Zakes & Associates is located in the Washington, DC Metro area with Headquarters in Annapolis, MD. Our geographic location allows us to work closely with leaders in policy and government while being close to several of our client’s major office locations.

Zakes & Associates was founded in 2007 by Deanna Zakes, Esq., a proven leader in Energy & Utility and Technology & Sourcing law.

Deanna received her Juris Doctorate, cum laude, from the University of Baltimore, School of Law in 1996. She was a member of the Environmental Law Moot Court Team and received Best Oralist Award in the Second and Third Preliminary Rounds at the Pace University Environmental Law Moot Court Competition in 1995. Deanna participated in the Appellate Practice Clinic where she prepared and argued Williams v. State, which was an important decision protecting an individual’s fifth amendment rights. (Williams v. State, 110 Md.App. 1(1996)). She was also a recipient of the American Jurisprudence Award in 1993 for Torts I.

She received a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, Courts and Criminology from Radford University in 1993. During her studies at Radford, Deanna was chosen as the first student to participate as a research Intern at the Behavioral Sciences Unit of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Later, Deanna was awarded a coveted Honors Internship with the Administrative Law Unit of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Deanna has served as General Counsel and lead counsel positions for many of the organizations for which she has worked. Her business acumen and commitment to quality make her a sought after resource for organizations large and small.

Zakes & Associates prides itself on its Core Values & Beliefs (CVBs), a fundamental set of rules that encourage respect, organization, commitment and honor among clients and coworkers alike. These CVBs are a fundamental part of the culture at Zakes & Associates and are held in the highest regard.

As business strategists, we work closely with our clients to develop innovative ways to help their organizations grow. We’ve helped technology companies refine their business models, secure financing, develop strategic teaming agreements and successfully expand their businesses to reach international and government clients.

Energy & Utilities
As the universe of energy options and requirements have changed, Zakes and Associates has worked with its clients to ensure they are on the leading edge of developments and in the forefront of legislation that helps both industry and the environment.

The current administration has implemented new requirements and made significant funds available to companies that can help the government meet those requirements. We have the experience to assist our clients in drafting winning bids for government contracts.

Government
Whether you’ve been working with the federal government as a contractor for several years or you’re considering entering the federal government contracts marketplace for the first time, Zakes & Associates possesses the experience and knowledge to guide you through the often rigorous processes.

Our attorneys and consultants work closely with our clients to create the highest level of deliverable for the specific federal government department you are working with. No matter if it is a procurement agreement, negotiation of contract terms and conditions or interpretation of solicitation terms and requirements, Zakes & Associates will be there to help you through the process.

Construction
We have represented parties in a variety of capacities related to a myriad of projects including owners, designers, architects, builders, general contractors and subcontractors. Each party has a different set of interests and concerns that must be evaluated and balanced. Our experience allows us to provide that balance to bring negotiations to a fair and prompt conclusion.

Negotiation is only part of the equation. Quality drafting to capture the intent and goals of our clients is vital to having successful projects. We pride ourselves on our excellence of drafting.

- Deanna Zakes, Esq., Founder, Zakes & Associates

• We respect the individual, and believe that individuals who are treated with respect and given responsibility respond by giving their best.

• We require complete honesty and integrity in everything we do.

• We make commitments with care, and then live up to them. In all things, we do what we say we are going to do.

• We are frugal. We guard and conserve the company’s resources with at least the same vigilance that we would use to guard and conserve our own personal resources.

• We insist on giving our best effort in everything we undertake. Furthermore, we see a huge difference between “good mistakes” (best effort, bad result) and “bad mistakes” (sloppiness or lack of effort).

• Clarity in understanding our mission, our goals, and what we expect from each other is critical to our success.

• We are believers in the Golden Rule. In all our dealings we will strive to be friendly and courteous, as well as fair and compassionate.

• We feel a sense of urgency on any matters related to our clients. We own problems and we are always responsive. We are client driven.

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