Department profile
McDermott Will & Schulte

Government Contracts: The Elite

USA Guide 2026 : USA - Nationwide


McDermott Will & Schulte

Rankings

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Government Contracts: The Elite - USA - Nationwide

Band 4

Band 4


What the Team is Known For

McDermott Will & Schulte is a fast-growing presence in the government contracting sphere. It offers capability in all aspects of federal and state-level government contracting, including handling bid protests. The team ably assists clients in the technology, healthcare and professional services sectors, among others.

Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • McDermott Will & Schulte represented Empower AI in multiple protests at the GAO, challenging the award by the Department of Health and Human Services, Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services, of a $108 million contract for the Payment Error Rate Measurement Review program.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Their expertise in the subject matter coupled with their responsiveness and thoroughness distinguish them from others.

    Government Contracts: The Elite respondentUSA
  • They are very responsive and service-oriented.

    Government Contracts: The Elite respondentUSA
  • Their depth of expertise, coupled with practical, business-oriented advice, gives me complete confidence in their ability to manage even the most challenging matters in our government contracts portfolio.

    Government Contracts: The Elite respondentUSA
  • The government contracts team is extremely helpful, knowledgeable and responsive. It provides great attention to detail and follow-up.

    Government Contracts: The Elite respondentUSA
  • McDermott's understanding of our business makes them a true business partner, rather than just outside counsel.

    Government Contracts: The Elite respondentUSA

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Band 2Daniel P Graham
    Band 2Daniel P Graham

    Daniel P Graham

    Daniel Graham leads the government contracts group at McDermott Will & Emery. He is highly regarded for his strengths in dispute resolution, regularly arguing cases before the Court of Federal Claims and GAO. He also advises clients on compliance, contract negotiations and cost accounting.

    • Dan is the best government contracts lawyer I have worked with over my career. I appreciate his depth of knowledge, practical advice and ability to communicate complex issues to the business in plain English.

      Government Contracts: The Elite respondentUSA
    • Dan is fabulous to work with. He is knowledgeable, detailed and always provides sound legal and business advice.

      Government Contracts: The Elite respondentUSA
    • What distinguishes Dan is not just his technical expertise, but his responsiveness and ability to translate complex legal and regulatory frameworks into clear, actionable guidance that can be implemented effectively by our teams.

      Government Contracts: The Elite respondentUSA
    • Dan is an excellent government contracts litigator. He is smart, skilled at spotting issues and is a great strategist for handling disputes.

      Government Contracts: The Elite respondentUSA
    • He provides a high level of service in a responsive manner.

      Government Contracts: The Elite respondentUSA
  • Band 3Tara Ward
    Band 3Tara Ward

    Tara Ward

    Tara Ward has a growing reputation for her extensive experience in assisting clients with claims under the Contract Disputes Act and disputes before the GAO.
    • Tara is incredibly knowledgeable and personable. She is practical and puts non-lawyers within the company at ease.

      Government Contracts: The Elite respondentUSA
    • Tara is our go-to choice of counsel for all federal procurement needs.

      Government Contracts: The Elite respondentUSA
    • Tara has the unique ability to take complex issues and distill them into comprehendible terms and concepts. She does a great job of explaining the reasoning behind her decisions.

      Government Contracts: The Elite respondentUSA
    • She is responsive and very knowledgeable.

      Government Contracts: The Elite respondentUSA
    • She approaches complex disputes with both strategic foresight and practical execution, ensuring that our interests are protected at every stage.

      Government Contracts: The Elite respondentUSA

Ranked Individuals at McDermott Will & Schulte (3)

USA - Nationwide

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