Specializing in D/M/WBE, Government Contract, and Business Law, Forward Legal represents an array of businesses doing work for federal, state, and local governments. We help large businesses understand complex small business subcontracting requirements, finding ways to optimize compliance. We help small businesses navigate the intricate rules around small business programs and find ways to gain and keep eligibility for these programs.
We support our clients with all aspects of government contracting certification programs -- including the 8(a) and DBE programs as well as MBE, WBE, CBE, and other state, local, and private programs. We provide comprehensive legal support to companies working within these programs, including assistance with business transactions, corporate structuring and governance, ownership changes, regulatory compliance, claims, and agency proceedings.
Our clients include general contractors, construction managers, IT companies, AE firms, trades, tech startups, law firms, political fundraisers, and others. They work across the United States, including in New York, California, Texas, Virginia, Maryland, DC, Pennsylvania, Indiana, Florida, Washington State, and elsewhere. They range from local start-ups to international firms with 10-figure revenues.
We are proud that most of our clients are referred to us for our exceptional service. We offer efficient and effective top-shelf representation designed to strategically move our clients forward, from one milestone to the next.
CLIENT FOCUSED & EFFICIENT
We prioritize a seamless and frictionless client experience, leveraging our expertise and innovation to significantly reduce client burden and promote a positive client experience. Our pricing is competitive, because we:
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Eliminate wasteful actions through our tailored approach
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Operate without cost-intensive overhead
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Integrate technology and past learning as appropriate to reduce billed time
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Build flexibility into our operations to minimize impact to client operating budgets.
PURPOSEFUL, METHODICAL, & VALUE-DRIVEN
Our approach is internally documented, and it is configured to be flexible and adaptable. We operate client-first, working backwards in all representations from our client's vision of their future, understanding our clients' long term goals and short-term objectives, identifying optimal outcomes in furtherance of those objectives, and then developing and implementing effective strategies to solve challenges to move them towards their vision.
We offer value-driven representation, following a core set of principles in every representation: We are honest and transparent; adaptable; analytically rigorous; and carry a panoramic view of our clients' needs. Our approach and our values allow us to be efficient and effective.
TRUSTED
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We are regularly called on by other successful and established law firms across the country to help solve unique and complex challenges for their clients.
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We are proud that most of our clients come referred to us by trusted colleagues or advisors who have seen our value and results firsthand.
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We are grateful that our clients, large and small, stay with us and swear by us once they've found us, and we remain their first call whenever they may need counsel of any type. Many of our clients worked with Forward Legal's chief attorney for years before the firm was founded in 2020.
EXPERTISE
We handle our clients' core operational and transactional needs - procurement and otherwise, including:
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understanding, acquiring, and maintaining critical contracting certifications - including DBE, MBE, WBE, and SBA 8(a) certification;
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assisting state and federal contractors with regulatory compliance, including certification program and FAR compliance;
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managing commercial transactions and business relationships;
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handling all facets of business formation, restructuring, and reorganization;
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ensure proper and efficient ongoing corporate governance;
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navigating strategic planning, to make certain that shareholder, board, and officer actions align with long-term goals;
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understanding complex small business participation requirements on federal, state, and local projects, and developing strategies to meet those goals;
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vigorously and successfully representing clients in high-stakes mediations, arbitrations, administrative hearings, and courtroom proceedings.
We help businesses navigate and successfully resolve complex matters in an optimal manner. In doing so, we identify and minimize risk to enable our clients to focus on revenue generation and business growth. When needed, we leverage our valuable network of trusted practitioners to fully support client needs.
Our Services Include:
DBE / MBE Certification
8(A) Certification
WBE / WOSB Certification
SBA Mentor-Protégé Program
State and Local Programs
(e.g. SWaM, CBE, LBE, SBE)
Eligibility Assessments
Proof of Social Disadvantage
PNW Regulations
Proof of Economic Disadvantage
Ownership and Control Issues
Service Code Expansions
Business Size Issues
Planned Size Graduations Certification Renewals
Program Application
Program Compliance
Investigation Support
Certification Suspensions
Informal Hearings
Decertification Appeals
Company Formation
Entity Selection
Business Planning
Certificates of Incorporation
Bylaws
Operating Agreements
Partnership Agreements
Buy-Sell Agreements
Shareholder Agreements
Shareholder Resolutions
Corporate Formalities
Ownership Changes
Buy-Outs
Business Restructuring
Purchase & Sale Agreements
Equity Agreements
Loan & Financing Agreements
Payment Agreements
Terms of Use
Privacy Policies
Employment Agreements
Confidentiality / NDA
Owner Contracts
Subcontracts
Joint Ventures
Teaming Arrangements
Mentor-Protege Relationships
Small Business Requirements
Management Service Agreements
Licensing Agreements
Vendor Agreements
FAR Compliance
Equitable Adjustments
Contractor Claims
Contract Disputes
Payment Issues
Arbitration
Mediation
Commercial Litigation
Litigation Support
and more!