For the eighth time, a University of Miami School of Law student has been named a recipient of the prestigious Burton Legal Writing Award. Third-year Itiel J. Wainer, an executive editor of the University of Miami Law Review, is among just 15 law students nationwide selected for the 2026 Law360 Distinguished Legal Writing Award.
Wainer’s winning article, "Brewbaker and the Undermining of Criminal Antitrust Enforcement," was published in Volume 80, Issue 1 of the University of Miami Law Review. His selection marks a historic milestone for Miami Law: it is the third consecutive year a student has won, following Grace Slicklen in 2024 and Elizabeth Hendrickson in 2025.
A "perfect prism" for antitrust
The article analyzes United States v. Brewbaker, a Fourth Circuit case that Wainer argues creates a dangerous roadmap for avoiding criminal antitrust liability.
"I learned about the Brewbaker case from my antitrust professor and adviser, John M. Newman," Wainer said. "Once I read Brewbaker, I just knew it would be a perfect prism through which to analyze some of the biggest—and, in my opinion, most harmful—trends in antitrust jurisprudence."
The piece highlights how shrinking the definition of per se illegal conduct can weaken the DOJ’s ability to protect competitive markets. "The most critical takeaway is that Brewbaker should terrify anyone who cares about competitive markets," said Wainer. "I hope that regardless of who reads my comment... they will be able to come away with something."
A global nominee
In addition to the Burton Award, Wainer’s work has garnered international acclaim. His comment was nominated for a 2026 Antitrust Writing Award by Concurrences, a global competition organized in association with George Washington University. Selected as one of the 10 best student-written articles from over 50 submissions worldwide, Wainer’s piece is now eligible for the "Readers' Choice" award.
Members of the Miami Law community can view his article here. The winners will be announced on March 24, 2026.
Building a foundation
Wainer credits his success to the rigorous training and collaborative environment at Miami Law. He specifically highlighted the influence of his Legal Communication and Research Skills professors, Christie Anne Daniels and Rebecca Ocariz. "From day one of law school, the importance of clear and concise writing that avoids legalese was hammered into me," Wainer said.
He also praised the "fearless leader" of the law reviews, Farah Barquero, and the supportive peer-review culture. "That ability to exchange ideas, tips, and tricks with fellow students has helped me develop as a writer immensely."
Janet Stearns, lecturer in law and former dean of students currently leads the Burton Book Review. Regarding Wainer’s win she said, “Many thanks to Jill Barton who helped me in reviewing the two finalist papers...Miami Law has an incredible record with the Burton Awards, and our school continues to be at the forefront of this national celebration of student scholarship.”
In addition to his work on UMLR, Wainer is a member of the Charles C. Papy, Jr. Moot Court Board and a recipient of the John F. Evans Memorial Scholarship through the Litigation Skills program. He is currently a part-time law clerk with Podhurst Orseck’s appellate team. Last year, Wainer was a summer associate at Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan’s Miami office. He plans to return to the firm in the fall after graduation.
As a former resident of Washington, D.C., Wainer looks forward to receiving his award at the Library of Congress on June 1, 2026. "I was thrilled when I found out," he said. "It’s hard to put into words how grateful I am for the many doors this school has opened for me. I’m just excited to have the opportunity to represent the University of Miami in D.C.”
Read more about the School of Law’s legal writing program.
