Seeking an experienced M&A attorney in Washington DC? Our firm handles complex mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, and strategic transactions for companies across Government Contracting, Technology, Professional Services, from middle-market deals to large corporate transactions.
Share the basics. Alex reviews every inquiry personally.
Submission Received
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
What We Do
Alex Lubyansky handles mergers & acquisitions law work for buyers and sellers in Washington DC and across the country. Here is what that looks like:
Mergers and acquisitions (buy-side and sell-side)
Due diligence and risk assessment
Purchase agreements and transaction documents
Asset purchases and stock purchases
Merger integration planning
Earnouts and contingent consideration
Representations and warranties
Post-closing disputes and adjustments
Who We Serve
We work best with people who know what they want and are ready to move:
Companies looking to acquire competitors or complementary businesses
Business owners planning to sell their companies
Private equity firms executing buy-side mandates
Companies facing unsolicited acquisition offers
Strategic buyers seeking bolt-on acquisitions
Family-owned businesses planning succession through sale
See If Your Deal Is a Fit
Tell us what you are working on. We respond within one business day.
Submission Received
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
Our Process
A structured, methodical approach to mergers & acquisitions law
1
Transaction Planning
We work with you to define deal objectives, identify targets or buyers, and develop an M&A strategy aligned with your business goals.
2
Due Diligence
Our team conducts comprehensive legal, financial, and operational due diligence to identify risks and opportunities.
3
Deal Structuring
We structure the transaction for optimal tax treatment, risk allocation, and regulatory compliance, whether as a stock purchase, asset purchase, or merger.
4
Negotiation & Documentation
We negotiate letters of intent, purchase agreements, and all transaction documents to protect your interests and facilitate a smooth closing.
5
Closing & Integration
We manage the closing process and provide post-closing support for integration, earnout disputes, and transition matters.
We don't take every matter. Here is what happens when you reach out.
1
Personal Review (Within 24 Hours)
Alex reviews your transaction details personally. No intake coordinators, no junior associates screening your submission.
2
Fit Assessment
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.
3
Initial Conversation
If there is alignment, Alex schedules a direct call to discuss your transaction, timeline, and objectives.
4
Clear Engagement Terms
Before any work begins, you receive a written engagement letter with defined scope, timeline, and fee structure. No surprises.
Request Your Washington DC Engagement Assessment
Alex Lubyansky handles every mergers & acquisitions law engagement personally.
15+ years of M&A experience. Nationwide. One attorney on every deal.
Request Engagement Assessment
We review every transaction inquiry within one business day.
Submission Received
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
Questions to Ask Any M&A Attorney Before Hiring
Use these before you call any firm, including ours.
1. "Who will actually handle my transaction?"
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.
2. "How many M&A transactions has the lead attorney closed in the past 12 months?"
Volume indicates current, active deal experience, not just credentials from years ago.
3. "What is your experience with my deal size and industry?"
A $500K SBA acquisition and a $50M PE deal require different skill sets. Make sure the attorney has handled transactions similar to yours.
4. "Will you coordinate with my CPA, financial advisor, and broker?"
M&A transactions require a team. Your attorney should work with your other advisors, not in a silo.
5. "How do you handle post-closing disputes?"
Reps, warranties, and indemnification claims surface months after closing. Ask whether the firm handles post-closing litigation or refers it out.
6. "What is your fee structure, and what drives cost?"
Hourly, flat fee, or hybrid. Ask what factors increase legal costs so there are no surprises.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions from Washington DC clients
What does an M&A attorney do?
An M&A attorney advises clients on all aspects of mergers and acquisitions, including transaction structuring, due diligence, contract negotiation, regulatory compliance, and closing. We represent buyers, sellers, and target companies in strategic transactions, private equity deals, and corporate restructurings.
How long does an M&A transaction take?
The timeline varies significantly based on transaction complexity, but typical M&A deals take 3-9 months from initial discussion to closing. Factors affecting timeline include due diligence scope, financing arrangements, regulatory approvals, and negotiation complexity.
Should I structure my acquisition as a stock purchase or asset purchase?
The choice depends on tax considerations, liability concerns, and transaction goals. Stock purchases are simpler but transfer all liabilities, while asset purchases allow selective acquisition of assets and liabilities but may trigger tax consequences. We analyze your specific situation to recommend the optimal structure.
What is due diligence in an M&A transaction?
Due diligence is the comprehensive investigation of a target company's legal, financial, operational, and commercial affairs. It helps identify risks, validate assumptions, inform purchase price, and shape deal terms. Thorough due diligence is essential for successful acquisitions.
How are M&A deals valued and priced?
Valuation methods include comparable company analysis, precedent transactions, discounted cash flow analysis, and asset-based valuation. Purchase price is negotiated based on valuation, market conditions, strategic value, and competitive dynamics. We work with financial advisors to ensure fair pricing.
How do District of Columbia non-compete laws affect mergers & acquisitions law transactions?
The DC Ban on Non-Compete Agreements Amendment Act of 2020 (effective October 1, 2022) bans non-compete agreements for nearly all DC employees, with a narrow exception for highly compensated medical specialists earning over $250,000 annually. The ban does not apply to non-competes signed in connection with the sale of a business.
What are the District of Columbia tax considerations for a business acquisition or sale?
DC imposes a corporate franchise tax at 8.25% on DC-sourced income. The district uses a three-factor apportionment formula (sales, property, payroll) with double-weighted sales. DC also imposes an unincorporated business franchise tax on pass-through entities. There is no estate tax reciprocity with surrounding states.
Does District of Columbia have a bulk sales law that affects business acquisitions?
The District of Columbia has repealed UCC Article 6 (Bulk Sales). DC's Office of Tax and Revenue may impose successor liability on buyers of business assets for the seller's unpaid taxes. Obtaining a tax clearance certificate before closing is recommended.
What can I expect during an initial consultation in Washington DC?
During your confidential initial consultation in Washington DC, we'll discuss your mergers & acquisitions law needs, review your current situation, assess potential challenges specific to District of Columbia, and outline a clear path forward. We'll explain our process, answer your questions, and determine if we're the right fit for your needs.
Do you work with companies outside of Washington DC?
Yes, we represent clients nationwide while maintaining a strong presence in Washington DC. Our managing partner handles mergers & acquisitions law matters across all 50 states, coordinating with local counsel where state-specific requirements apply.
Need Specific Guidance?
Submit your transaction details for a preliminary assessment by our managing partner
Submit transaction details and Alex will respond directly.
Submission Received
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 Washington DC M&A Market
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.
Top M&A Sectors in Washington DC
Government Contracting
Cybersecurity
Professional Services
Healthcare & Biotech
Defense Technology
Deal Environment
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.
Why Acquire in Washington DC
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.
District of Columbia Legal Considerations
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.
Why Washington DC Clients Work With Us
Our proximity to federal regulators and understanding of government contracting regulations makes us uniquely positioned to serve DC-area companies.
Local Market Context
Washington DC M&A Market
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV MSA · MSA population 6.4M
MSA Population (2024)
6.4M
U.S. Census Bureau
Top Industry Concentration
1 defense and government contracting
2 technology and cybersecurity
3 professional services
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.
Major Washington DC Employers and Deal Anchors
Lockheed Martin
Booz Allen Hamilton
Leidos
Amazon Web Services (HQ2)
MITRE
Inova Health System
Transit and Logistics
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.
Local Regulatory Notes for Mergers & Acquisitions Law
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.
District of Columbia Legal Considerations for Mergers & Acquisitions Law
Non-Compete Laws
Banned for nearly all workers. Sale-of-business exception applies.
Filing Requirements
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.
Key District of Columbia Considerations
DC's non-compete ban is among the broadest in the nation, covering virtually all employees except highly compensated medical specialists
The district's small geographic footprint means many DC businesses have employees in Virginia and Maryland, creating multi-jurisdictional non-compete and employment law complications in acquisitions
Federal government contractors headquartered in DC face unique regulatory requirements (CFIUS, DCAA compliance) that affect acquisition due diligence
District of Columbia Bar Authority
District of Columbia Bar (mandatory unified bar). Unified/integrated bar. Membership required to practice law in the District of Columbia.
Business court: No dedicated business court division. Commercial disputes proceed through general civil courts.
District of Columbia M&A Market Context
DC's M&A activity is concentrated in government contracting, associations and nonprofits, technology (cybersecurity, govtech), and law and lobbying firm transactions.
Watchpoints
Common Washington DC Mergers & Acquisitions Law Pitfalls
These are the items we see derail mergers & acquisitions 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.
1
District of Columbia non-compete enforcement and earn-out exposure
State legal framework
Banned for nearly all workers. Sale-of-business exception applies.
"Non-binding is just a phrase. It does not guarantee a frictionless process down the line. An LOI can absolutely structure the entire future of a deal even when the document explicitly says non-binding. If counsel comes in later in the game, the LOI is already there, and parties will anchor to it. Whether or not you were involved in the drafting. Whether or not you were involved in the negotiation. They will anchor to that document. And when deals blow up, fingers get pointed at the LOI's terms. The phrase non-binding sets a buyer's expectations. The substance of the document sets the deal. Those two things are different, and the gap between them is where deals get expensive."
2
Washington DC local regulatory exposure
Local regulatory
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.
3
District of Columbia regulatory framework attorneys flag at LOI
State statute
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.
Guides and Resources
In-depth guides to help you prepare for your transaction
