Anthony J. Mazzeo

Tony Mazzeo is a Partner with Vandeventer Black and serves as the Firm’s Construction and Government Contracts Practice Group Manager.  He focuses his law practice primarily in government contracts, ship repair, construction, international business, regulatory compliance, and maritime law.  He is licensed in Virginia, Florida, and the District of Columbia.  Tony joined Vandeventer Black in 2012 following a U.S. Navy career.

After commissioning as a naval officer upon graduation from the U.S. Naval Academy, Tony served on active duty for more than twenty-three years.  He began his career as a surface warfare officer aboard Navy ships, then attended law school and became a uniformed JAG attorney.  Tony is a veteran of Operations Desert Storm, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom.  As a Navy JAG, he gained significant litigation experience, managed the Navy’s admiralty and maritime claims practice, and held a number of staff judge advocate positions ashore, at sea, and overseas, functioning as a “legal problem solver” for Navy executives at every level from ship/squadron commanding officer to 4-star Fleet Commander.

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT EXPERTISE

Tony’s experience with the federal government and U.S. Navy allows him to offer unique advice in response to his clients’ legal needs. As a Navy JAG attorney, he developed an extensive network and gained insight into the Navy’s organization and processes that is helpful in his practice.  He utilizes that background to help clients proactively recognize and resolve problems in a timely and efficient manner.

GOVERNMENT CONTRACTS, SHIP REPAIR, AND CONSTRUCTION LAW

Tony regularly assists contractors with Requests for Equitable Adjustment, Contract Disputes Act claims, and Bid Protests.  He is the Chair of the Virginia Ship Repair Association’s (VSRA) Contracts Committee and is active with the Tidewater Association of Service Contractors (TASC) and Tidewater Government-Industry Council (TGIC).  He represents general contractors, prime contractors, subcontractors, vendors, and manufacturers.  He is experienced with the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and agency regulations applicable to service, supply, ship repair, and construction contracts.  He regularly presents seminars and webinars on a variety of contracting topics. 

SKILLED LITIGATOR

Tony has represented clients in state and federal courts, in arbitrations and mediations, as well as before Boards of Contract Appeals, the U.S. Government Accountability Office, Agency Suspension and Debarment proceedings, the U.S. Small Business Association’s Office of Hearings and Appeals, and other administrative and judicial forums.  

INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS ADVISOR

Tony frequently advises both U.S. companies seeking to export overseas and foreign businesses seeking opportunities in the United States.  He is the Firm’s lead as a Trade Partner in the Virginia Economic Development Partnership’s (VEDP) Virginia Leaders in Export Trade (VALET) Program.  Tony counsels businesses on export controls and compliance, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and the Export Administration Regulations, as well as the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA); mitigating Foreign Ownership, Control, and Influence (FOCI) issues; and both facility and personnel security clearances.

ACADEMIC CREDENTIALS

Tony attended the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, majoring in Economics.  After six years as a surface warfare officer, he was selected for the Navy’s Law Education Program and attended law school at the Florida State University College of Law, where he graduated with Highest Honors and was inducted into the Order of the Coif.  While in law school, he served as Law Review Articles Editor and completed an internship as law clerk to Federal Judge Robert Hinkle in the Northern District of Florida.

IN THE COMMUNITY

Although originally from New Jersey, Tony spent more than half of his Navy career in Hampton Roads.  He also had Navy assignments in Rhode Island, Wisconsin, California, Hawaii, Florida, and Washington DC, as well as overseas in Bahrain and Italy.  Tony is active in the community, serving on the Board of Advisors at Catholic High School, with the Knights of Columbus, and as a youth lacrosse coach.