Construction and Government Contracts Lawyers

Smith Pachter Attorneys Recognized as Super Lawyers in the Washington, D.C. and Virginia Legal Communities

Washington DC Super Lawyers selected Val S. McWhorter, John S. Pachter, Richard C. Johnson and Richard F. Smith in its 2007 edition for their expertise in the following areas: Val McWhorter in Construction; John Pachter and Richard Johnson in Government Contracts; and Richard Smith in Alternative Dispute Resolution. All four attorneys have at least 30 years of experience in their practice areas. An article about these attorneys from Washington DC Super Lawyers is available here.

In addition, Virginia Super Lawyers selected Val S. McWhorter, Richard C. Johnson and Richard F. Smith its 2007 edition for their expertise in the following areas: Val McWhorter in Construction/Surety; Richard Johnson in Government Contracts; and Richard Smith in Alternative Dispute Resolution.

Super Lawyers "adheres to a rigorous selection process … evaluating quality in the most objective possible terms and verifying and validating all data. The only way a lawyer can be listed in Super Lawyers magazine is through this selection process." Selections are made using a "system of balloting, peer evaluation, and internal research."

Smith Pachter McWhorter is pleased to have these outstanding attorneys recognized as leaders in the Washington, D.C. and Virginia legal communities. Complete biographical information is available in their individual resumes on our website.

Four Smith Pachter Attorneys Selected as Best Lawyers in America

Based on confidential peer-review surveys, Best Lawyers in America has selected Val McWhorter, Brian Vella, Mark Hanson and Richard Smith for its 2008 edition. All four attorneys were selected for their experience and acumen in the practice of Construction Law and Alternative Dispute Resolution. The firm was ranked number 1 in the Commonwealth of Virginia for Alternative Dispute Resolution, with more listed selected lawyers in that practice area than any other firm in Virginia. The firm was ranked number 1 in Vienna, Virginia for Construction Law and Alternative Dispute Resolution. Published since 1983, Best Lawyers in America is a highly regarded reference to the country’s top lawyers and one of the highest professional accolades.

Additional information about this honor is available here.

Val S. McWhorter and Richard F. Smith Recognized as Leaders in Construction Law

The 2007 edition of the International Who's Who of Construction Lawyers recognized Val S. McWhorter and Richard F. Smith as attorneys "who can truly be considered leaders in the field." International Who's Who of Construction Lawyers made its selections based on "months of research" and after "canvass[ing] and analys[ing] the opinions of law firm clients … from around the world." Mr. McWhorter and Mr. Smith are both members of the prestigious American College of Construction Lawyers and have practiced construction law for over 30 years. Additional biographical information for these outstanding attorneys can be found under their entry on the Attorney page of this website.

Chambers USA 2007 Edition Describes Smith Pachter McWhorter as "Deeply Respected"

In its 2007 edition, Chambers USA, America's Leading Lawyers for Business, described Smith Pachter McWhorter as a "deeply respected" construction and government contract "boutique" that "handles a steady stream of project administration and construction disputes." The publication pointed to the firm's representation of "both local and national contractors in relation to large infrastructure projects." Clients identified Val McWhorter as a "go-to construction lawyer" who "can be entrusted to handle really complex litigation." "Interviewees endorsed his wealth of construction experience as well as his strong courtroom presence." Mark Hanson was mentioned as a "rising star" in representing contractors, sureties and design professionals on commercial, industrial and power generation projects. Chambers described Richard Smith as a "seasoned practitioner" who "devotes his practice to acting as mediator and arbitrator in the resolution of construction and contract disputes."

Chambers also reported that the four partners who practice in the area of government contracts (Richard Johnson, Stephen Knight, Jonathan Shaffer and John Pachter) "each won significant praise from market sources for having 'in-depth expertise.'" Interviewees reported that the team "works effectively together to maximize resources," allowing it to work on major disputes and protests. Chambers said "The market's praise is strongest for 'consummate professional' John Pachter." "'Committed and thorough' with 'deep knowledge,' he's appreciated by clients for his 'careful, unvarnished advice – he'll give you the worst up front and a steer on how to overcome it.'"

2006 - 2005 Testimonials

Four Smith Pachter Attorneys Selected as Best Lawyers in America

Based on confidential peer-review surveys, Val McWhorter, Brian Vella, Mark Hanson and Richard Smith were selected for the 2007 edition of Best Lawyers. The Washington Post Magazine published the Best Lawyers list for Washington, DC October 1, 2006, reaching more than 1.4 million readers. Published since 1983, Best Lawyers in America is a highly regarded reference to the country’s top lawyers and one of the highest professional accolades. We are honored to have three of our attorneys again selected, while Mark Hanson has been selected in the area of Alternative Dispute Resolution for the first time. Those reselected are: Val McWhorter in the areas of Alternative Dispute Resolution and Construction; Brian Vella in Construction; and Richard Smith in Alternative Dispute Resolution.

The full text of the article is available here.

Smith Pachter McWhorter Attorneys Recognized as Outstanding in Chambers USA Rankings and Virginia Super Lawyers

Smith Pachter McWhorter is pleased that the 2006 Chambers USA survey of America’s leading business lawyers recognizes our firm’s construction and government contracts practice groups for outstanding work. The survey reports that Val McWhorter is a first-rank construction practice leader “with a wealth of experience representing contractors in claims against government and commercial bodies” and as having built “a strong profile in nationwide civil infrastructure projects.” In addition, the 2005 Chambers survey stated the firm is a “high-quality construction firm” that scores “ten out of ten” with clients, and with sources saying “They understand construction 100%.”

For its government contracts work, the 2006 Chambers survey said the firm is “hailed as ‘expert and experienced.’” The survey reported John Pachter “gives a quality service to clients,” and one client said: “I’ve observed his practice for over 20 years and the comments he makes and the positions he takes are wonderful.” The survey also noted John’s reputation for resolving disputes.

In addition, three of our attorneys, Val McWhorter, John Pachter and Richard Smith, were listed in Virginia Super Lawyers 2006 as among the top attorneys in Virginia.

RICHARD F. SMITH NAMED ONE OF VIRGINIA'S TOP LAWYERS IN ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION

Richard F. Smith, a founding member of the law firm of Smith Pachter McWhorter PLC, has been named one of Virginia's "Legal Elite" in the field of Alternative Dispute Resolution by the Virginia Business magazine. The "Legal Elite" is a list of lawyers recognized by their peers as the best in 12 categories. Richard, now Senior Counsel to the firm, specializes in serving as a mediator and arbitrator. He is a member of the American Arbitration Association’s Panel of Arbitrators and Panel of Mediators and routinely hears disputes involving large construction cases. For more information about Richard and the firm, please contact www.smithpachter.com.

Val S. McWhorter Elected As Member of Prestigious American College of Construction Lawyers

Val S. McWhorter, a founding partner of the law firm Smith Pachter McWhorter PLC was recently elected as a member of the prestigious American College of Construction Lawyers ("ACCL"), effective in 2005. Over the last 30 years, Mr. McWhorter has focused his practice in the area of construction law, representing contractors in large, complex claims arising under federal, state, and local government contracts, as well as contracts between private parties. Mr. McWhorter joins his colleague Richard F. Smith, also a founding partner of the firm, in ACCL's membership ranks.

Founded in 1990, the ACCL is a national organization comprised of outstanding lawyers who have demonstrated skill, experience and high standards of professional and ethical conduct in the practice or in the teaching of construction law, and who are dedicated to excellence in the specialized practice of construction law. Membership in the college is by invitation only upon nomination and election.

The college provides advanced professional workshops and educational programs to its Fellows and identifies and contributes to the solution of major construction industry legal problems. It is a collegial forum for the exchange and development of ideas by experts in construction law.

2004 Testimonials

John Pachter Named by Legal Times as One of the Top 12 Government Contract Lawyers in Washington, D.C.

Legal Times, a leading periodical covering the Washington area legal community, selected John S. Pachter as one of the top 12 government contract lawyers in Washington, D.C., based on interviews with in-house counsel, attorneys in private practice and academics. Mr. Pachter, a founding partner of Smith Pachter McWhorter PLC has practiced government contract law for more than 30 years. His practice includes litigation in federal and state courts, bid protests before the Government Accountability Office and the U.S. Court of Federal Claims, and counseling clients on federal procurement statutes and regulations. Mr. Pachter's government contract practice is broad-based, including a variety of industries such as defense, telecommunications, information technology, health care and food service. The Legal Times article is available here.