Eleanor M. Ross

Eleanor (Elle) Ross advises government contractors from a diverse range of industries on regulatory matters including compliance with government regulations, contract disputes, defense of claims, and government investigations. Elle focuses her practice on matters of compliance, investigations and disclosure obligations, litigating bid protests before the Court of Federal Claims (COFC) and the Government Accountability Office (GAO), and resolving government contractor disputes and claims. She assists clients in managing complex government regulatory requirements in the areas of cybersecurity, data protection, supply chain, Foreign Ownership, Control, or Influence (FOCI), and domestic preferences.

Elle provides strategic and practical advice to clients on federal contract compliance obligations, particularly in connection with cybersecurity, supply chain risk management, and privacy. Among other things, Elle counsels clients on obligations in the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) program, and Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP). She also advises clients on agency-specific requirements from the Department of Defense (DoD), Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and Department of Justice (DOJ), and others. She works with clients to understand government regulations, develop compliance plans, and implement those plans.

Elle’s civil and criminal government investigations experience includes representing contractors in False Claims Act (FCA) matters (including qui tam actions) and Office of Inspector General (OIG) audits and investigations. She has also assisted with making mandatory and voluntary disclosures to federal agencies and represented clients in subsequent investigations and administrative proceedings. She has managed suspension and debarment proceedings against contractors, including cases alleging fraud and corruption.

Elle also represents clients in commercial contract disputes, both in arbitration and federal court. She is knowledgeable about information governance and eDiscovery planning for commercial litigation matters, internal investigations, and investigative demands. Her experience managing high volumes of data assists clients in managing discovery costs during investigations and litigation.

Previously, Elle was a legal consultant to World Bank Office of Suspension and Debarment, where she reviewed cross-border investigations to determine contractor compliance with World Bank regulations.

Recognition & Leadership

Awards & Accolades

•Listed, The Legal 500 United States, Government - Government contracts, 2024-2025