Womble Adds Government Contracts Depth in Washington, D.C.

WASHINGTON (August 10, 2026) – Womble Bond Dickinson announced today that Ryan McGovern has joined the firm's Washington, D.C., office as of counsel in the Business Litigation Practice Group. McGovern advises government contractors on the investigations, enforcement actions, and compliance obligations that arise from doing business with the federal government, across the defense, aerospace, construction, technology, medical device, and professional services industries.

Much of McGovern's work centers on the areas where contractors face the greatest exposure, including False Claims Act matters, procurement integrity, and defective pricing, where he guides clients through government investigations and enforcement actions. He counsels contractors weighing mandatory disclosures, responding to government audits, and navigating industrial security requirements, giving them a practical read on how a matter is likely to unfold and what it puts at risk.

"Government contractors are under sharper scrutiny than they've seen in years, and they want counsel with real range, someone who can guide day-to-day compliance and hold the line when a matter turns adversarial," said Lisa Rushton, co-leader of the Business Litigation Practice Group. "Ryan has built his practice almost entirely in this space, and his depth in False Claims Act and government contracts risk makes him an immediate asset for our clients."

Cathy Hinger, managing partner of the Washington, D.C., office, added: "Washington is the center of gravity for federal contracting, and the companies operating in this space face unique risks and competition. Ryan has spent his career helping his clients tackle those issues. The addition of Ryan to our government contracts team deepens our bench of resources that help federal contractors win contracts, keep their valuable work, and grow."

McGovern's practice moves easily between counseling, defense, and affirmative claims against federal and state governments. He represents clients in suspension and debarment proceedings, and handles bid protests before the Government Accountability Office and the U.S. Court of Federal Claims. He also advises clients on the shifting regulatory landscape that governs federal procurements, helping them anticipate change rather than react to it.

"The contractors I work with are navigating an increasingly complex and evolving regulatory environment. They need counsel that understands their business and can rapidly adapt. Womble's breadth of experience, collaborative culture and commitment to client service provide an exceptional platform for helping clients address these challenges from all angles," said McGovern.

McGovern earned his J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center and his B.S. from the University of Maryland. He joins Womble from Jones Day.