Skip to Main Content
Ruth El

Ruth El

Associate
Overview

Ruth represents government contractors throughout the procurement process and contract life cycle.

Ruth is a holistic, full services government contracts attorney, representing clients through their bid and during bid protests; throughout contract execution, along with accompanying claims and adjustment requests; and, when necessary, through litigation in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims. Ruth also provides advice on compliance with a wide array of contracts-related regulations, and she defends contractors against potential suspension and disbarment.

After enrolling in law school with a strong interest in policy, Ruth was initially drawn to housing matters and accepted a role after graduation with a Washington nonprofit offering legal assistance to low-income residents facing eviction or other housing-related cases against landlords. With hundreds of potential clients arriving at the courthouse each day, the work was a fast-paced deep dive into litigation, and Ruth gained extensive experience in the courtroom. However, her time in DC had shown her the vast footprint of the federal government, and she found herself growing more and more fascinated with the complex body of law that governed federal procurement. She knew she needed further education to practice in this area, and Ruth returned to school for a Master of Laws in government procurement.

During the program, Ruth had the opportunity to intern with the U.S. Court of Federal Claims, and she saw the litigation process for contractors firsthand. She understands how long and drawn out these cases can become, and she aims to help clients avoid litigation when possible—but when it’s not, she’s a zealous advocate for their interests. Ruth knows how high the stakes are for government contractors, and she’s aware that many of these clients rely on an ongoing relationship with the government for their business’s future. Her goal is always to act in the best interests of the client and to ensure that they’re fully informed of every stage of the process and its potential implications.

Services

Education

  • LL.M, George Washington University Law School
    • Government Procurement
  • J.D., American University Washington College of Law
    • Dean’s Fellow, Disabilities Rights Law Clinic
    • Program of Advanced Studies of the Academy on Human Rights and Humanitarian Law
  • B.B.A., University of Miami
    • Business Management & Organizational Leadership
    • Business Legal Studies

Admissions

  • District of Columbia

Professional Memberships and Certifications

  • American Bar Association, Public Contract Law Section
Outside the Office

Ruth enjoys traveling—especially if there’s a tropical beach involved—cooking, and baking. She was allowed to take a leading role in the kitchen from the age of four, and there’s nothing she can’t make now, but her biggest crowd pleaser is probably her sweet potato pie.

Most of all, Ruth values time with her friends and with her adorable tuxedo cat, Reggie.