2023-24 Ritter Scholars Named

The University of Virginia School of Law has named four students Ritter Scholars for 2023-24: Julia Jean “JJ” Citron, James Hornsby, Keegan Hudson and Elizabeth Putfark.

Established by Willis Ritter ’65 in honor of his parents, the Mary Claiborne and Roy H. Ritter Prizes recognize third-year students “who best exemplify the qualities of honor, character and integrity envisioned by Thomas Jefferson when he founded UVA.” The honorees — selected based on nominations from students, faculty, staff and alumni — receive a tuition award.

Julia Jean “JJ” Citron is an extern at UVA’s Office of University Counsel, an executive board member of the Virginia Journal of International Law and a research assistant for Professor Leslie Kendrick ’06. She previously served on the boards of the American Constitution Society and the Jewish Law Students Association. After her 1L year, she interned for Chief Judge Claude V. Worrell II of the 16th Judicial Circuit of Virginia. After graduation, Citron will work at Sidley Austin in New York.

James Hornsby served as the Law School’s delegate to the UVA Honor Constitutional Convention and was one of the primary drafters of the new multi-sanction Honor Committee constitution. He has also served as president of Lambda Law Alliance and director of the Libel Show, and as a Law School Ambassador, Peer Advisor, Student Bar Association senator, Virginia Journal of Social Policy & the Law senior editorial board member and research assistant for Professor Anne Coughlin. After graduation, Hornsby will work at McGuireWoods in Washington, D.C.

Keegan Hudson is a member of the Raven Society and has served as president of the Black Law Students Association, on the Virginia Environmental Law Journal editorial board, and on the school’s Curriculum Committee and Diversity Advisory Council. He was also a finalist with BLSA’s 2022 moot court team, which advanced from the Mid-Atlantic Region to compete in the final rounds of the National Black Law Students Association Thurgood Marshall Moot Court Competition. After graduation, Hudson will work at Akin Gump in Dallas.

Elizabeth Putfark, a Law and Public Service Fellow and Community Fellow, is also a Dean’s Scholarship recipient and has served as submissions editor of the Virginia Environmental Law Journal and president of the Virginia Environmental Law Forum. She is policy director of the student-run International Refugee Assistance Project and directs the Alternative Spring Break project sponsored by the Public Interest Law Association. She is also a research assistant for Professors Cale Jaffe ’01 and Michael Livermore. After graduation, Putfark will work as an attorney at the Southern Environmental Law Center.

“I am so pleased that these four students have been recognized for their significant contributions to our community,” said Sarah Davies ’91, assistant dean for student affairs. “They have each made a real difference in the lives of others, and I admire them for their energy, commitment and grace.”