Akin Expands Premier Government Contracts Practice with Addition of Kerry Hotopp in Washington, D.C.

(Washington, D.C.) – Akin announced today that Kerry Hotopp has joined the firm as senior counsel in its government contracts practice in Washington, D.C. Kerry’s arrival expands the firm’s ability to meet rising demand from clients navigating increasingly complex federal acquisition requirements and high‑stakes enforcement environments, building upon momentum across its regulatory and government-facing practices.

Akin’s government contracts, national security and investigations teams have seen growing demand across areas including cybersecurity, federal procurement and False Claims Act (FCA) enforcement actions. The practice continues to attract top talent from government and industry, reflecting the firm’s strategic focus on advising clients operating at the intersection of federal procurement, national security and emerging technologies.

Kerry combines deep legal experience with a strategic vision to produce lasting, mission-critical improvements. Joining from the Department of the Navy, he most recently served as Counsel for Strategic Systems Programs and previously held senior leadership roles in acquisition integrity, anti‑fraud efforts and procurement of major weapons systems. With more than 20 years of experience in major defense procurements and fraud prevention, Kerry brings deep knowledge in a number of critical areas, such as the Federal Acquisition Regulation and Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement, international and FCA investigations, acquisition strategy and risk allocation.

“Kerry is a nationally respected government contracts lawyer whose experience across the Navy’s highest‑priority programs significantly expands our ability to counsel clients on their most complex acquisition, compliance and national security challenges,” said Angela Styles, partner and head of Akin’s government contracts practice. “His deep understanding of high‑risk programs, fraud prevention, bid protests, and major systems contracting further strengthens our market‑leading platform and positions us to continue meeting the needs of our clients.”

“I look forward to working with Akin’s talented team to support clients in some of the government’s most critical and complex programs,” said Kerry. “The firm’s depth across investigations, regulatory counseling and high‑stakes procurement matters, and its commitment to helping clients navigate rapidly evolving risk environments, make it an ideal home for my practice.”

About Akin’s Government Contracts Practice

Akin is a leader in the representation of clients pursuing federal funding opportunities, including contracts, grants, loans, equity agreements and other transaction agreements (OTAs). Our government contracts lawyers provide a full range of services to clients that do business with governmental entities and are experienced in all aspects of federal procurement and financial assistance, including negotiation, compliance, investigations and disputes.

Our team of highly skilled strategists assist clients throughout the lifecycle of federal awards and funding opportunities, including compliance, contract negotiations, policy issues and appropriations matters, as well as investigations, claims, bid protests and litigation. Our practice is anchored in deep industry insight and significant experience helping clients see around corners as they navigate the complex federal processes.

Akin is a leading international law firm with more than 1,000 lawyers in offices throughout the United States, Europe, Asia and the Middle East.

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