Education
J.D., Vermont Law School, 1984
B.A., Pennsylvania State University, 1981

Bret S. Wacker is a member of Clark Hill’s Government Relations and Public Affairs Practice Group. His practice focuses on counseling clients in all areas of federal government procurement and market development, including reviewing solicitations; drafting proposals; drafting contracts and subcontracts; assisting with contract negotiations; and performing government contract due diligence for mergers and acquisitions. Bret also works with clients in the assessment, development and implementation of federal procurement compliance programs, as well as counseling contractors during government audits and investigations.

In addition to his federal contracting practice, Bret works with both for-profit and not-for-profit entities seeking to secure federal research and development or other funding support through federal government agencies, including the U.S. Department of Defense and its sub-agencies. Bret's government affairs practice enables him to introduce and seek the support of executive and legislative branch officials who can assist with the funding and acquisition process relevant to client programs and initiatives.

Prior to joining Clark Hill, Bret served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Adecco Government Solutions, the U.S. federal market subsidiary of the world’s largest staffing and human resources organization. Recruited with the charge of restructuring and rebuilding this business unit after the loss of its longtime single major federal contract, Bret led a team that defined and executed a federal market capture strategy, including instituting compliant internal business processes, as well as crafting sales and marketing efforts which resulted in several new, multi-year federal contracts.

Previously, Bret was Senior Counsel and Assistant Secretary of Compuware Corporation, one of the world’s largest independent software vendors and IT professional services providers. Bret provided counsel to the company’s board of directors and senior executives on a wide range of transactional and corporate matters. During his ten years with Compuware, Bret negotiated and closed over 65 acquisition transactions in the U.S. and Europe.

Prior to joining the private sector, Bret served in the administrations of President Ronald Reagan and President George H.W. Bush, including an appointment as the Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs in which he oversaw the operations of the U.S. Passport Agency. In addition, Bret has provided policy and political counsel to the leadership of 3 national political campaigns. He has been a member of the Bar of the State of Maryland since 1985.

Bret received his Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from Penn State University, and his J.D. from Vermont Law School. He and his family reside in Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan.

Bret will maintain offices in Washington, DC and Detroit, MI.