Holland & Knight lures contract attorney away from rival

Holland & Knight has hired away the head of Patton Boggs’ government contracts practice, the firm announced Thursday.

{mosads}Bob Tompkins has become a partner in Holland & Knight’s Washington office, where he will continue to give “strategic counsel to companies that have or are seeking government contracts.”

Though that activity does not require Tompkins to register as a lobbyist, many law and lobby firms have picked up activity in the contracts space as the appropriations and earmarks business has fallen away.

“Recruiting Bob was an important step in our efforts to expand our already substantial government contracts practice,” said Gerry Sikorski, head of Holland & Knight’s government practice, in a statement.

The firm touted his experience working with Alaska Native Corporations and Indian tribes and the Small Business Administration government contracting programs. Tompkins also helps clients in various other areas of contract law, including those in the midst of audits and investigations by the Government Accountability Office and the Justice Department.
 
“He has demonstrated outstanding leadership in his handling of the issues that our government contractor clients face daily,” said John Hogan, head of the firm’s litigation practice, in a statement. “His experience in guiding clients through intensive government investigations and audits is very broad and recognized in this area of law.”