TBA Law Blog


Posted by: Brooke Leeton on Nov 13, 2025

The TBA Administrative Law Section has announced recent Belmont University College of Law graduate Zach Sterne as the winner of its 2024-2025 writing competition for his essay "Standing Up for Setting Aside: Vacatur’s Valid Role as a Remedy Under Section 706 of the Administrative Procedure Act." Sterne graduated from Belmont in May 2025, where he served as managing editor of the Belmont Law Review and was recognized as its “Most Valuable Editor.” During law school, Sterne also distinguished himself as chief brief writer and swing advocate for the championship team at the 2025 McGee Civil Rights Moot Court Competition, where he earned both the Best Oral Advocate Award and Top Respondent Brief Award. Sterne is now an associate attorney at Ortale Kelley, where his practice focuses on federal litigation, civil rights, appellate advocacy, complex tort litigation and government liability. The section currently is accepting submissions for its 2025-2026 writing competition. Check out the guidelines here and apply by April 30, 2026.