Miller & Chevalier Chartered today announced Ashley Powers has joined the firm as Counsel in the Government Contracts Counseling & Litigation practice. Ashley, who will advise government contracting clients on Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) compliance and complex data rights issues, has extensive federal government experience, including time at the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), U.S. Department of Commerce, and the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Columbia.
Ashley most recently served as senior counsel in the Contract Law Division of the CIA's Office of the General Counsel, where she developed agency-wide supply chain and cybersecurity compliance programs and acted as one of the agency's lead counsel in these areas. In this role, she also served as the primary legal advisor for the CIA's relationships and interactions with new and emerging technology companies, as well as focusing on data rights, organizational conflicts of interest, and Office of Inspector General investigations. She also was lead counsel in defending the CIA against bid protests and contract claims before the Government Accountability Office, the Court of Federal Claims, and the Civilian Board of Contract Appeals.
At Miller & Chevalier, Ashley will represent a broad range of government contracting clients, providing guidance on the FAR and FAR supplements, cybersecurity and supply chain requirements, and representing them in bid protests, contract claims and investigations.
"I'm thrilled Ashley has joined the firm and our growing government contracts team, which added the former U.S. Army Chief Trial Attorney for government contracts litigation Scott N. Flesch late last year. Ashley's experience with complex cybersecurity and supply chain issues—as well as her first-chair litigation experience—will greatly benefit our clients as they navigate the nuances of an evolving geopolitical landscape," said Jason N. Workmaster, Miller & Chevalier's Government Contracts Counseling & Litigation Practice Lead.
"Given Ashley's specialized experience in government, she is exceptionally positioned to help clients skillfully navigate the complexities of government contracting," said William P. Barry, Chair of Miller & Chevalier's Litigation Department. "Ashley not only understands the dynamic government contracting environment, but anticipates emerging challenges, offering a strategic and informed approach that our clients will value."
Prior to her time at the CIA, Ashley spent several years as an Attorney-Advisor in the Contract Law Division of the Office of General Counsel at the Department of Commerce, where she represented the department in all aspects of government contract related litigation, assisted in the redevelopment of the department's Suspension and Debarment program, and served as a legal advisor to the department's Suspension and Debarment Office.
"Transitioning from public service to private practice is an exciting chapter in my career. Miller & Chevalier's impressive reputation and long-standing history of excellence in the government contracting space made it a perfect place to establish and grow my practice," said Ashley.
Ashley earned a B.A. from Colgate University and a J.D. from Loyola University Chicago School of Law. She is a member of the bar of Illinois.