Stephen J. McBrady

Steve is co-chair of the Government Contracts Group and a member of the firm’s Management Board. Over the past several years, he has received the National Law Journal’s “Winning Litigator” award as a lawyer who has “tackled some of the most widely watched cases of the year,” as well the “D.C. Trailblazer” award, recognizing lawyers who have “made significant marks on the practice.” Steve has been named one of the top lawyers in the government contracts field by Chambers USA, and in both 2018 and 2022, was named “Government Contracts MVP” by Law360.

Over the course of his career, Steve has successfully litigated dozens of cases before the U.S. Court of Federal Claims, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, boards of contract appeals (ASBCA, CBCA, PSBCA), and state and federal courts around the country. In 2020, he served as counsel in the landmark $13 billion Affordable Care Act “risk corridors” litigation at the U.S. Supreme Court, resulting in an 8-1 decision in favor of his clients.

In the lower courts, Steve’s litigation teams have scored precedent-setting victories in matters arising under the Contracts Disputes Act, the Tucker Act, and the Federal Arbitration Act, winning judgments ranging from $1 million to over $600 million. He has also represented numerous states in disputes with the U.S. government, including Colorado, Kentucky, Arizona, and Maryland.  Outside the courtroom, he is often called upon to resolve sensitive commercial matters via alternative dispute resolution, including confidential arbitration and mediation, and has developed a reputation for resolving cases early in the dispute stage, identifying win-win legal and business resolutions.

Steve’s commentary on government-facing issues have been featured in The New York Times, Politico, and various other print, radio, and television media.  He frequently speaks at government and industry events around the country, and he provides on-site training to legal and executive teams on a range of topics.

Steve has served as vice chair of Crowell’s Recruiting Committee and is an active sponsor of young and diverse attorneys throughout the firm. His focus on community service has earned him numerous awards over the years, including being named to the Capital Pro Bono Honor Roll.