Accounting firm acquisitions are built on a single asset: client relationships. Protecting that asset through the transaction requires non-solicitation provisions, a structured transition period, earnout mechanics tied to client retention, and a purchase agreement that reflects how accounting practices actually work. Our Washington DC accounting firm acquisition attorneys represent buyers and sellers in CPA firm and bookkeeping practice transactions across Government Contracting, Technology, Professional Services and the professional services market, with Managing Partner Alex Lubyansky personally involved in every engagement.
Share the basics. Alex reviews every inquiry personally.
Your transaction details are under review. If there is alignment, we will be in touch.
Meanwhile, feel free to call us directly at (248) 266-2790
Alex Lubyansky handles accounting firm acquisition law work for buyers and sellers in Washington DC and across the country. Here is what that looks like:
We work best with people who know what they want and are ready to move:
Tell us what you are working on. We respond within one business day.
Your transaction details are under review. If there is alignment, we will be in touch.
Meanwhile, feel free to call us directly at (248) 266-2790
A structured, methodical approach to accounting firm acquisition law
We review the client roster, revenue concentration, fee structure, recurring versus one-time work, and the seller's planned transition role to understand the true risk profile of the acquisition and structure the deal accordingly.
Managing Partner Alex Lubyansky reviews the practice valuation, advises on goodwill allocation, and structures the purchase price to include seller financing or earnout provisions that align the seller's incentives with client retention after closing.
We draft the asset purchase agreement addressing client list transfer, non-solicitation of clients and staff, seller transition obligations, payment terms including earnout mechanics, and representations specific to an accounting practice.
We structure the client notification process, draft communication templates, and address client consent requirements to protect the relationship transfer through the ownership change.
We manage the closing mechanics, coordinate seller financing documentation including promissory notes and security arrangements, and draft earnout calculation provisions so there is no ambiguity in how retention is measured after closing.
We don't take every matter. Here is what happens when you reach out.
Alex reviews your transaction details personally. No intake coordinators, no junior associates screening your submission.
We evaluate whether your deal aligns with our practice. Not every matter is a fit, and we will tell you directly if it is not.
If there is alignment, Alex schedules a direct call to discuss your transaction, timeline, and objectives.
Before any work begins, you receive a written engagement letter with defined scope, timeline, and fee structure. No surprises.
Alex Lubyansky handles every accounting firm acquisition law engagement personally.
15+ years of M&A experience. Nationwide. One attorney on every deal.
We review every transaction inquiry within one business day.
Your transaction details are under review. If there is alignment, we will be in touch.
Meanwhile, feel free to call us directly at (248) 266-2790
Use these before you call any firm, including ours.
At many firms, a partner sells the work and a junior associate does it. Ask for the name of the attorney who will draft and negotiate your documents.
Volume indicates current, active deal experience, not just credentials from years ago.
A $500K SBA acquisition and a $50M PE deal require different skill sets. Make sure the attorney has handled transactions similar to yours.
M&A transactions require a team. Your attorney should work with your other advisors, not in a silo.
Reps, warranties, and indemnification claims surface months after closing. Ask whether the firm handles post-closing litigation or refers it out.
Ask how the engagement is scoped, what is included, and what factors drive cost increases. Defined scope with a retainer gives the clearest cost picture.
Common questions from Washington DC clients
Submit your transaction details for a preliminary assessment by our managing partner
Submit Transaction DetailsSubmit transaction details and Alex will respond directly.
Your transaction details are under review. If there is alignment, we will be in touch.
Meanwhile, feel free to call us directly at (248) 266-2790
The DC metro area's M&A market is uniquely driven by government contracting, cybersecurity, and professional services firms. GovCon acquisitions represent the largest deal category, as defense and IT services companies pursue scale to compete for larger contract vehicles. The region also sees significant deal flow in healthcare (anchored by NIH), consulting, and lobby/public affairs firms.
GovCon M&A requires specialized due diligence on contract novation, security clearances, and DCAA compliance. Buyers without GovCon experience often underestimate the regulatory complexity of acquiring cleared contractors.
The federal government spends over $700 billion annually on contracts, creating a massive and recession-resistant market. GovCon companies with established contract vehicles and security clearances command premium valuations.
Virginia's non-compete statute (effective 2020) prohibits non-competes for low-wage employees and requires careful drafting for enforceability - acquirers must review all employee agreements across the DC, Maryland, and Virginia jurisdictions as each state has different rules.
Our proximity to federal regulators and understanding of government contracting regulations makes us uniquely positioned to serve DC-area companies.
Local Market Context
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV MSA · MSA population 6.4M
MSA Population (2024)
6.4M
U.S. Census Bureau
Top Industry Concentration
The Washington DC metro is defined by government contracting, defense, and technology services. The largest M&A transactions in this metro involve defense and intelligence contractors, IT services firms with federal clients, and cybersecurity companies. The Northern Virginia data center corridor is the largest data center market in the world and drives significant technology infrastructure deal activity. Consulting and professional services firm acquisitions are a consistent feature.
Reagan National, Dulles International, and BWI airports serve the metro. The metro is heavily dependent on road and Metro rail for commuting; logistics infrastructure is secondary to professional services concentration.
Recent Washington DC Deal Signal (2024-2025)
Defense IT and cybersecurity acquisitions remained active in 2024-2025 as government contractors pursued small-to-mid-market technology firm acquisitions to expand cleared workforce capacity and software capabilities.
Source (accessed 2026-04-27)
ITAR and EAR export control regulations apply to many defense contractor transactions. CFIUS review is more common here than in most metros given the concentration of national security-adjacent businesses.
Banned for nearly all workers. Sale-of-business exception applies.
Entity mergers and formations require filing with the DC Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (now Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection). Businesses operating in regulated sectors (insurance, banking, healthcare) need separate approvals from the relevant DC agency.
District of Columbia Bar (mandatory unified bar). Unified/integrated bar. Membership required to practice law in the District of Columbia.
Bar association websiteFederal districts: D.D.C.
Business court: No dedicated business court division. Commercial disputes proceed through general civil courts.
DC's M&A activity is concentrated in government contracting, associations and nonprofits, technology (cybersecurity, govtech), and law and lobbying firm transactions.
Watchpoints
These are the items we see derail accounting firm acquisition law transactions in the Washington DC market. Each one is rooted in current statutory law, recent legislative changes, or recurring patterns from the deals Alex has handled.
Banned for nearly all workers. Sale-of-business exception applies.
"It's legal issues that could have been fixed for thousands of dollars. Instead they cost millions in valuation."
ITAR and EAR export control regulations apply to many defense contractor transactions. CFIUS review is more common here than in most metros given the concentration of national security-adjacent businesses.
Securities regulated by DC Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking (disb.dc.gov). DC follows the Uniform Securities Act; Blue Sky notice filings required for Reg D offerings.
In-depth guides to help you prepare for your transaction
Full-service M&A counsel from letter of intent through closing.
Read guideA structured approach to legal, financial, and operational due diligence.
Read guideUnderstanding the binding and non-binding elements of each document.
Read guideCommon deal-killers and how experienced counsel helps prevent them.
Read guideAcquisition Stars represents clients across District of Columbia and nationwide. Alex Lubyansky handles every engagement personally.
Don't see your city? View all Accounting Firm Acquisition Attorney service areas or contact us directly.
"Deals close when both sides feel understood. Not just legally protected. Understood."
15+ years of M&A and securities transaction experience Senior counsel on every engagement Admitted in Michigan, practicing nationwide
Reviewed by Alex Lubyansky on . Read full bio
Alex Lubyansky handles every engagement personally. Tell us about your transaction and we will let you know if there is a fit.
Tell us about your deal. We review every submission and respond within one business day.
Your transaction details are under review. If there is alignment, we will be in touch.
Meanwhile, feel free to call us directly at (248) 266-2790
One attorney on every deal. Nationwide. 15+ years of M&A experience.