American University Law Student Wins 2021 Public Contract Law Writing Competition

Ann McRitchie, a May 2021 graduate of the American University Washington College of Law, was named the Division I first-place winner of the 2021 Public Contract Law Journal Writing Competition of the ABA Section of Public Contract Law. Her paper, “Government Dismissal Authority of False Claims Act Qui Tam Claims: An Analysis of the Current Political and Judicial Debate,” will be featured in the upcoming issue of the Public Contract Law Journal. In addition to receiving a $2,000 award, McRitchie, who is currently assistant general counsel at Amentum, gave an engaging presentation to Section leadership on her paper’s topic at the Section’s midyear Council meeting in Annapolis, Maryland, on March 12, 2022. 

Ian Hargreaves, a May 2021 graduate of the George Washington Law School, received the Division I second-place award of $1,000 for his paper, “Understanding the Standards of Bid Protest Standing.” Felicia Kalkman, a May 2022 J.D. candidate of the George Washington Law School, received the Division I third-place award of $500 for her paper, “Lessons from Executive Order 13950: The Dangers of Regulating Government Contractors Through Executive Orders.” Gabriel Bush, received the Division II first-place award of $1,000 for his paper, “Bridging the Gap Between International Development and Government Contracts.”

The Public Contract Law Journal Writing Competition consists of two divisions. Division I is open to J.D. candidates attending law schools within the United States. Division II is open to lawyers under the age of 36 or admitted to practice for fewer than five years, LL.M. candidates attending law schools within the United States and its possessions, and recent LL.M. graduates of such schools. In addition to cash awards, quality papers are considered for publication in the Public Contract Law Journal.

The 2022 Writing Competition rules will be posted in June on the Section’s webpage under the awards tab.