Industry

Aerospace, Defense & Government Services

Comprehensive Legal Solutions for Aerospace, Defense & Government Services Clients

Sheppard works with companies across the aerospace, defense and government services sectors, from global leaders to cutting-edge startups.

 

We provide integrated legal counsel to address regulatory, transactional and litigation challenges for clients operating in global markets.

Experienced M&A and Government Contracts Counsel in Regulated Industries

Our lawyers lead the market with experience that spans thousands of aerospace and defense matters, from transactions to litigation to regulatory advice.

Clients—from civilian agency contractors to manned and unmanned aircraft manufacturers, satellite manufacturers and owner/operators, airlines and airports, suppliers at all tiers of goods and services, and A&D businesses—trust us for tailored, business-focused guidance. We operate globally, handling cross-border deals and international regulatory issues across a fast-changing industry landscape.

As government procurement increasingly embraces commercial innovation, AI, cloud computing and agile solutions, our lawyers advise both established contractors and disruptive technology companies addressing the Defense Department’s new priorities. We guide clients through the rapid pace of regulatory, cyber and compliance developments, leveraging deep institutional relationships in Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, San Diego and beyond. Clients value our proactive updates on major regulatory shifts and our ability to anticipate trends, so they can seize opportunities and navigate risk with confidence.

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Areas of Focus

Mergers & Acquisitions
Sheppard is the go-to firm for aerospace, defense and government services M&A. We close hundreds of transactions for buyers, sellers, sponsors and management teams. Our experience—from mid-market strategic acquisitions to complex cross-border deals—gives us unmatched industry insight and institutional knowledge. Our teams are recognized for efficient execution of private equity roll-ups, carveouts, recapitalizations and distressed acquisitions, all while effectively navigating CFIUS, ITAR and export control requirements.
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Cybersecurity & Data Protection
Our lawyers advise clients facing constantly evolving cybersecurity and data protection challenges—including the latest DOD program mandates and CMMC standards. We help defense sector companies achieve compliance with federal and international data security regimes, address supply chain risk, and manage incident response, breach notification, and enforcement actions. Our proactive, technically fluent counsel empowers clients to safeguard classified and CUI data while maintaining operational integrity.
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Government Contracts
Sheppard’s Government Contracts team is recognized as a market leader, trusted by some of the world’s largest defense contractors and innovative firms entering federal markets. We protect contractor interests across the full government contract lifecycle—handling bid protests, claims, False Claims Act investigations, complex contract disputes, standards compliance and audits. Our team is equally skilled in litigation and investigation, representing clients before the GAO, boards of contract appeals and federal courts. We also advise on subcontracts, teaming agreements, mergers, acquisitions, CFIUS reviews, FAR/DFARS compliance and internal investigations. Clients benefit from our practical, business-oriented counsel, deep experience with government officials and commitment to resolving matters efficiently while advancing their business goals.
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Intellectual Property
We help aerospace and defense innovators protect and commercialize their IP assets—advising on patents, trademarks, trade secrets, tech licensing, and compliance with ITAR and export controls. Our team negotiates complex tech transfer and joint development agreements and defends critical IP in disputes, arbitration and government contract settings.
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International Trade
We guide aerospace and defense companies through the full spectrum of international trade and national security regulation—including export controls (ITAR and EAR), sanctions (OFAC), tariffs, customs and CFIUS reviews. Our team manages global supply chain risk, voluntary disclosures and enforcement actions, ensuring clients can navigate trade conflicts, move goods and tech, and maintain compliance under evolving U.S. and international laws. 
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National Security
Sheppard is a trusted partner for clients navigating the demands of national security law, policy and technology. Our bipartisan team includes former DHS and DOJ leaders and brings practical insights from decades of experience in government and private sectors. We advise on classified contracts, facility clearances, compliance with evolving AI and technology policies, internal and external investigations, contract bids and protests, supply chain security and reputational risk. Equipped with top-level clearances, we help clients address insider threats, cyber incidents, state-sponsored risk and government oversight—delivering timely, actionable guidance for even the most sensitive matters. 
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Space & Satellite
We advise companies driving innovation in commercial space and satellite industries. Our team supports launch providers, manufacturers, investors and emerging tech developers on regulatory, transactional and government contract matters. From data analytics and satellite networks to next-generation space commercialization, we help clients pursue growth in this dynamic market, navigate export and compliance frameworks and advance high-stakes missions on a global stage.
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