The 2022 NLJ Awards: Elizabeth Jochum Honoree Profile
Blank Rome partner Elizabeth N. Jochum was recognized in The National Law Journal Legal Awards 2022, which highlighted the top litigation and appellate work from 2021. Elizabeth was one of 24 individuals listed in the "D.C. Rising Stars" category. Her honoree profile, as published in The National Law Journal, is copied in full below.
Elizabeth Jochum
Blank Rome
- Describe your biggest win or accomplishment in practice.
In early 2022, Elizabeth successfully defended, for the second time, her long-time client RIVA Solutions' award of a $2 billion software procurement vehicle with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Award of this highly coveted vehicle was challenged by eight protesters before the Government Accountability Office ("GAO") in May 2021, and Elizabeth was lead counsel in successfully defending RIVVA's award. After GAO denied those protests, several of the protesters filed subsequent protests with the Court of Federal Claims ("COFC"), and Elizabeth continued to lead a Blank Rome team in representing RIVA. Following extensive briefing, a remand for reevaluation of a specific issue, further briefing and oral arguments in three non-consolidated protests, COFC denied the protesters' challenge.
- What was the most valuable lesson you learned in your first year of practicing law?
To carefully review edits and comments you receive from partners, more senior associates, or clients. This feedback isn't just relevant to that matter, it is the most effective way to improve your writing and increase your understanding of the subject matter.
- Who is your greatest lawyer mentor and what has he or she taught you?
Joe Hornyak (former Holland & Knight partner, current GC of Red River) has been a mentor since well before I went to law school. He taught me much of what I know about government contracts, how to be solution-oriented when giving legal advice, and how to write effectively, especially in bid protests.
- Please share a brief key to your success. (You may discuss how you build clients relationships, win at trial or how you achieve success in another capacity.)
I focus on keeping my clients' business goal top of mind at every stage of my involvement in a matter.
To read all the honoree profiles, please click here.