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Jessica R. Chao

Associate | She/Her/Hers
Associate | She/Her/Hers
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Areas of Focus

Overview

Jessica focuses on government investigations, mergers and acquisitions, ethics, and compliance supporting clients in government contracts transactions. In her practice, Jessica counsels and trains clients on Federal Acquisition Regulation issues, contracting fundamentals, and the False Claims Act.

Prior to joining the firm, Jessica clerked for the Honorable Lino S. Lipinsky de Orlov at the Colorado Court of Appeals. During law school, she was a legal extern at one of the world’s largest government contractors, focusing on procurement contract review and diligence.

In addition to a robust government contracts practice, Jessica serves as a board member, and Community Outreach Committee co-chair, for the Colorado Asian Pacific American Bar Association.

Career & Education

    • University of Denver Sturm College of Law, J.D., Corporate and Commercial Law Certificate and Workplace Law Certificate
    • Pepperdine University, B.A., cum laude
    • University of Denver Sturm College of Law, J.D., Corporate and Commercial Law Certificate and Workplace Law Certificate
    • Pepperdine University, B.A., cum laude

    • Colorado
    • Colorado

    • Appellate Judicial Clerk to the Honorable Lino S. Lipinsky de Orlov, Colorado Court of Appeals
    • Appellate Judicial Clerk to the Honorable Lino S. Lipinsky de Orlov, Colorado Court of Appeals

    • Colorado Bar Association
    • American Bar Association
          • Young Lawyers Division
          • Public Contract Law
    • Colorado Asian Pacific American Bar Association
          • Board of Directors
          • Co-chair, Community Outreach Committee
          • Member, Mentorship Committee

     

     

    • Colorado Bar Association
    • American Bar Association
          • Young Lawyers Division
          • Public Contract Law
    • Colorado Asian Pacific American Bar Association
          • Board of Directors
          • Co-chair, Community Outreach Committee
          • Member, Mentorship Committee

     

     

    • Korean
    • Korean

Jessica's Insights

Client Alert | 5 min read | 10.06.25

From Yellow Jackets to Red Flags: DOJ Stings Georgia Tech for Alleged Cybersecurity Noncompliance

On September 30, 2025, the Department of Justice (DOJ) announced that Georgia Tech Research Corporation (GTRC) agreed to pay $875,000 to settle allegations that it violated the False Claims Act (FCA) and federal common law by failing to meet cybersecurity requirements under certain Air Force and Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) contracts.  The settlement adds to the growing list of recoveries under DOJ’s Civil Cyber-Fraud Initiative and is yet another example of DOJ’s ongoing enforcement focus on cybersecurity obligations for federal contractors handling sensitive government information.  The settlement also provides insight into how government contractors may challenge FCA liability when faced with allegations of cybersecurity noncompliance....

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Insights

Client Alert | 5 min read | 10.06.25

From Yellow Jackets to Red Flags: DOJ Stings Georgia Tech for Alleged Cybersecurity Noncompliance

Speaking Engagement | 09.17.25

"Information Risk Management and Security," 3rd Annual Midwest Government Contracts Seminar, Chicago, IL.

Webinar | 09.15.25

CMMC Clause Rule: What to Know

Speaking Engagement | 09.15.25

"CMMC Final Rule: What to Know," Crowell & Moring Webinar.

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Practices

Jessica's Insights

Client Alert | 5 min read | 10.06.25

From Yellow Jackets to Red Flags: DOJ Stings Georgia Tech for Alleged Cybersecurity Noncompliance

On September 30, 2025, the Department of Justice (DOJ) announced that Georgia Tech Research Corporation (GTRC) agreed to pay $875,000 to settle allegations that it violated the False Claims Act (FCA) and federal common law by failing to meet cybersecurity requirements under certain Air Force and Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) contracts.  The settlement adds to the growing list of recoveries under DOJ’s Civil Cyber-Fraud Initiative and is yet another example of DOJ’s ongoing enforcement focus on cybersecurity obligations for federal contractors handling sensitive government information.  The settlement also provides insight into how government contractors may challenge FCA liability when faced with allegations of cybersecurity noncompliance....

View All Insights