BIOGRAPHY
Melanie Smith knows the ins and outs of rules and policies that govern U.S. federal, state and local and international contracts in the government marketplace. She helps clients identify and win meaningful business opportunities, capitalize on federal appropriations and successfully navigate the various procurement processes.
Melanie provides comprehensive counsel to U.S. and international clients relating to contracting, regulatory compliance and dispute resolution in their business dealings with U.S. and foreign governmental entities. She serves as a trusted adviser to companies working across a broad range of industries, including aerospace and defense, transportation, information technology, telecommunications, health care, biodefense and professional services. Melanie also advises government contractors on global compliance, including supply chain and risk mitigation techniques across the entirety of the business life cycle.
Complementing Melanie’s skill set is her standing as a litigator with a proven track record of wins for government contractors. She represents clients before federal district and appellate courts, the U.S. Court of Federal Claims, the Boards of Contract Appeals, the Government Accountability Office and various federal administrative tribunals in bid protest litigation, contract disputes, qui tam and civil procurement fraud matters, subcontractor disputes, trade secret cases, Foreign Corrupt Practices Act proceedings, and suspension and debarment. In addition, Melanie advises clients on corporate transactions involving government contractors, including mergers and acquisitions and all associated due diligence. She also provides counsel on FOCI matters, ITAR, OFAC and various export controls-related issues.
Melanie is known for her practical approach to problem solving and for her holistic and strategic view of client service aimed at limiting risk and maximizing opportunities over the long term. Melanie’s practice is an interdisciplinary one designed to achieve significant results for clients, as reflected by her outstanding record of success.
EDUCATION
DEGREES
- Case Western Reserve University School of Law
J.D. Order of the Barristers - Georgetown University
M.A.L.S. - Wellesley College
B.A. cum laude - Université de Provence (Aix Marseille I)
AREAS OF EXPERIENCE
Credentials
Bar Admissions
District of Columbia
Ohio
Court Admissions
U.S. Supreme Court
U.S. Court of Federal Claims
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit
U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia