T: (703) 749-1000 vCard McLean theffern@wthf.com
Tim Heffernan's practice concentrates on government contracts, compliance, construction, suretyship law and litigation on a national and international level. For the last 20 years, he has assisted government contractors in competing for, profitably performing, and successfully completing supply, services and construction contracts; in preparing, litigating, and resolving claims; and in facing the potential for audit, procurement integrity, and compliance issues. Tim's broad range of experience in government contracts also includes bid protests, protecting intellectual property rights of Government contractors, cost and accounting issues, internal investigations, teaming agreements, prime/subcontractor disputes, small business matters, qui tam and other False Claims Act litigation, and suspension and debarment. He practices before federal and state courts, agencies and boards of contract appeals throughout the country. Tim has extensive experience at the United States Court of Federal Claims, including numerous high profile cases before the Court. He has written and lectured extensively on various subjects relating to the federal procurement
process. Most recently, Tim co-authored a new book that Thomson West/Aspatore Books published in 2010 called The Impact of Recent Changes in Government Contracts. The book explores the effects of the Stimulus Act program, addresses compliance concerns, and analyzes the latest regulations.
He also focuses on the preparation, defense and litigation of major construction cases, including various national and international matters for construction companies and engineering firms. Tim has vast experience litigating matters related to the power, process, water, infrastructure and transportation industries. He regularly practices before arbitration tribunals including panels constituted by the American Arbitration Association, International Centre for Dispute Resolution and the International Chamber of Commerce. Tim also represents the largest sureties in the country in handling payment and performance bond disputes for both private and public contracts, including defending default terminations and prosecuting affirmative claims.
Before joining WTHF in 1994, Tim practiced at a government contracts boutique firm in Washington, D.C. Between 1987 and 1994, he also practiced federal legislative and administrative law and represented clients before Congress and various governmental administrative agencies. In November 1990, he was appointed a Special Assistant Attorney General of the State of Illinois by the Illinois Attorney General to represent the Illinois Commerce Commission in proceedings before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.
From 1983-84, before practicing law, Tim served as Special Assistant to former United States Senator Frank Murkowski (R-Alaska), former Chairman of the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
Memberships and Affiliations
- American Bar Association
- Public Contract Law Section
- District of Columbia Bar Association
- Federal Circuit Bar Association
- New York Bar Association
