International law firm McDermott Will & Emery is pleased to announce the addition of Tara L. Ward as a partner in its Regulatory Practice Group based in Washington, DC. Tara will serve as the government contracts practice vice-chair, and her broad practice knowledge will support and amplify the recent client demand following Dan Graham joining the Firm as government contracts practice head earlier this year.

“Our clients doing business with the federal government often face a complex web of legal requirements,” Ray Jacobsen, global head of McDermott’s regulatory practice, said. “Having deep experience advising on all aspects of the government contracts process, Tara understands comprehensive legal issues and is a proven and fierce client advocate. We are committed to making talent investments on our way to becoming the ‘go-to’ government contracts powerhouse in DC.”

“I joined McDermott because they are deeply committed to building a premier government contracts practice,” Dan said. “Adding Tara as vice-chair is a critical step toward that goal, and having worked with her for many years, I know our clients can depend on her for expert counsel and advocacy on any and every possible government contracts matter.”

Tara 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.

“McDermott’s multidisciplinary approach to the practice of government contracts law is a true differentiator, and one that solidified my move to the Firm,” Tara said. “I am also thrilled to join forces again with Dan, as well as a true and tried team with a shared client-first approach.”

Tara is recognized as a top government contracts lawyer across notable publications, including Chambers USA, The Legal 500 US, Law360 and Super Lawyers. She is a Professorial Lecturer in Law at The George Washington Law School, the only law school with a nationally recognized Government Procurement Law LLM program. She also serves as editor-in-chief for Public Contract Law Journal. Tara received her AB (magna cum laude) from Princeton University and her JD (with honors) from The George Washington University Law School.

McDermott Will & Emery partners with leaders around the world to fuel missions, knock down barriers and shape markets. Our team works seamlessly across practices and industries to deliver highly effective—and often unexpected—solutions that propel success. More than 1,200 lawyers strong, we bring our personal passion and legal prowess to bear in every matter for our clients and the people they serve.