DLA Piper appoints Sam Knowles and Dawn Stern as co-chairs of the Government Contracts practice

DLA Piper is pleased to announce the appointment of Washington, DC-based partners Sam Knowles and Dawn Stern as co-chairs of the firm’s Government Contracts practice. Knowles and Stern have both been with DLA Piper for over 10 years and bring significant experience to these new roles.

Knowles focuses his practice on counselling and litigation services for both large and small companies on a range of government contracting matters, including bid protests, prime-subcontractor disputes, audits and investigations, mergers and acquisitions, procurement integrity and state/local government contracts issues. He also focuses in the areas of GSA Federal Supply Schedule contracting, commercial item contracting and intellectual property issues under US government contracts. Prior to joining DLA Piper, Knowles worked for a large aerospace and defense contractor as part of its business management team.

Stern, a former trial attorney in the US Department of Justice National Courts Section, assists clients at all stages of litigation in bid protests and Contract Disputes Act matters before the Government Accountability Office, Boards of Contract Appeals and United States Court of Federal Claims. She also supports clients in district and state court litigation matters and investigations involving government contracts such as in prime-subcontractor disputes and False Claims Act investigations. In addition to her litigation expertise, Stern advises clients on a wide range of government contracts compliance issues and has a specific focus on cybersecurity obligations that are unique to government contractors.

“Sam and Dawn are both Chambers-ranked, well-known litigators and counselors for our government contracting clients. We are confident their deep bench, knowledge and experience will continue to be an asset to government contractors navigating a dynamic and highly regulated landscape,” said Loren Brown, US vice chair and chair of the US Disputes practice.

Knowles and Stern succeed Richard Rector, who will continue advising clients in high-stakes investigations and litigation of contract disputes.