Michelle Francois Recognized by Law360 as a 2024 ‘Rising Star’

Government and regulatory associate Michelle Francois was selected by Law360 as a 2024 “Rising Star.” This recognition was given to 158 attorneys under 40 whose legal accomplishments belie their age.

Michelle was recognized in the “Government Contracts” category. Honorees were selected from 1,200 submissions, from more than 70 law firms and span 34 practice areas.

In a Law360 profile, Michelle highlighted her work counseling client Weston-ER Federal Services LLC during its protest of an $80 million deal with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to provide emergency response environmental remediation services. The protest was ultimately successful, with the U.S. Government Accountability Office later ordering the Army Corps to reevaluate proposals and make a new award decision. 

Michelle said the case occurred early in her government contracts practice.  

"Showing the partners that, OK, even though I came over to the firm in 2019, and this wasn't my primary practice before then, but kind of showing … I have the skills to work on these bid protests and help our clients have great outcomes … was useful," she said.

Michelle expects the government contracts practice to only grow as clients begin to realize the number of opportunities there are. 

"That's going to affect our clients as well. I think that's an area that's going to continue to grow in terms of compliance restrictions," Michelle added.