Ogletree Deakins’ Government Contracting and Reporting Practice Group Adds Joseph Ashman as Co-Chair

RICHMOND – January 20, 2026 – Ogletree Deakins, one of the largest labor and employment law firms representing management, is pleased to welcome Joseph Ashman to the firm’s Richmond office as a shareholder. Ashman will co-chair the firm’s Government Contracting and Reporting Practice Group alongside shareholder Scott Kelly, focusing on advancing the firm’s offerings for employers that do business with federal, state, and local agencies. He will work closely with colleagues across the firm to support clients by mitigating and responding to compliance risks related to federal contracting.

Ashman joins Ogletree Deakins with more than two decades of experience in government contracts and litigation across both the public and private sectors. He most recently served as Associate General Counsel for Booz Allen Hamilton, advising the company’s National Security business on high-consequence procurements and program execution across the federal contracting lifecycle. His work included providing integrated guidance on acquisition strategy, disputes, and enterprise risk, as well as counseling on matters involving classified information.

Earlier in his career, Ashman spent over a decade at the U.S. Department of Justice Commercial Litigation Branch, defending the United States and federal agencies in contractor claims before the U.S. Court of Federal Claims and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.

Ashman holds a J.D. from William & Mary, an M.A. from Louisiana State University, and a B.A. from the University of Missouri. A former U.S. Army Captain, Ashman led administrative, maintenance, logistics, and security operations and deployed to Bosnia-Herzegovina with NATO’s Stabilization Force, gaining experience that grounds his counsel in the realities of national security missions.

“Joe’s background is extraordinary,” said Kelly. “He has led complex litigation for the federal government and advised a Fortune 500 defense contractor, so his insights cover every facet of government contracting. That depth of perspective will be a game-changer for our clients as we help them navigate the Revolutionary Federal Acquisition Regulation Overhaul (RFO) and seize new opportunities.”

Under the leadership of Ashman and Kelly, Ogletree Deakins’ Government Contracting and Reporting Practice Group will continue to provide comprehensive advice, counsel, and representation to government contractors across industries. The team regularly advises employers on their obligations stemming from all applicable federal, state, and local government business relationships and regulations, including new executive orders, interpretation of Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) clauses related to employment, compliance reporting, and investigations and litigation under the False Claims Act (FCA).

“I am very excited to join Ogletree Deakins and co-chair the firm’s Government Contracting and Reporting Practice Group,” said Ashman. “Ogletree’s strong foundation in employment law and compliance, combined with an expanding government contracts platform, creates a compelling opportunity to help clients navigate the full lifecycle of government work while managing risk and driving strategic growth.”

About Ogletree Deakins
With more than 1,100 attorneys in 60 offices worldwide, Ogletree Deakins is one of the largest labor and employment law firms representing management. We handle all types of employment-related legal matters, including traditional labor and employment, workplace safety, employee benefits, and business immigration matters. Guided by our Client Pledge, we focus on understanding clients’ business and objectives, collaborating and anticipating needs, harnessing technology and innovation, communicating effectively, and providing quality representation with exceptional value. www.ogletree.com