John Farenish is a partner in Venable’s Government Contracts group focusing on federal, state and local procurement law. He counsels and represents clients on the applicability and interpretation of government contract-related case law, federal procurement statutes, the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), and the Cost Accounting Standards.

Mr. Farenish has more than 30 years of experience in various regulatory, compliance and prosecutorial capacities with the federal government, beginning with the Army’s Judge Advocate General Corps and including seven years with the Department of the Navy. Prior to joining Venable, he spent 13 years serving with the Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA), starting as deputy general counsel before becoming general counsel in 2003. He also spent several years with the DoD’s Inspector General’s office handling criminal matters related to federal acquisition policy.

Mr. Farenish has written and lectured extensively on aspects of government contracting work, including ethics, compliance, criminal investigations, and the conditions for contractor suspension and debarment.

A 1972 graduate of Villanova University, Mr. Farenish earned his J.D. from Delaware Law School of Widener University in 1976. He was awarded a Master's Degree in Strategic Studies from the Army War College in 2002 and completed education programs at the Combined Arms Services Staff School, Command and General Staff College, and through the Judge Advocate General Basic and Advanced Courses. Mr. Farenish also graduated from the Federal Executive Institute, a government leadership and training program.

Significant Matters

During his career, Mr. Farenish was instrumental in two major fraud recoveries for the government for $88 million and $132 million. As a result of his work in the area of fraud, Mr. Farenish was selected as the recipient of the 1999 Creekmore Chair awarded by the Judge Advocate General's Learning Center and School. In 2008, the Office of Government Ethics awarded the Defense Contract Audit Agency the Outstanding Ethics Program award as a result of Mr. Farenish's efforts.

Activities

Mr. Farenish has been awarded numerous awards during his 30-year career as a civilian and in the Army Reserve including: the SES Exceptional Results award; Outstanding Performance award; Superior Performance award; Superior Civilian Service award; and during his military service: the Legion of Merit; Defense Meritorious Service Medal; Meritorious Service Medal; Joint Service Meritorious Service Medal; Joint Service Commendation Medal; Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal; Armed Forces Reserve Medal; Overseas Training Medal; and the Army Service Medal. He also received a Rotary International Group Study Exchange Award in 1978.