Michael Wasco

Michael Wasco is an experienced legal and democratic development professional currently serving as the Senior Justice Advisor at the U.S. Department of State.1 With over 20 years of experience in private legal practice, international rule of law, and accountability mechanisms, Wasco has dedicated much of his career to promoting democracy in transition countries.1

Career Highlights

Current Role: As Senior Justice Advisor at the U.S. Department of State since February 2023, Wasco conducts Justice Sector Assessments and provides international law technical support.1

Previous Positions:

• Justice Training Liaison at the U.S. Department of State (2020-2023)
• International Law and Human Rights Expert (2017-present)
• Legal Adviser to Libya Constitution Making Process (2014-2018)
• Special Adviser to US Ambassador-at-Large for War Crimes Issues (2012-2014)
• Legal Expert at National Democratic Institute (NDI) in Sudan (2010-2012)
• Head of United Nations Advocacy at The Institute for Inclusive Security (2008-2010)

Education and Expertise

Wasco holds a BS in Political Theory Constitutional Democracy from Michigan State University, a JD in Litigation and Alternative Dispute Resolution from Chicago-Kent College of Law, and a Master's degree in International Law and Human Rights from The Johns Hopkins University.1

His areas of expertise include:

• Constitution making
• Electoral processes
• Human rights advocacy
• International criminal law
• Transitional justice

Language Skills

Michael Wasco is proficient in multiple languages, including:

• English (native or bilingual)
• Spanish (professional working proficiency)
• Italian (limited working proficiency)
• Arabic (elementary proficiency)1

Throughout his career, Wasco has demonstrated a strong commitment to promoting democracy, human rights, and the rule of law in various international contexts.