FOREIGN AFFAIRS / NATIONAL SECURITY PROFESSIONAL
Professional with over 15 years experience in legal counseling, enterprise leadership, and program management advisory for organizations conducting foreign affairs involving intelligence professionals, analysts, investigators, legal advisors, policy experts, and support specialists. Participated in managing the execution of US and EU governments overseas justice and security objectives.
FLUENCY IN ENGLISH, ARABIC, ARMENIAN AND FRENCH, WITH WORKING KNOWLEDGE of TURKISH LANGUAGE
Astute provider of informed, impartial and balanced analysis to enhance the quality of decisions made at senior levels.
Demonstrated leadership skills and credibility required to interface and influence senior internal and external stakeholders.
ADVANCED TRAINING IN & EXCEPTIONAL UNDERSTANDING OF COMPLEX NATIONAL SECURITY ISSUES IN-DEPTH KNOWLEDGE OF ISLAMIST IDEOLOGY & TERRORISM.
EXPERIENCE IN US CIVIL/MILITARY OPERATIONS - WORKED IN CONFLICT (RED AND GREEN) ZONES.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Various, Boston, MA
International Consultancy
Monitor and research global political and economic issues that have potential implications for business operating environments and security landscapes around the globe and especially in EMEA.
Contributed and developed knowledge on Middle-East geopolitical risk and current affairs through research and detailed studies. Disseminated information on important topics through the drafting of critical analysis papers to help institutions identify, assess and manage risks and uncertainties, affected by internal and external events or scenarios, that could inhibit an organizations ability to achieve its strategy and strategic objectives with the ultimate goal of creating and protecting shareholder and stakeholder value. Fostered business relationships to build strong professional networks facilitating the development of business leads.
Law Practice, Boston, MA
Government Consultant / Private Practice Lawyer
Served legal clients as senior counsel covering regulatory compliance, tax, business, real estate transactions, and contract law. Promoted client interests during legal proceedings including analysis of case merits, risk mitigation, and negotiation of positive resolutions. Counseled governments, companies, and private individuals on navigation through complex legal issues. Enhanced company performance through identification of efficiency gaps and creation of innovative solutions and employee training to improve results. Led organizational change managing development and implementation of policy changes and updates.
Key Projects:
EUROPEAN COMMISSION
Senior Jurist Expert - GFA Consulting Group GmbH, IRAQ
Provided consulting services to Iraqi Government on behalf of EU Commission:
Focused on strengthening efficiency & credibility of the criminal justice system and enhancing the rule of law.
Engage top decision-makers to provide Technical Assistance to the Ministry of Justice (MOJ), including the Shura Council and Baghdad Rule of Law Committee, for policy planning and implementation of National Action Plan (NAP) priorities.
Reviewed the policy framework, the NAP and other relevant national and international commitments and identified gaps in implementation capacity.
Provided direction and mentored government decision-makers in policy planning and coordination and law enforcement revision. Doing so ensured Iraqi justice counterterrorism and internal security authorities ability to improve their capacity in strengthening compliance with internal laws and international conventions and commitments
Persuaded clashing government factions to enter into dialogue. Organized complex trilateral conflict resolution committee and acted as mediator between clashing HJC (highest judicial authority) and MOI law enforcement leadership to resolve a crippling impasse preventing proper nationwide investigations and prosecution of criminal and terrorist cases. Successful intervention caused a significant reversal of the harmful and detrimental effects to the countrys rule of law
Provided services to EU Commission:
Reported directly to the EU Ambassador in Baghdad on issues relating to Iraqs compliance with its international commitments to UN conventions. Provided legal counsel to EU Ambassador as follows:
As point man, handled, investigated and responded to complaints from individual European governments lodged with EU Ambassador regarding torture of their captured terrorist citizens.
Provided status inquiry to EU government. Conducted legal analysis on what constitutes terrorism; whether captured individuals are unlawful combatants or lawful combatants entitled to Geneva Convention protections and whether government of Iraq security forces are complying with their international anti-torture commitments, applying capital punishment fairly and proportionate to the crime committed and drafting laws compatible with their Constitution.
Provided advice and counsel to discourage EU Ambassador from supporting opposition parliament members request to dismiss the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Iraq from his two other lawfully held positions. Highlighted the doctrine of separation of Powers requiring independence of the Judiciary and cautioned that issue may violate the policy of non-interference in internal politics of Iraq.
Called EU Commissions attention to statutory flaws allowing wholesale convictions of individuals as terrorists to capital punishment without distinction in degrees and levels of culpability or involvement in the act of terrorism.
US DEPARTMENT OF STATE
international narcotics and law enforcement bureau
Justice Advisor PAE Government Services, Afghanistan
Rendered hands-on management and assistance to support Afghan justice professionals in establishing an effective and efficient justice system. Provided legal education, training, and advisory services to primary justice institutions including the Criminal Investigation Dept. of Afghan National Police. Performed detailed follow-up with Quick Impact Project executing strategic initiatives to meet critical needs of local justice sector.
Major contributor to successful organizational transformation implementing modernization techniques & change management processes to Afghan legal system while acknowledging constitutional centrality of Islamic Law
Pioneered and established efficient justice system by training & empowering Afghan justice officials
Discussed and successfully resolved issues and problems for the local justice system by organizing provincial conferences where justice sector officials from the entire province were invited to meet with national justice officials of the Supreme Court, the Attorney Generals Office, the Ministry of Interior, and the Ministry of Justice.
US DEPARTMENT OF STATE - US Embassy, Baghdad (Torres AES)
Senior Advisor Legislative Strengthening & Rule of Law, Iraq
Rule of law and legal subject matter expert providing organizational and capacity development assistance in coordination of Iraqi democratization, governance and legislative efforts. Instilled and institutionalized democratic and constitutionally compatible philosophies, values, principles and legislative methodologies across executive branch of Iraqi government.
Coordinated establishment of culture of transparency and accountability combatting corruption and power abuse by promoting rule of law throughout the legislative branch.
Formalized procedures and processes while working with Presidential and Ministerial Chief Legal Advisors. Assisted in drafting and implementing policy and legislation to manage change and institutionalize principles of checks and balances for power distribution between all GOI branches, provincial counterparts, and Kurdish Regional Government.
Analyzed and identified priorities for improving current legislative processes that negatively impact legislative stream; created effective organizational structures, systems and processes to improve GOI law-making. Analyzed draft legislation to ensure compatibility with provisions mandated by Iraqs Constitution.
Led a variety of research, coordination, planning and organizational support efforts within GOIs executive and legislative branches as per US policy.
Delivered reports and presentations for US State Department and inter-agency groups; provided regular status updates and advice on activities to ensure GOI program synergies and an integrated approach.
Additional Projects:
U.S. Department of State - Rule of Law Section Head- Iraq Reconstruction Team, Iraq;
U.S. Department of State - Senior Rule of Law Advisor - Iraq Reconstruction Team, Iraq; and
U.S. Department of Defense - Legal Linguists Supervisor, Assistant to the U.S. Senior Advisor- Iraq
Additional Professional Experience
Law Practice, Boston, MA
Practice Lawyer
Offered legal assistance to clients specializing in regulatory compliance, tax fraud and evasion defense, tort and general litigation matters as well as business, real estate, and contract law. Experienced in development of business contracts and negotiations to arrive at mutually beneficial terms. Performed due diligence to assess legal circumstances, identify potential risks, and devise solid legal strategy. Represented clients during court cases encompassing various civil matters, business disputes, and personal injury. Attempted to avoid court proceedings through skilled mediation and negotiation.
Litigation Strategy & Management
Client Advocacy & Trial Preparation
Legal Research & Documentation
Personal Injury & Insurance Litigation
Mediation / Arbitration Processes
Complex Negotiations
Product Liability Law
Settlement Agreements
Tax Compliance & Defense
Contract Dispute Resolution
Education & Certifications
EDUCATION
Master of Laws (LL.M), Boston University School of Law, Boston, MA
Juris Doctor (JD), Northeastern University School of Law, Boston, MA
Master of Science Criminal Justice, Northeastern University Graduate School of Criminal Justice, Boston, MA
Bachelor of Arts Political Science & French Studies, University of Massachusetts, Amherst & Boston, MA
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
McAfee Institute
Certificate: Risk Management
Foreign Service Institute, US Department of State
Stability Operations Division Pre-deployment training
Certificates of successful completion in:
· AR420: Iraq Provincial Reconstruction Team Orientation
· PS800: Cybersecurity Awareness
· OT-610: Foreign Affairs Counter Threat Course
· FT-610: FACT Area Studies - Iraq
University of Virginia School of Law, Charlottesville, VA
Center for National Security Law
ADVANCED TRAINING IN NATIONAL SECURITY LAW
Certificate: National Security Law
National Defense University, Washington, DC
Near East South Asia Center for Strategic Studies
Certificate: International Security Affairs for Senior Executives
United States Institute of Peace, Washington, DC
Certificate in Conflict Analysis
International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Bureau
PAE/CIVPOL Afghanistan training program, Dulles, VA
AWARDS & HONORS
Excellence Award, US Air Force
Recognition Award, US Army
Expeditionary Service Awards, US Department of State |
