WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 22, 2019) – Perkins Coie is pleased to announce that Alexander “Alex” Canizares has joined the firm’s Commercial Litigation practice and Government Contracts subgroup as senior counsel in the Washington, D.C. office. Alex joins the firm from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), where he was a trial attorney in the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch.

At the DOJ, Alex served as lead counsel in cases involving contract claims and disputes, bid protests, civil fraud, constitutional takings claims and other statutory and regulatory matters. He worked closely with Department of Defense personnel and civilian agencies in matters implicating all phases of the procurement process. In addition to first-chairing cases before the U.S. Court of Federal Claims, Alex briefed and argued numerous appeals before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. His successes include defending the award of a $160 million U.S. Navy contract supporting the U.S. Special Operations Command.

“Beyond being an excellent addition to our deep bench of government contracts attorneys, Alex has an in-depth understanding of litigation related to federal contracts,” said Seth Locke, Co-Chair of Perkins Coie’s Government Contracts practice. “Alex’s knowledge and experience will be very valuable in helping clients to navigate the myriad challenges that can arise from the federal procurement and contracting process.”

Prior to joining the DOJ, Alex was an associate at Covington & Burling LLP, where he represented clients in litigation and arbitration matters.

Outside of his practice, Alex is actively involved in a number of organizations. He is currently an adjunct professor in a course titled “Performance of Government Contracts” at The George Washington University Law School. He is also vice chair of the ABA Section of Public Contract Law’s Contract Claims & Disputes Resolution Committee as well as a member of the Steering Committee of the D.C. Bar Association’s Government Contracts and Litigation Community, among other professional engagements.

Alex received his J.D., with high honors, from The George Washington University Law School and his B.A. from the University of Wisconsin–Madison.

Perkins Coie’s nationally recognized Government Contracts team navigates complex federal procurement law, negotiates and protects profitable contracts, and resolves contract disputes through litigation and alternative dispute resolution. Members of the group previously worked for federal and state government agencies, and large, sophisticated contractors, while several others hold top-secret clearances. Chambers USA recognizes a number of the group’s lawyers individually as part of “a deep bench of experts” with the ability “to get the right knowledge to tackle any problem almost immediately.”

Perkins Coie is a leading international law firm that is known for providing high-value, strategic solutions and extraordinary client service on matters vital to our clients’ success. With more than 1,200 lawyers in offices across the United States and Asia, we provide a full array of corporate, commercial litigation, intellectual property, and regulatory legal advice to a broad range of clients, including many of the world’s most innovative companies and industry leaders as well as public and not-for-profit organizations.

Media Inquiries: Please email Justin Cole, Head of Media Relations.