate some of the most nuanced areas of government contract law, including other transaction agreements, small business regulations and supply chain issues.

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Results


Bid Protests and Intervention

  • Regularly represents clients in bid protests before the US Government Accountability Office (GAO), the US Court of Federal Claims (COFC), federal government agencies and state and local administrative entities*
  • Litigates bid protests on behalf of protesters as well as intervenors, including in post-award protests related to alleged organizational conflicts of interest (OCI), the adequacy of discussions, agency evaluations of proposals and best value decisions*
  • Represents clients in pre-award protests, including challenges to the terms of a solicitation and elimination from a competitive range*

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Recognitions


  • George Washington Law Alumni Association, Recent Alumni Award, 2024
  • Law360, “Rising Star”, Government Contracts Law, 2021
  • Chambers USA, Government Contracts, 2021-2024

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Community


  • American Bar Association (ABA), Section of Public Contract Law
    • Section Council
    • Public Contract Law Journal, Editor-in-Chief, 2017 to present; Managing Editor, 2015 to 2017; Associate Editor, 2011 to 2015
    • Bid Protest Committee
    • Contract Claims and Disputes Resolution Committee
    • Commercial Products and Services Committee
  • International Association of Defense Counsel (IADC)
    • Business Litigation Committee
    • Construction Law and Litigation Committee
  • National Contract Management Association (NCMA), 2010 to present

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Credentials


Education
The George Washington University Law School, JD, with honors, 2009
Princeton University, AB, magna cum laude, 2003

Admissions
District of Columbia
Virginia

Courts/Agencies
US Supreme Court
US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit
US District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia
US District Court for the District of Maryland
US Court of Federal Claims