Ward & Bradel: A New Era for Government Contracts Legal Expertise
Ward & Berry, a law firm established in 2017 and recognized as "The Government Contractor's Law Firm," has recently undergone a name change to Ward & Bradel. This shift marks not just a rebranding but a strategic move intended to strengthen the firm's focus on legal matters related to government contracts. The firm's new name symbolizes a commitment to the specialized landscape of government contracting, where their expertise has flourished.
The firm has carved out a niche specifically dedicated to assisting U.S. government contractors with an array of services that include bid protests, regulations compliance, claims, litigation, and internal investigations. At the helm of this revitalized practice is Ryan Bradel, who joined the firm in 2018 and quickly became integral to its operations. His extensive background in bid protests and Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) consulting has played a critical role in shaping the firm's reputation.
Ward & Bradel’s leadership, comprising seasoned professionals like Mary Pat Buckenmeyer and Tyson Marx, is well-equipped to navigate the complexities of government contracting law. Together, they have litigated numerous bid protests across various levels, getting results that are favorable not just for small contractors but also for larger entities. Their profound understanding of compliance regulations allows them to effectively guide clients through the labyrinth of federal requirements, which is crucial for maintaining contracts and ensuring smooth operations.
Further enhancing the firm’s capabilities is a specialized Litigation and Arbitration team, led by Dan Ward and featuring seasoned attorneys such as Craig Franco and Dave Gutkowski. This team has an extensive history of representing government contractors in both state and federal trials, making them a formidable presence within the industry.
Ward & Bradel prides itself on its collaborative approach, acting as outside General Counsel for many clients. This role encompasses the drafting of policies and procedures, addressing labor and employment law issues, and identifying potential risks in business operations. One of the unique aspects of their team is Charlie Price, a former FBI special agent, who leads the Special Investigations sector, advising on sensitive internal investigations and guiding clients through the voluntary disclosure process.
As a testament to their significant impact and credibility, Ward & Bradel has been recognized in the Chambers USA 2026 directory as a "Highly Regarded" firm in the Government Contracts category. This prestigious accolade not only exemplifies their esteemed standings among boutique firms but also reflects their commitment to a singular focus within the government contracts landscape, particularly at a time when larger, full-service firms dominate the market.
The firm's rebranding to Ward & Bradel signals a commitment to the future and to maintaining the personal relationships they have built over the years. Founders like Dan Ward emphasize that the firm's success is intrinsically linked to their dedicated team, not just the name itself. Ward remarks, "Our clients do not hire a single lawyer; they buy into an institution committed to advocating for their success."
Ryan Bradel echoes this sentiment, expressing gratitude for the wonderful team they have cultivated, whose character and talent continue to drive the firm forward.
Despite the new name, Ward & Bradel assures that there will be no disruption to client relationships or operational processes. Clients will continue to liaise with the same legal professionals they have trusted in the past, ensuring consistency in the level of service they receive.
The firm perseveres with the mission established back in 2017: to focus on the distinctive legal requirements of government contractors. With unwavering commitment and a clear vision for the future, Ward & Bradel stands as a pillar in the government contracting legal community, prepared to support its clients through complex legal challenges for years to come.