Michael J. Montalbano

Michael Joseph Montalbano
Partner
Government Contracts

Biography

Michael J. Montalbano is a nationally recognized government contracts attorney who guides contractors through complex, high-stakes procurement, compliance, and litigation matters across the federal marketplace. He was named a “Rising Star” by Law360 and selected as one of Bloomberg Law’s 40 Under 40, a national distinction recognizing leading attorneys across all practice areas.

Michael maintains an active bid protest practice before the Government Accountability Office and the U.S. Court of Federal Claims, where he has successfully prosecuted and defended award challenges and secured favorable corrective action for clients. He also represents contractors on appeal before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, including presenting oral argument. His experience includes protecting and preserving multibillion-dollar contract awards and helping clients navigate complex re-competition and procurement strategy issues arising from litigation outcomes. In addition, Michael has represented clients throughout all phases of Pennsylvania public procurements, advising on strategy, compliance, and challenges arising under Commonwealth procurement rules.

An experienced litigator, Michael represents contractors through all phases of disputes, including matters before the Civilian Board of Contract Appeals, False Claims Act litigation, and prime-subcontractor disputes. He also advises clients in internal investigations involving potential mandatory disclosures, civil investigative demands, and industrial security and cybersecurity compliance issues.

Michael is also a seasoned mergers and acquisitions attorney serving the government contracting sector. He represents buyers and sellers in transactions ranging from seven figures to ten figures and regularly advises on diligence, deal structuring, small business program implications, facility clearance considerations, foreign ownership and control mitigation, and novation strategy.

A significant component of Michael’s practice focuses on federal cybersecurity and information protection requirements. He counsels contractors on safeguarding Controlled Unclassified Information and navigating evolving regulatory frameworks including CMMC, FedRAMP, and NIST SP 800-171. He writes frequently on emerging cybersecurity and compliance developments.

Outside the Firm

Michael enjoys spending time with his wife, son, and two dogs. He stays active through regular fitness training and distance running.

Experience

News & Views

See all News and Views

Recognitions

  • 2026, Ones to Watch, Government Relations Practice, listed in Best Lawyers in America©
  • 2025, “Rising Star” in Government Contracts, listed in Law360
  • 2025, "They've Got Next: The 40 Under 40," listed in Bloomberg Law
  • 2024–2025, listed in The Legal 500 United States

Credentials

Admissions

  • Pennsylvania
  • New Jersey
  • U.S. District Court - Eastern District of Pennsylvania
  • United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit
  • United States Court of Federal Claims

Education

  • Temple University, BS, summa cum laude
  • Villanova University School of Law, JD, magna cum laude
  • Villanova University, MBA, with distinction

A description of the standard or methodology on which the accolades are based can be found here.

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