Keith Peterson
Charlotte
Summary
With a proven track record at International Bridges to Justice, I excel in litigation and leadership, having spearheaded security reforms and trained legal professionals globally. My expertise in team management and technical writing has significantly advanced human rights and rule of law projects, showcasing my ability to achieve impactful results.
Overview
45
45
years of professional experience
Work History
Chief of Security, Strategy, and training
International Bridges to Justice
Geneva
01.2021 - 01.2024
- Developed training and effective security procedures for the IBJ Myanmar project
- Supervised project reporting, proposal writing, and strategic planning
- Trained and mentored lawyers in Myanmar law legal topics, case strategies and human rights standards
- Spearheaded training and public education program advocating reform of Myanmar's harsh drug laws and drug law enforcement policies
- Co-author of practice manual for Myanmar lawyers representing women in conflict with the law
Partner and Rule of Law Desk Coordinator
Transition International
Landgraaf
01.2021 - 01.2023
- Coordinated TI's work on international development projects supporting the rule of law and human rights protection
Document Reviewer
Cobra Legal Solutions
Charlotte
01.2019 - 01.2021
- Reviewed documents for complex pharmaceutical, financial services, insurance and information technology regulatory matters
Rule of Law and justice Consultant
01.2016 - 01.2018
- Drafted justice sector funding proposals for European Union-based organizations
- Conducted a consultancy for the Government of Guyana, sponsored by the Inter-American Development Bank analyzing laws and policies related to drug prosecution and the handling of cases impacted by mental health and abuse/addiction issues; recommended legal and policy reforms passed on human rights standards and internationally recognized best practices
Justice Advisor
Pacific Architects and Engineers
Monrovia
01.2012 - 01.2016
- Served as in-country justice system advisor, working with the Liberian judiciary, Ministry of Justice (MOJ), Bureau of Corrections and Rehabilitation (BCR), Office of the Public Defender (OPD), the Liberian National Bar Association, and the Liberian National Police (LNP)
- Worked cooperatively with counterparts in the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL)
- Trained and mentored Liberian prosecutors, magistrates, judges, public defenders, corrections officials, and police
- Worked actively on legal and correctional reform, providing advice and advisory memoranda to high government officials
- Partnered with UNMIL, LNP, and MOJ, to create a project that presented joint police/prosecutor training in every region of Liberia
- Trained and mentored OPD lawyers in cooperation with UNMIL
- Helped develop and edited practice manuals for defense lawyers
- Conducted an assessment of the Monrovia Central Prison; provided recommendations to the MOJ and BCR for reform of existing practices, expediting handling of criminal cases
- Worked successfully to reduce pretrial detention and prison overcrowding during the Ebola crisis, increasing prison security and improving prison conditions
- Designed and implemented Liberia’s first supervised pretrial release program for non-violent offenders; worked to strengthen Probation Services, resulting in a reduction of unnecessary pretrial detention
- Mentored and trained judges, prosecutors, and public defenders in best practices for juvenile justice, improving the treatment of children by the juvenile justice system
Document Reviewer
Charlotte
01.2011 - 01.2012
- Reviewed documents for complex financial litigation
Criminal Law Specialist
American Bar Association, Rule of Law Initiative
Yerevan
01.2008 - 01.2011
- Served as legal specialist in a program focused on building the capacity of the Armenian criminal justice system and legal profession
- Designed and conducted training and continuing education programs for Armenian legal professionals, including defense attorneys, investigators, prosecutors, and judges, focusing on international human rights standards applying to the criminal justice system
- Designed public education materials; facilitated public forums
- Worked actively with governmental officials, diplomatic personnel, and NGOs on criminal justice reform matters
- Worked with the Chamber of Advocates, Ministry of Justice, and international stakeholders to develop a new Armenian law on advocacy, regulating the legal profession, successfully lobbied for safeguards for independence of the bar and the public defense system
- Spearheaded and supervised implementation of a project that produced a published analysis of detention and sentencing practices in Armenia and advocated for reform and alternatives to incarceration
Legal Counsel
Koror State Public Lands Authority
Koror
01.2006 - 01.2008
- Served as legal counsel to the principal public lands authority in Palau
- Provided legal advice, trial advocacy, and appellate advocacy in cases involving complex land tenure issues arising from the country's history of colonization
- Designed and drafted updated public land regulations
Assistant Attorney General
Department of Justice
Pohnpei
01.2005 - 01.2006
- Led the Litigation Division of the FSM Department of Justice
- Established office of the FSM Department of Justice in Chuuk State
- Served as lead prosecutor in the successful prosecution of a complex official corruption case involving several high-ranking public officials
- Supervised, trained, and mentored the national police officers in Chuuk State
Attorney at Law
Keith J. Peterson Law Office
Superior
01.1991 - 01.2005
- Conducted and managed private law practice with emphasis on criminal and civil litigation
- Performed extensive trial and appellate work in both state and federal courts
- Successful record as a litigator
District Attorney
Douglas County
Superior
01.1979 - 01.1991
- Elected official active and successful litigator
- Tried a wide range of significant felony jury trials, including many homicide, robbery, drug, and sexual assault cases
- Responsible for all management functions, including financial management, personnel management, budget preparation, and liaising with County Board and other government offices
Education
Juris Doctor -
Marquette University Law School
Milwaukee, WisconsinGraduate Work - Public Administration and Business Admistration
University of Wisconsin
WisconsinBachelor of Arts - Political Science
University of Wisconsin
Madison, WisconsinSkills
- Litigation
- Appellate practice
- Technical writing
- Training
- Team management
- Diplomacy
- Leadership
- Organizational skills
- Relationship building
References
References will be furnished upon request.
Languages
- English, Native
- French, Intermediate
Timeline
Chief of Security, Strategy, and training
International Bridges to Justice
01.2021 - 01.2024
Partner and Rule of Law Desk Coordinator
Transition International
01.2021 - 01.2023
Document Reviewer
Cobra Legal Solutions
01.2019 - 01.2021
Rule of Law and justice Consultant
01.2016 - 01.2018
Justice Advisor
Pacific Architects and Engineers
01.2012 - 01.2016
Document Reviewer
01.2011 - 01.2012
Criminal Law Specialist
American Bar Association, Rule of Law Initiative
01.2008 - 01.2011
Legal Counsel
Koror State Public Lands Authority
01.2006 - 01.2008
Assistant Attorney General
Department of Justice
01.2005 - 01.2006
Attorney at Law
Keith J. Peterson Law Office
01.1991 - 01.2005
District Attorney
Douglas County
01.1979 - 01.1991
Juris Doctor -
Marquette University Law School
Graduate Work - Public Administration and Business Admistration
University of Wisconsin
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science
University of Wisconsin
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