David H. Spratt

Professor David H. Spratt is a distinguished faculty member at American University's Washington College of Law, specializing in legal writing, contracts, and family law. With a J.D. from American University Washington College of Law (1994) and a B.A. in Government and Psychology from The College of William and Mary (1991), he brings extensive practical legal experience to his academic role.

• Education: J.D., American University Washington College of Law (1994, summa cum laude)
• Education: B.A., The College of William and Mary (1991)
• Bar Admissions: Virginia and District of Columbia
• Professional Service: Vice Chair, Virginia State Bar Section on Education of Lawyers
• Professional Service: Former Civil Reporter of Decisions, Virginia Court of Appeals (through Oct 2021)

Professor Spratt's research focuses on legal writing pedagogy, contract law (particularly standard form contracts and boilerplate provisions), civil procedure (especially discovery processes), and family law. His work emphasizes practical applications for both law students and practicing attorneys, with particular attention to writing clarity, precision, and effectiveness in legal practice. He has developed specialized training programs including the Legal Writing Bootcamp for Virginia attorneys, now in its fifth year.

His publication record demonstrates consistent scholarly engagement with legal writing and contract issues. Over the past decade, Professor Spratt has produced the multi-part 'Art of Discovery' series addressing evolving challenges in civil litigation, the 'Debunking the Efficacy of Standard Contract Boilerplate' series examining contractual provisions, and his regular 'Writer's Block' column in the Virginia Bar Association News Journal. His work bridges theoretical legal concepts with practical courtroom applications.

• Washington College of Law Excellence in Teaching Award (2021)

Professor Spratt has been instrumental in developing legal writing programs both at American University and for the broader legal community. He planned and implemented the Legal Writing Bootcamp for Virginia attorneys and has presented numerous continuing legal education programs on topics ranging from electronic evidence to child custody evaluations. His service as Civil Reporter of Decisions for the Virginia Court of Appeals and current leadership role in the Virginia State Bar demonstrate his commitment to legal education beyond the university setting. He is also a founding partner of Schwartz & Spratt, PLC, a family law firm in Fairfax, Virginia.