Vinson & Elkins Hires Jennifer Zucker to Co-Chair Government Contracts Practice

Zucker has significant experience handling complex government procurement matters across all industries.

Vinson & Elkins today announced that Jennifer Zucker has joined the firm’s Washington, D.C. office as a partner and co-head of the firm’s nationally recognized Government Contracts practice.

Zucker brings deep experience across the full spectrum of government contracting matters, including high-stakes bid protests, complex contract disputes and terminations, audit and cost allowability issues, government investigations, and suspension and debarment proceedings. She also has significant M&A experience involving government contractors and is widely recognized for advising U.S. and international companies on Foreign Ownership, Control or Influence (FOCI) requirements, with particular focus on matters involving national security and classified programs.

In addition to her private legal practice, Zucker serves as a Colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve with 29 years of service and sits on the board of The COMMIT Foundation, which supports service members transitioning to the civilian workforce, and the Leadership Committee of the Children’s National Hospital White Hat Gala.

“Jennifer is a phenomenal lawyer whose extensive defense industry experience will bring outstanding value to clients seeking help on their most difficult challenges when doing business with the government. She joins at a time when evolving federal procurement regulations and shifting enforcement priorities continue to present fresh questions and compliance issues for contractors,” said Vinson & Elkins Partner Alex Canizares, co-head of the firm’s Government Contracts practice.   

“Jennifer is a wonderful addition to our Washington, D.C. office and a huge asset not just to our government contracts clients, but also those facing litigation and government investigations, as well as M&A transactions and infrastructure projects,” added Vinson & Elkins Partner Zach Terwilliger, the managing partner of the firm’s Washington, D.C. office and a member of the firm’s Government Investigations & White Collar Criminal Defense Practice.

Zucker joins from Greenberg Traurig, where she was co-chair of the firm’s Government Contracts practice. She is recognized by Chambers USA for Government Contracts (2024-2025) and Government Contracts: Bid Protests (2025).

“I was drawn to Vinson & Elkins not only for the strength of its Government Contracts practice and national reputation, but also for its uniquely collaborative and welcoming culture. It quickly became clear to me that this is truly a special place.” Zucker said.

Vinson & Elkins’ Government Contracts practice is ranked among the nation’s best by Chambers USA Government: Government Contracts: The Elite (Nationwide, 2014-2025) and The Legal 500 US: Government – Government Contracts, (2018–2025). The team represents 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 lawyers’ experience covers the entire range of legal issues related to the procurement process, including contract negotiations, compliance, bid protest litigation, defense of civil and criminal fraud allegations including False Claims Act matters, claims preparation, terminations, complex litigation and arbitration, investigations, voluntary disclosures, and suspension and debarment.

About Vinson & Elkins
For more than a century, Vinson & Elkins has provided outstanding client service across important industries that drive the global economy. Built on a strong culture of collaboration across 14 offices worldwide, V&E lawyers are committed to excellence, offering clients decades of legal experience in handling transactions, investments, projects and disputes across the globe. Learn more by visiting www.velaw.com or connect with us on LinkedIn.

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