Michael E. Barnicle

Partner

312.620.8262

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Michael provides comprehensive litigation, compliance, and corporate transactional services across government contracting and international trade. His extensive experience in federal contracting and global commerce enables him to help clients anticipate issues, mitigate risk, and achieve their business objectives.

Press Coverage

Preparing For What DOD Cybersecurity Audits May Uncover
Overview
Insights

Michael advises government contractors on all aspects of their business with the federal government. In addition to handling his clients’ litigation, compliance, and transactional matters, he also provides guidance on a wide range of issues, including aerospace, national security cybersecurity, foreign military sales, homeland security, industrial security, information security, global commerce, legislative affairs, and national defense.

As a former government contracts attorney in the U.S. Army Judge Advocate General’s (JAG) Corps, Michael uniquely understands the nuances and complexities of doing business with the federal government. His experience includes assisting clients with the requirements of contract-related statutes, the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), and federal agency policies involving products and services that are vital to national defense and infrastructure.

Michael’s practice spans high stakes bid protests, contract appeals cases, and representing government contractors before federal agencies and various federal district courts throughout the U.S. He represents government contractors in corporate transactional matters as well as oversees and implements various government contract compliance audits, systems, and investigations. Michael assists clients throughout the U.S., Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, and is frequently asked to advise on matters arising in conflict and disaster areas.

Michael’s service in the JAG Corps included a combat tour in Iraq as a strategic legal advisor to senior military and other government officials. He is a regular speaker at commercial and government agency conferences on various topics involving federal government contracting.

Michael’s active pro bono practice focuses on military veterans. In 2007, he co-founded the John Marshall Law School Veterans Legal Support Center & Clinic in Chicago, now known as The Veterans Legal Clinic (VLC). He also has successfully represented veterans and veteran-owned businesses in matters before the Defense Department and U.S. Supreme Court.

Overview

Michael advises government contractors on all aspects of their business with the federal government. In addition to handling his clients’ litigation, compliance, and transactional matters, he also provides guidance on a wide range of issues, including aerospace, national security cybersecurity, foreign military sales, homeland security, industrial security, information security, global commerce, legislative affairs, and national defense.

As a former government contracts attorney in the U.S. Army Judge Advocate General’s (JAG) Corps, Michael uniquely understands the nuances and complexities of doing business with the federal government. His experience includes assisting clients with the requirements of contract-related statutes, the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), and federal agency policies involving products and services that are vital to national defense and infrastructure.

Michael’s practice spans high stakes bid protests, contract appeals cases, and representing government contractors before federal agencies and various federal district courts throughout the U.S. He represents government contractors in corporate transactional matters as well as oversees and implements various government contract compliance audits, systems, and investigations. Michael assists clients throughout the U.S., Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, and is frequently asked to advise on matters arising in conflict and disaster areas.

Michael’s service in the JAG Corps included a combat tour in Iraq as a strategic legal advisor to senior military and other government officials. He is a regular speaker at commercial and government agency conferences on various topics involving federal government contracting.

Michael’s active pro bono practice focuses on military veterans. In 2007, he co-founded the John Marshall Law School Veterans Legal Support Center & Clinic in Chicago, now known as The Veterans Legal Clinic (VLC). He also has successfully represented veterans and veteran-owned businesses in matters before the Defense Department and U.S. Supreme Court.

Insights

Press Coverage

Preparing For What DOD Cybersecurity Audits May Uncover

Articles + Publications

Troutman Pepper Locke Regulatory Oversight Newsletter – October 2025

Articles + Publications

Government Contractors and the Fall 2025 Government Shutdown: Risk Management and Best Practices

Articles + Publications

What to Expect When the New CMMC Final Rule Hits Defense Acquisitions on November 10

See all insights from Michael E. Barnicle

Top areas of focus

  • Member, Law360‘s 2023 Aerospace & Defense Editorial Advisory Board
  • Co-founder and Advisory Board member, John Marshall Law School Veterans Legal Support Center & Clinic (2007–present)
  • Member, University of Kansas, College of Liberal Arts & Sciences Dean’s Advisory Board
  • Member, Chicago Council of 100
  • Member, Boards of Contract Appeals Bar Association
  • Member, Illinois State Bar Association
  • Co-leader, National Veterans Legal Clinic Coalition (2015–2016)
  • Planner, American Bar Association National Legal Network for Military and Veterans, Their Families and Caregivers (2015–2016)
  • Member, American Bar Association, Public Contract Law Section; Military and Veterans Affairs liaison (2015–present); vice chair, Construction Division (2014–2016)
  • Trial attorney, U.S. Army Legal Services Agency, Contract and Fiscal Law Division, 2012-2014
  • Government contracts and fiscal law attorney, Office of the Staff Judge Advocate, U.S. Forces – Iraq, 2011-2012
  • Government contracts attorney and assistant general counsel, Office of the Staff Judge Advocate, XVIII Airborne Corps & Fort Bragg, 2009-2012

Education

  • John Marshall Law School, J.D., 2008
  • University of Kansas, B.A., with distinction, 2004
  • The Judge Advocate General’s Legal Center and School, 2013

Bar Admissions

  • Illinois
  • District of Columbia

Clerkships

  • Hon. Charles P. Kocoras, U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois, 2007