For the second consecutive year, Fluet’s Government Contracts Practice has earned national recognition in the Chambers and Partners (Chambers) 2026 USA Guide for Government Contracts. This year’s recognition also includes an individual ranking for Government Contracts Practice Chair David Panzer, marking a significant milestone for Fluet.
The dual recognition marks a significant milestone for Fluet, only boutique national security-focused law firm with a Chambers nationally ranked Government Contracts Practice integrated with international trade, corporate/M&A, industrial security, and litigation/investigations practices. David’s individual ranking is a lagging indicator of his reputation as a trusted advocate and counselor to the national security industry, with a distinctive approach to government contracts law—one shaped by extensive experience as both in-house counsel for a multi-billion-dollar government services contractor and as a Partner at one of the nation’s largest law firms.
David brings a rare perspective to the national security arena, having served as Deputy General Counsel for a global contractor where he managed day-to-day legal operations, advised on all government contracts issues, and oversaw virtually all significant litigation, investigations, bid protests, claims, and REAs. Recognized earlier this year by Lawdragon as one of 500 Leading Lawyers in America, David combines “Big Law” litigation experience with in-house business acumen to deliver practical, business-oriented solutions for clients in the aerospace, defense, intelligence, and dual-use technology sectors.
Since receiving the inaugural Chambers ranking in 2025, Fluet has nearly tripled in size, adding Partners and Counsel with extensive experience from the DOW, Army, Navy, DCMA, DOE, DOS, NASA, FAA, GAO, EPA, DOJ, and other leading law firms. This expansion has positioned Fluet to deliver even more sophisticated support to government contractors navigating compliance, contract negotiations, performance issues, due diligence and acquisitions, internal and government investigations, bid protests, prime-subcontractor disputes, claims, and suspension/debarment matters. This growth has also been recognized by the Washington Business Journal.
“Our clients face complex challenges in the national security space. We’re built for that,” says David. “We have a team of mission-focused lawyers, trained to deliver results that matter at OPTEMPO. We all come from within the industry, and understand not only the law, but the players, and the policies that drive the law and its enforcement. We bring different perspectives to attack challenges efficiently, but holistically, to help our clients achieve their long-term business goals. Like our clients, we are entrepreneurial and understand risk. And we’ll tell you what we think in plain language, without unnecessary memos, qualifications, or legalese. There is not another team like the one at Fluet.”
The Chambers USA rankings are based on extensive research, including client and peer interviews, and are widely regarded as the gold standard for legal excellence. Fluet’s continued recognition underscores our position as a trusted partner for businesses navigating the complexities of government contracting in the national security arena.
To learn more about Fluet’s award-winning Government Contracts Practice, click here.
