About
Whether on active duty or in civilian practice, representing the government or a private party, Charles has devoted his professional career to providing candid legal advice and zealous advocacy. He is naturally curious and helpful. He wants to find the right answer to help solve the client’s problem, present it honestly, and pursue the client’s interests to the desired end state.
While the majority of his time as a Marine Corps judge advocate was spent in litigation or advising decision makers, Charles was, at different times, the end user of contracted equipment and infrastructure, a Contracting Officer’s Representative, and the legal advisor for a Contracting Officer. These experiences enable him to turn the map around, see the matter from the other side’s perspective, and identify the strengths and weaknesses in each side’s position. His goal thereafter is to present a strong front and convince the opposing side that it is better off not engaging in protracted and expensive litigation. Experience has taught him that the only way to achieve this is to demonstrate a willingness and ability to take matters to trial.
After nearly fifteen years as a Marine Corps judge advocate, Charles bet on himself and entered private practice. He views his current practice as a continuation of his oath to support and defend the Constitution and uphold the law. He wants to ensure that his clients get the full benefits of the law and hold the government accountable for its decisions.
Representative Experience
Protests and Appeals
- Successfully protested the contracting officer’s award of a Marine Corps Base Operations Support Services (BOSS) contract and convinced the government to re-open the competition. (August 2022)
- Convinced the agency to take corrective action and request revised cost proposals. (January 2023)
- Protected the award of an Army BOSS contract for the client. (August 2023)
- Convinced the SBA Office of Hearings and Appeals to reverse a size determination and remand it to the SBA for further investigation and review. (August 2024)
- Convinced the Army to take corrective action and re-open the competition for a BOSS contract. (June 2025)
- Convinced the agency to take corrective action. (June 2025)
- Filed a protest that prevented the government from awarding a sole-source contract to one of the client’s competitors. (January 2026)
Advice and Advocacy
- Advised a prime contractor concerning potential False Claims Act and Miller Act claims arising from a subcontractor’s refusal to pay a second-tier supplier, which allowed the prime contractor to resolve the situation without litigation.
- Prepared and submitted a reverse FOIA request to redact the client’s confidential commercial information and protect the privacy of the client’s employees.
- Advised a construction client concerning changes to Project Labor Agreements as they relate to the Competition in Contracting Act.
- Advised a construction client concerning a competitor’s protest standing as a prospective bidder where the competitor did not bid in Phase 1 of the award.
- Advised a construction client concerning the merits of joining a protest filed by a competitor.
- Advised a construction client concerning proof-rolling standards.