Colin J. Cloherty

I investigated and prosecuted violent crime in the District Court for the District of Columbia as a member of the Federal Major Crimes Section of the Criminal Division. Previously, I investigated and prosecuted violent crime and fraud in D.C. Superior Court as a member to the General Crimes and Major Crimes Sections of the Superior Court Division. I have represented the United States in 13 trials.

I worked in the Government Contracts and White Collar practice groups as an associate. I counseled government contractors and other companies on a broad range of legal issues, including government investigations, bid protests, claims, and complex litigation in federal and state courts. I also represented corporate clients in compliance and governance. As a certified Legal Lean Sigma Institute (LLSI) White Belt, I used the LLSI process and project management tools to continually improve the value proposition the firm delivers to its clients.

As a Notes and Comments Editor for the Maryland Law Review, I assisted other students in drafting their Notes and Comments. Four students that I assisted published their Note or Comment in the Maryland Law Review.

I drafted substantive legal research memoranda and e-mails in government contracts law, commercial litigation, white collar litigation, corporate law, insurance litigation, and pro bono landlord-tenant law. I also assisted partners and associates in review hundreds of documents and develop arguments for arbitration.

Assisted Assistant United State's Attorney Tom Barnard in drafting a Motion to Dismiss in Robinson v. Colvin, No. CIV. A. WDQ-14-2902 (D. Md. Nov. 21, 2014). I assisted Assistant United States Attorney's in preparation for criminal and civil litigation. I also drafted substantive legal memoranda relating to both criminal and civil litigation.

As an Associate Editor, I drafted a Comment entitled "Unilateral Legislative Reductions in Contributions to Public Employee Health Benefits: The Revitalization of the Contracts Clause." In my Commented, I noted that state and local governments often attempt to reduce their contributions to public employees' health benefits when they face budget shortfalls. Over the past 15 years, public employees have increasingly turned to the Contracts Clause as a shield against these reductions. A review of cases in state and federal courts around the country revealed that inclusion of a Contracts Clause claim increases the likelihood that Public employee unions' complaints will survive the motion to dismiss phase of litigation. I then argue that Courts should apply common law Contracts principles, rather than the Unites States Trust test that governs the Contracts Clause, to avoid unjustly enriching state and local government at the expense of public employees while providing state and local governments with the flexibility to respond to financial emergencies.

Served as judicial law clerk to the Honorable Richard D. Bennett , Researching and drafting opinions, orders, and bench memoranda.

Served as judicial law clerk to the Honorable Richard J. Leon, Researching and drafting opinions, orders, and bench memoranda.

Atlanta Falcons (2013)

Jacksonville Jaguars (2011-2012)

San Francisco 49ers (2010-2011)

Cleveland Browns (2009)

Indianapolis Colts (2009-2010)

Worked for Senator Sheldon Whitehouse in his home office. I responded to constituents' needs and concerns. Additionally, I attended several political events in Rhode Island.