McDermott Adds Graham as Government Contracts Chief (Correct)

McDermott Will & Emery has hired former Vinson & Elkins partner Daniel Graham as the law firm’s first government contracts practice chair in Washington.

Graham officially joined the Chicago-based firm on Monday after more than six years with Vinson & Elkins, where he was most recently vice-chair of the firm’s government contracts practice. McDermott’s government contracts practice is part of its regulatory practice group.

McDermott is one of the largest firms in the country. In 2020, the firm reported nearly $1.4 billion in gross revenue and has more than 1,100 lawyers, according to AmLaw data. Graham’s appointment as the firm’s first government contracts practice comes as McDermott plans to grow the group due to increased client demand.

“We are seeing a significant number of clients across several industries in need of highly-skilled government contracts counsel,” said Raymond Jacobsen, global head of McDermott’s regulatory practice, in a Wednesday statement. “Dan will further enhance our already strong capabilities and lead the charge in navigating these issues.”

McDermott clients with government contracts include Honeywell International Inc. and Blackboard Inc., according to Bloomberg litigation data.

A substantial portion of Graham’s clients are in the healthcare and technology sectors, Graham said, and helping the government as a customer is a crucial part of their purpose.

“Behind each contract is an agency and a public policy mission,” Graham said, “and there’s a connection between that contract and what the agency is trying to accomplish on behalf of the United States. It’s that public policy context in everything I do that really keeps my interest and keeps me excited.”

Graham has represented clients such as Wisconsin Physicians Service Insurance Corp., Novitas Solutions, NCI Information Systems, and Noridian Healthcare Solutions. He previously worked for Washington firm Wiley Rein LLP.

McDermott this week raised associate base salaries to $215,000 for first year associates and $385,000 for senior associates following a change by Milbank LLP.