Steven L. Schooner

Steven L. Schooner serves as the Nash & Cibinic Professor of Government Procurement Law at the George Washington University Law School. He has been a faculty member since 1998 and most recently served as Senior Associate Dean for Academic Affairs from 2023 to 2025. Professor Schooner brings extensive practical experience to his academic role, having previously served as the associate administrator for procurement law and legislation at the Office of Federal Procurement Policy, as a trial attorney at the Department of Justice, and as an Army judge advocate.

His educational background includes a BA from Rice University, a JD from the College of William and Mary, and an LLM from George Washington University. Prior to his academic career, Professor Schooner gained substantial government experience that informs his scholarly work and teaching.

Professor Schooner's research focuses on federal government contract law and public procurement policy, with increasing emphasis on sustainability and public service ethics. His scholarship examines how government purchasing can address contemporary challenges including climate change, ethical contracting practices, and workforce development. He has developed particular expertise in sustainable procurement, exploring how government buying power can drive environmental innovation and climate change mitigation.

His recent publications demonstrate a clear trajectory toward integrating sustainability concerns with traditional government contracting frameworks. Schooner has been instrumental in developing terminology and frameworks for sustainable procurement, advocating for how government purchasing can be leveraged to address climate change while maintaining sound contracting principles. His work spans theoretical analysis, practical implementation guidance, and international perspectives on procurement policy.

• Fellow of the National Contract Management Association
• Certified Professional Contracts Manager (CPCM)
• Recipient of the Charles A. Dana Distinguished Service Award
• Recipient of the 2024 Jacob Burns Award for Extraordinary Service to GW Law School

As faculty adviser to the ABA's Public Contract Law Journal and member of the Procurement Round Table and advisory board of the Government Contractor, Professor Schooner maintains strong connections between academia and practice. His extensive international experience advising government officials in more than 40 countries demonstrates the global relevance of his expertise in public procurement systems. Professor Schooner also serves as an arbitrator, mediator, and ombudsman, applying his knowledge to real-world dispute resolution in the procurement field.