Vinson & Elkins Hires Alex Canizares as Co-Head of Government Contracts Practice

Vinson & Elkins today announced that Alex Canizares has joined the firm as a Washington, D.C.-based partner in the firm’s Litigation practice and as co-head of the Government Contracts practice.

Canizares assists government contractors and other companies in complex litigation, internal and government investigations, enforcement actions, and counseling spanning all phases of federal procurement. A former trial lawyer with the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Civil Division, he has first-chaired dozens of cases at both the trial and appellate levels involving federal agencies. He represents clients in False Claims Act (FCA)/qui tam whistleblower actions and investigations involving fraud allegations. He also serves as lead counsel in litigation related to the formation and performance of government contracts, including bid protests, contract claims, and prime-subcontractor disputes. Canizares represents clients ranging from early-stage companies to Fortune 100 corporations in the aerospace and defense, information technology, health care, professional services, and other industries. His practice includes helping government contractors mitigate and respond to compliance risks related to federal contracting, including with respect to cybersecurity requirements.

“Alex is a proven leader in the government contracts bar, with a phenomenal track record representing clients in FCA matters, bid protests, and other investigations and litigation involving the government,” said Vinson & Elkins Partner Chris Popov, who heads the firm’s Litigation practice.

“Vinson & Elkins’ stellar reputation and market leading practices in government contracts and related areas such as white collar and antitrust align perfectly with my practice. The firm’s collaborative culture and commitment to client service also make it a terrific fit,” Canizares said, adding: “Government contractors and grant recipients operate in a fast-changing legal and regulatory environment with heightened enforcement and compliance risks. Vinson & Elkins is well positioned to help clients protect their business interests, leveraging strong capabilities in a range of different practice areas.”

Canizares earned a Bachelor’s degree, with honors, from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a Juris Doctor, with high honors, from The George Washington University Law School. He is a co-chair of the American Bar Association (ABA) Public Contract Law Section Procurement Fraud and False Claims Committee. He is also a contributing editor of the second edition of The False Claims Act and Government Contracts published by the ABA Public Contract Law Section.

Vinson & Elkins’ Government Contracts lawyers represent clients in all aspects of federal, state, and local government contracts, and also work on matters involving cooperative agreements, grants, and other funding instruments. The team’s experience covers the entire range of legal issues related to the procurement process, including contract negotiations, compliance, bid protest litigation, claims preparation, terminations, complex litigation and arbitration, investigations, voluntary disclosures, defense of civil and criminal fraud allegations, and suspension and debarment.

The firm is ranked by Chambers USA among “the elite” nationwide in Government Contracts (2014–2024) and is ranked by Legal 500 US (2018-2024) among the nation’s best in Government Contracts.