Jeff is a highly sought-after government solutions attorney. He advises sophisticated clients on strategic and operational matters related to the U.S. maritime industry and serves as lead government contracts counsel to companies across a range of industries.
U.S. Maritime
Jeff advises U.S. flag businesses and other U.S. maritime stakeholders. He represents U.S.-flag ocean carriers, Jones Act operators, marine terminal operators, and deepwater port operators. A widely respected industry advocate, Jeff serves as outside general and competition counsel to two major maritime trade organizations, USA Maritime (a coalition of U.S. ship operators and labor organizations) and the National Association of Waterfront Employers (the industry group for U.S. marine terminal operators).
Jeff represents maritime clients before the Maritime Administration (MARAD), Federal Maritime Commission (FMC), U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), U.S. Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM), and U.S. Congress.
Prior to joining Cozen O’Connor, Jeff worked at MARAD as the acting assistant chief counsel for maritime programs and lead attorney for maritime support programs, where he oversaw all legal aspects of MARAD’s national security and financial programs.
Government Contracts
Jeff also serves as lead project counsel to clients with significant business before the federal government, providing guidance through the entire contracting process. He assists with proposal development, subcontractor negotiations, contractual and regulatory compliance, HR policy development, claims processes, and government investigations.
One particular focus for Jeff is helping commercially successful businesses expand their reach through government contracts or grant programs. He has deep experience managing multi-year, multi-billion-dollar government contracts with private vendors that fundamentally reconceive how the government fulfills a specific need or responsibility.
Jeff also guides clients through corporate transactions involving the acquisition or sale of government contractors. He conducts risk assessments, negotiates appropriate protections, and obtains mandatory government approvals.
Jeff earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Maryland, College Park, and his law degree and Master of Arts in marine affairs and policy from the University of Miami. He was the first MARAD attorney ever selected to attend the U.S. Naval War College, where he earned a Master of Arts in national security and strategic studies.