2021 National Law Journal Award for Professional Excellence—DC Rising Star: Luke W. Meier
Blank Rome LLP partner Luke W. Meier was profiled in the 2021 National Law Journal Awards: Professional Excellence—DC Rising Stars supplement, in recognition of being recently honored as one of the region’s 40 most promising lawyers age 40 and under. Announced in August 2021, the 2021 Rising Star list “highlights lawyers who have wielded influence in their practice areas in the D.C. area and beyond.”
A copy of Luke’s profile is copied below, as published in The National Law Journal.
LUKE W. MEIER • Partner, Government Contracts
Describe your biggest win or accomplishment in practice.
I led a team that won a series of victories to help a translation services company hold onto its largest contract. First, we filed a protest that successfully overturned an $837 million award to a competitor, then won another protest the following year overturning a $796 million award to another competitor. The agency ultimately decided to award no new contract (keeping our client’s work in place), and we won a follow-on action at the Government Accountability Office to recover our client’s legal expenses.
What was the most valuable lesson you learned in your first year practicing law?
Never sacrifice quality for speed—you can work to get faster, but the rigor and strategic thoughtfulness must be there every time. I have lived by that mantra. 13 years in, I can analyze problems quickly without shortcutting on strategic thinking and preparation.
Who is your greatest lawyer mentor and what has he or she taught you?
Tom Papson attacked every matter with passion, excellence, and a sense of humor. He was a champion of younger attorneys, and a fantastic mentor to me. I rarely write something without one of his advocacy lessons popping into my head.
Please share a brief key to your success.
Government Contracts is (usually) not a scorch-the-enemy practice. I know when and how to be aggressive without burning bridges.