Holland & Knight Strengthens Its Leading Government Contracts Transactional Team with Addition of Partners David Dowd and Timothy Kobes

NEW YORK (September 10, 2024) – Holland & Knight has strengthened its capabilities in the area of government contracts transactions with the additions of Partners David Dowd in Tysons, Virginia, and Timothy Kobes in New York. Mr. Dowd was previously a partner with Potomac Law Group and Mayer Brown, and Mr. Kobes was previously senior counsel with Wilson Sonsini. Mr. Kobes also has previous experience managing contracting functions in-house for several large government contractors.

The addition of Mr. Dowd and Mr. Kobes highlights the firm's commitment and comprehensive approach to servicing the government contractor community. In 2024, the firm received a Band 1 ranking in the Virginia – Corporate/M&A (Northern) category from Chambers USA and was recognized in the guide's nationwide "Elite" category for Government Contracts, a category that is focused on compliance and disputes.

"We are thrilled to welcome David and Tim as new partners in our practice. Their deep understanding of the regulatory and contractual requirements for doing business with the U.S. government enhances our ability to serve our large portfolio of GovCon clients," said Adam August, Holland & Knight's Corporate, M&A and Securities Practice Group leader for the Mid-Atlantic Region.

Mr. Dowd and Mr. Kobes advise clients on regulatory and compliance matters related to government grants and procurements. They also have experience with mergers and acquisitions (M&A), investments and financings involving government contractors, including conducting due diligence, negotiating transactional documents, and navigating transition and integration matters. They have worked with a wide variety of government customers, including the U.S. Department of Defense, U.S. Department of Energy, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Department of State, NASA and U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), as well as foreign governments and intergovernmental organizations.

Additionally, Mr. Dowd has counseled clients on dozens of bid protests regarding procurements and government contract claims in the Civilian and Armed Services Boards of Contract Appeals and U.S. Court of Federal Claims, as well as prime/subcontractor disputes in district courts. Mr. Dowd's work also includes advice concerning responses to emergency and national security concerns, including use of the Defense Production Act.

"Holland & Knight is a preeminent firm for government contractors, and I'm excited to collaborate with such a talented team," said Mr. Dowd. "The GovCon industry is subject to an extraordinary amount of oversight and regulation. My experience dealing with disputes gives me valuable insight to share with companies as they grow and throughout their contracting life cycle."

"I am thrilled to join Holland & Knight and to work alongside industry leaders in this area. The firm's dedication to delivering outstanding legal services to the GovCon community is something that I deeply admire" said Mr. Kobes. "I'm eager to bring my experience with the practical challenges of managing government contracts and guiding companies through the complexities of both federal and state procurements to the team."

Mr. Dowd earned a J.D. degree from Georgetown University Law Center and a B.A. degree from Georgetown University. Mr. Kobes earned a J.D. degree from the University of Virginia School of Law and a B.A. degree from Dordt University.

Mr. Kobes is not yet admitted to the New York Bar; admitted to Virginia and District of Columbia Bars only and practicing under the supervision of lawyers licensed to practice in New York.