Leading Government Contracts Partner Michael Vernick Joins Akin Gump

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Mr. Vernick joins Akin Gump’s government contracts practice and brings substantial experience in the higher education sector to the firm

(Washington, D.C.) – Michael Vernick, a leading government contracts lawyer, has joined Akin Gump as a partner in the firm’s Washington, D.C. office. Mr. Vernick will lead Akin Gump’s government contracts practice. He comes to Akin Gump from Hogan Lovells, where he led their government contracts practice and education industry sector team.

During his career, Mr. Vernick has handled many of the most noteworthy False Claims Act (FCA) and qui tam cases involving federal research funds, several of which have involved potential exposure in excess of $1 billion. He brings significant experience representing colleges, universities and research institutes, as well as health care and life sciences companies.

“Mike is an outstanding addition to our top-flight government contracts practice,” said Akin Gump chairperson Kim Koopersmith. “His practice sits at the nexus of a number of strengths for our firm, including regulatory, corporate, public policy, white collar and funds. Further, his substantial experience in the higher education and health care industries will be a huge asset to our clients in those spaces. I’m thrilled to welcome Mike to Akin Gump.”

Added Akin Gump firmwide litigation practice head Stephen Baldini, “Mike is an ideal fit for our team and very well-positioned to lead our government contracts practice. He possesses a deep track record of successfully representing clients in some of the largest and most impactful FCA and qui tam cases, along with a broad understanding of the U.S. contracting environment that clients find exceedingly valuable. I am very excited to welcome Mike to the team.”

Mr. Vernick will further enhance Akin Gump’s broad and multidisciplinary government contracts practice, one that Chambers USA has recognized as including “[a] bench of counseling experts and seasoned litigators, with deep experience in civil, criminal and administrative proceedings.”

Regarding his move to the firm, Mr. Vernick commented, “Akin Gump presents a phenomenal opportunity to continue to grow my practice. Beyond its strong government contracts team, the firm is well-known for its strength in civil FCA investigations and litigation, as well as for its focus on the health care and life sciences and higher education sectors, two areas of focus for me. Coupled with its deep roots in Washington and expansive international platform, I am very excited to make this move and join my new colleagues.”

About Michael Vernick

Mr. Vernick’s FCA experience extends into all aspects of U.S. government contracts, including cost allowability, GSA contracting, and commercial item determinations. He also advises on compliance matters and other regulations and policies addressing the financial, administrative, and scientific management of grants and cooperative agreements. He has handled bid protests before the Government Accountability Office (GAO) and the U.S. Court of Federal Claims, suspension and debarment proceedings, and contract claims and disputes.

Prior to joining Hogan & Hartson (now Hogan Lovells), Mr. Vernick clerked for the Honorable Christine Miller at the U.S. Court of Federal Claims.

Mr. Vernick received his J.D., with high honors, from George Mason University School of Law, and his B.A., cum laude, from Tufts University.

About Akin Gump’s Government Contracts Practice

Akin Gump has one of the most experienced and sophisticated government contracts practices in the nation, with lawyers who draw from a wide range of resources and technical experience to represent clients in all aspects of government procurement. The firm is experienced in federal and state procurement processes, laws, and regulations; government contract-related disputes; and False Claims Act investigations and litigation. For more information, please visit our website.

Founded in 1945, Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP is a leading international law firm with more than 900 lawyers in offices throughout the United States, Europe, Asia and the Middle East.

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