Scott A. Schipma, Partner

Scott Schipma is a litigation partner in the firm’s Washington, D.C. office who concentrates his practice in the areas of government contracts, public and private construction disputes, and insurance litigation matters.

Mr. Schipma has more than 15 years' experience in the field of government contracts. He began his legal career as an attorney advisor to the U.S. Navy's Naval Air Systems Command where he advised the Navy regarding the negotiation, award, and administration of numerous aircraft and related weapon-systems procurements. While with the Navy, he also served as Claims Counsel for the Command, and was responsible for the resolution of numerous contractor claims. Since entering private practice, Mr. Schipma has regularly counseled and represented clients in connection with a wide variety of publicly-funded contract issues, including award decisions, subcontracting, regulatory compliance, contract terminations, and the preparation and litigation of complex claims related to contract changes. Mr. Schipma has also represented clients in numerous bid protests before various state and federal agencies, boards, and forums, including the General Accounting Office, Small Business Administration, Department of Transportation, Department of Interior, and the U.S. Court of Federal Claims.

Mr. Schipma also has extensive experience advising and representing clients involved in the construction and insurance industries. Prior to starting his legal career, Mr. Schipma co-founded and operated a general contracting business. Mr. Schipma has utilized the practical knowledge gained from that experience in representing owners, sureties, insurers, engineers, and contractors in construction-related disputes before state and federal courts, administrative boards, and arbitration panels. In addition, Mr. Schipma has assisted construction industry clients regarding the negotiation, drafting, and interpretation of complex construction-related agreements.

Mr. Schipma served as a law clerk to the Hon. John Hourihane and the Hon. Joseph Gordon, both of the Appellate Court of Illinois for the First District.

Education

Speeches and Publications

Mr. Schipma has participated as a lecturer on numerous government contract topics in a District of Columbia Bar series

Mr. Schipma has spoken to owners on the advantages and risks of CM at Risk construction contracting.

Mr. Schipma is the author of "BRAC 2005-Environmental Insurers Beware," MEALEY'S LITIGATION REPORT, Insurance, Vol. 20, No. 36 (July 2006).

Mr. Schipma is co-author of the "Environmental Law" chapter of Annual Review of Developments in Business and Corporate Litigation, published in 2004 by the ABA Committee on Business and Commercial Law.