Government Contracts Partner Matthew Michaels Rejoins Barnes & Thornburg in Los Angeles

LOS ANGELES – Barnes & Thornburg is pleased to announce the return of Matthew J. Michaels to its Corporate Department in Los Angeles.

Matt concentrates his practice on the complex regulatory and business challenges confronting federal government contractors, including bid protests, commercial disputes, federal investigations, compliance, and due diligence and transactions.

He has represented protesters and awardees before the U.S. Government Accountability Office, U.S. Court of Federal Claims, procuring agencies, and the Small Business Administration’s Office of Hearings and Appeals in acquisitions that range from small business procurements to multibillion dollar acquisitions. His representative protest matters span multiple sectors, including aerospace, information technology, data analytics, shipbuilding, camouflage manufacturing, and the space industry.

Matt, who was with the firm from July 2018 through December 2022, rejoins Barnes & Thornburg after serving as corporate counsel for a space launch service provider, where he reviewed and negotiated commercial space launch service agreements, advised on supply chain issues, and provided counsel on launch-related insurance.

“Matt is adept at navigating complex regulatory landscapes and sophisticated business matters,” said Jahan Sharifi, chair of Barnes & Thornburg’s Corporate Department. “We are excited that Matt decided to rejoin our team, and we are confident that his addition will drive the growth of our government contracting business.” 

Matt leverages his experience as a government contracts litigator and in-house attorney to provide effective compliance counsel, advising clients on potential Procurement Integrity Act violations, procurement fraud investigations, data rights, software licensing, small business size affiliation rules, and request for proposal (RFP) requirements. He also advises foreign and tribe-owned businesses on joint ventures, subcontracts, and teaming agreements.

“We are thrilled to welcome Matt back to Barnes & Thornburg,” said Kevin D. Rising, managing partner of the firm’s Los Angeles office. “His in-depth experience handling government contracts and bid protest disputes will be a tremendous asset to our clients across various jurisdictions and industries.”

Matt earned his J.D., cum laude, from the George Washington University Law School and his B.A. from Skidmore College.

With more than 800 attorneys and other legal professionals, Barnes & Thornburg is one of the largest law firms in the country. The firm serves clients worldwide from offices in Atlanta, Boston, California, Chicago, Delaware, Indiana, Michigan, Minneapolis, Nashville, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Philadelphia, Raleigh, Salt Lake City, South Florida, Texas and Washington, D.C. For more information, visit us online at www.btlaw.com.