Anita Ponder is a partner in the Chicago office of Seyfarth Shaw LLP where she concentrates her practice in government contracts, government procurement and government relations. Ms. Ponder represents major corporations, small and mid-sized businesses as well as government agencies.

Her practice focuses on advising bidders and contractors on government regulations, laws, policies and legislation; preparing responsive bid proposals, small business subcontracting plans, bid protests and equitable contract claims; drafting and negotiating contracts; resolving contract disputes; obtaining contract payments; facilitating contract compliance, including assisting clients to meet contract participation goals for small businesses; representing contractors in suspension and debarment proceedings; and structuring competitive strategic alliances and relationships between majority- and minority-owned businesses.

Ms. Ponder has delivered speeches on these issues to major corporations, business organizations, bar associations and government agencies throughout the country. She has been interviewed frequently by both print and broadcast media, including articles in Today’s Chicago Woman (September 2008) and Chicago Lawyer (July 2008 and August 2008), as well as in several radio and television appearances, most recently on “Cosmo Connect” (Chicago Access Network Television, September 2008). 

Ms. Ponder has received several awards for her significant contributions to the business community, including the distinguished Sage Award from Mayor Richard M. Daley and the Chicago Commission on Human Relations Advisory Council on Women for Excellence and Leadership in forging the advancement of women in business, government and economic development. She was also honored as a 2009 Business Leader of Color by Chicago United. Anita is a past recipient of the U.S. Small Business Administration’s “Woman in Business Advocate of the Year” Award.

Anita Ponder is a partner in the Chicago office of Seyfarth Shaw LLP where she concentrates her practice in government contracts, government procurement and government relations. Ms. Ponder represents major corporations, small and mid-sized businesses as well as government agencies.

Her practice focuses on advising bidders and contractors on government regulations, laws, policies and legislation; preparing responsive bid proposals, small business subcontracting plans, bid protests and equitable contract claims; drafting and negotiating contracts; resolving contract disputes; obtaining contract payments; facilitating contract compliance, including assisting clients to meet contract participation goals for small businesses; representing contractors in suspension and debarment proceedings; and structuring competitive strategic alliances and relationships between majority- and minority-owned businesses.

Ms. Ponder has delivered speeches on these issues to major corporations, business organizations, bar associations and government agencies throughout the country. She has been interviewed frequently by both print and broadcast media, including articles in Today’s Chicago Woman (September 2008) and Chicago Lawyer (July 2008 and August 2008), as well as in several radio and television appearances, most recently on “Cosmo Connect” (Chicago Access Network Television, September 2008). 

Ms. Ponder has received several awards for her significant contributions to the business community, including the distinguished Sage Award from Mayor Richard M. Daley and the Chicago Commission on Human Relations Advisory Council on Women for Excellence and Leadership in forging the advancement of women in business, government and economic development. She was also honored as a 2009 Business Leader of Color by Chicago United. Anita is a past recipient of the U.S. Small Business Administration’s “Woman in Business Advocate of the Year” Award.