William Pannier is an attorney specializing in federal, state, and local government contracts. With over 20 years of experience supporting both government and industry, he brings a deep understanding of the complexities and unique nature of government contracting, offering valuable perspective, insight, and judgment. He is a trusted legal advisor adept at identifying and addressing potential issues before they escalate into problems.
Mr. Pannier represents companies of all sizes across various industries, including aerospace, defense, security, IT, services contracting, shipbuilding, public transit, and more. For federal contracts, he represents companies performing anywhere in the world. For state and local government contracts, his practice is primarily focused on California. Additionally, he counsels on matters between contractors and subcontractors.
Mr. Pannier served in the U.S. Air Force JAG Corps from 2001-2006, concentrating on government contracts and advising on all aspects of the procurement process − from acquisition strategy to source selection, award, and contract administration. Among other assignments, he supported the Space and Missile Systems Center in Los Angeles.
Following his miliary service, he spent 10 years in the government contracts group of a prominent global law firm, providing legal counseling and litigating cases before the Government Accountability Office (GAO), U.S. Court of Federal Claims, various boards and offices of hearings and appeals, and California courts.
In 2017, Mr. Pannier founded his own firm, Pannier Law, P.C., to deliver cost-effective legal support to prime contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers under federal, state, and local government contracts. By transitioning from “Big Law” to his own practice, he is able to offer a superior value proposition to small business owners, contract managers, compliance officials, and in-house counsel.
Based in Southern California, Mr. Pannier represents companies located nationwide.
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Education
- Washington and Lee University School of Law, Lexington, Virginia 1998 Juris Doctor, GPA 3.167
- Highest Grade in Class, Contracts
- Mock Trial Competition Semi-finalist
- Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, Texas 1995 Bachelor of Business Administration, Finance, GPA 3.893, magna cum laude
- Departmental Honors graduate
- Beta Gamma Sigma honor society
Bar
- State Bar of California, Number 206006
- State Bar of Texas, Number 24118321 (Inactive)
- Represented small company terminated for default under major Iraq reconstruction contract. The U.S. Army and DCAA contested the termination settlement proposal and multiple actions before the Armed Services Board of Contract Appeals and a suit in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims followed. Drafted detailed legal and factual analysis, which led to settlement negotiations culminating in conversion to a termination for convenience and monetary consideration in the millions being paid by the government.
- Convinced contracting officer to pay in full $3 million certified claim under a government lease.
- Tried case before the Civilian Board of Contract Appeals arising from several claims under a government lease, ultimately resulting in a negotiated settlement.
- Defended IT contractor sued by a qui tam relator under California’s False Claims Act. Assisted with internal investigation, developed factual analysis, and conducted discovery, including depositions. Drafted pleadings and argued motions before the court. Settled case via mediation.
- Worked with team of attorneys to conduct internal investigation on behalf of international health care company alleged to have provided kickbacks to physicians. Drafted report regarding potential misuse of clinical studies as a means to provide kickbacks to medical providers, which was submitted to the U.S. Department of Justice.
- Designed compliance programs for government contractors and grant recipients. Developed policies and procedures, and drafted Codes of Business Conduct and Ethics and Contract Manuals, and prepared and delivered in-person training.
- Intervened on behalf of Fortune 200 Company in effort to preserve award of $100+ million telecommunications contract issued by California Joint Powers Authority and protested by rival offeror.
- Represented logistics contractor suspended for federal regulatory violations. Worked with the company president and vice-president to prepare defense submittals and, at administrative hearing, successfully persuaded authorities to reinstate the company.
- Counseled client regarding the making of a voluntary disclosure to California authorities concerning a sales employee’s anti-competitive government contracting conduct.
- Persuaded California government personnel to accept high-dollar deliverable alleged to be nonconforming as substantially compliant with the contract.
- Represented Fortune 500 Company regarding its newly constructed regional medical facility in multi-party litigation with roughly $45 million in claims resolved by mediation just before trial. Drafted pleadings, shaped affirmative claims and litigation strategy, deposed witnesses, and worked directly with architects, engineers, and other experts
