McCarter & English, LLP welcomes Maria L. Panichelli as a partner in the firm’s Government Contracts group in Philadelphia. Her practice focuses on federal government contracting and procurement for both prime contractors and subcontractors working on U.S. government projects.
“Maria’s significant experience in all aspects of federal procurement makes her an excellent addition to our team,” said Alex Major, co-chair of McCarter’s Government Contracts and Global Trade practice. “Moreover, Maria’s background helping veterans and women-owned businesses augments our robust ability to assist large, medium, and small businesses in navigating the complex landscape of federal contracts while expanding the value we can provide to our clients selling to federal customers.”
“My experience combined with McCarter’s substantial platform will help me better serve my clients, both on government contracts issues and in related areas,” said Panichelli. “I look forward to collaborating with this deep bench of talented attorneys.”
Panichelli’s prior legal experience in complex corporate litigation and risk management counseling has given her a unique perspective which she employs in guiding clients throughout the entire lifecycle of their federal contracts. Her practice includes: asserting and defending bid protests; REAs, CDA claims and related litigation; performance and compliance counseling; subcontract issues; contract terminations; suspension and debarment; and all aspects of small business procurement.
She has represented a wide variety of national and international contractors from a range of industries including information technology and information systems, systems engineering and logistics management, professional services, and construction, as well as fabricators and suppliers. Panichelli has represented her clients before numerous federal agencies, the Government Accountability Office, the Boards of Contract Appeals, the Court of Federal Claims and the Federal Circuit, in addition to various other courts.
Panichelli also assists clients in applying for the government’s 8(a), SDVOSB, WOSB and HUBZone small business programs and in safeguarding their small business eligibility. She has considerable experience negotiating teaming and joint venture agreements, counseling on the SBA Mentor-protégé program, and advising small business clients on affiliation and control issues.
She has served on the Leadership Advisory Committee of the Women Impacting Public Policy and as the Regional Director for the Northeast Region of Women Construction Owners and Executives. She is involved and active in a number of industry-related groups, and is a frequent author and lecturer on federal procurement topics.
Panichelli received a J.D, cum laude, from Temple University Beasley School of Law and a B.A. from Lehigh University.