Michael Richards

Juris Doctor Candidate

About Me

I am a law student at American University Washington College of Law, driven by a commitment to justice, accountability, and human rights. My academic and professional work centers on international criminal law, international humanitarian law, and domestic criminal law, with the goal of pursuing a career in public service as a prosecutor and advocate.

My legal experience spans international and domestic practice. I am currently an extern with the Special Prosecution Division of the Montgomery County State's Attorney's Office, where I work on serious felony matters, including trial preparation, evidence analysis, and prosecutorial strategy. This summer, I will serve as a Rule 9 Legal Intern with the Snohomish County Prosecutor's Office, further developing practical experience in criminal prosecution.

My research examines the intersection of law, armed conflict, and corporate responsibility. I have published on corporate accountability for war crimes in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in the Human Rights Brief and contributed to the Asser Institute's International Crimes Database. This work reflects my commitment to ensuring that both individuals and institutions are held accountable for violations of international law.

In addition to research, I have gained practical experience in peacebuilding and international legal processes. With the Public International Law & Policy Group (PILPG), I supported peace negotiations through legal research and drafting memoranda, gaining insight into how law operates in conflict resolution and post-conflict transitions. I also studied international criminal law and counterterrorism at the Asser Institute in The Hague, deepening my understanding of global justice in practice.

Before law school, I worked in information technology as a project manager and IT assistant, leading web development initiatives and supporting infrastructure projects involving wireless networking and A/V systems. This technical background strengthened my ability to manage complex projects, collaborate across disciplines, and adapt quickly in high-pressure environments.

Whether through courtroom advocacy, public service, or legal scholarship, I seek to promote accountability and uphold the rule of law at both the domestic and international levels.

Interests

International Criminal law

Human Rights Law in Armed Conflict

Corporate Responsibility & Business and Human Rights

International Humanitarian Law

Public International Law & International Institutions

Comparative Criminal Law and Prosecution

Resume

My Education

Juris Doctor

American University Washington College of Law

2024 – 2027

Activities: Human Rights Brief, Senior Columns Editor | War Crimes Research Office, Blog Writer

Study Abroad: T.M.C. Asser Institute, The Hague, NL, June 2025

Bachelors of Arts in Political Science

University of Washington

2020 – 2023

Minor in Law, Societies, and Justice

Honors: Dean's List

Activities: Phi Alpha Delta Pre-Law Fraternity, Social Committee Member

My Experiences

Legal Extern

Montgomery County State's Attorney's Office

January 2026 – Present

Conducted legal research and drafted memoranda on evidentiary and procedural issues for homicide and violent felony prosecutions.
Assisted prosecutors in preparing for trial by organizing discovery materials, witness lists, and exhibits.
Reviewed police reports, forensic evidence, and witness statements to support case preparation.
Observed and analyzed major felony trials, including jury selection, opening statements, and cross-examinations.

Legal Research Associate

Lawyering Peace Program

August 2025 – December 2025

Drafted client-ready memorandum proposing language and strategies for designing security guarantees within a peace agreement for Ukraine for the Public International Law and Policy Group (PILPG).
Enhanced negotiation and advocacy skills through regular simulation exercises modeled on international peace negotiations.
Presented research findings to colleagues and supervisors through a formal multi-media presentation.

Case Researcher

T.M.C. Asser Institute

June 2025 – February 2026

Researched and summarized cases involving war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide adjudicated by domestic and international courts, for publication on the International Crimes Database.
Conducted legal research on emerging jurisprudence in international humanitarian law, counterterrorism, and international human rights law.

Research Assistant, Professor Rebecca Hamilton

American University Washington College of Law

June 2025 – August 2025

Conducted legal research into issues surrounding international humanitarian law and domestic immigration law.
Drafted summaries and memoranda with a team of student researchers for academic syllabus supplements.

Legal Assistant

Suttell & Hammer

October 2023 – July 2024

Drafted and prepared motions to amend, judgment renewals, and judgment domestications in support of high-volume creditors' rights litigation.
Entered judgment data with accuracy and filed motions electronically in compliance with court rules and procedural deadlines.
Liaised with court clerks to manage hearing schedules, track deadlines, and ensure timely case progression.

Learning Spaces IT Student Assistant

University of Washington

October 2021 – March 2023

Responded to queries on phone, via email, or through IT ticketing system.
Set up and maintained video matrix servers and other IT infrastructure.
Worked with faculty and staff to resolve network issues.

National Key Volunteer

Scouting America

January 2019 – December 2024

Led the planning and execution of national-level technology projects under the direction of the National Committee, supporting strategic initiatives and digital outreach.
Maintained internal documentation and accounting protocols to ensure operational consistency, accurate information tracking, and procedural compliance.
Supervised and mentored a team of 6+ volunteers, delegating responsibilities to foster skill development and ensure timely completion of technology initiatives.
Monitored and assessed digital platforms; reported technical issues and escalated unresolved cases to national leadership to ensure continuity of services.
Received the Distinguished Service Award (2024), the highest national honor for service to Scouting America's Order of the Arrow, recognizing exceptional leadership and commitment.

Publications

Article

Corporate Responsibility in Business Dealings with War Criminals

Human Rights Brief

Vol. 29 No. 1 2026 This column argues that governments can curb corporate complicity in atrocities by strengthening legal regimes governing conflict minerals and corporate accountability. Using the Democratic Republic of the Congo as a case study, it explains how multinational tech companies indirectly finance armed groups through opaque mineral supply chains, while gaps in ICC jurisdiction and weak disclosure rules shield executives and firms. Examining the UN Guiding Principles, a draft binding business and human rights treaty, and contrasting U.S. and EU approaches, the column urges enforceable due diligence, meaningful sanctions, and treaty-based oversight to align global commerce with basic human rights norms.

Blog

A Wake-Up Call for Tech Companies Operating Abroad: Doe I v. Cisco Systems, Inc.

The BLR Buzz Blog

September 30, 2025 This blog post argues that U.S. tech companies risk liability under the Alien Tort Statute when they design and configure products domestically for use in abuses abroad. Focusing on Doe I v. Cisco, it explains that the Ninth Circuit allowed claims to proceed based on allegations Cisco customized China’s “Golden Shield” from California, knowing it would help persecute Falun Gong practitioners. Unlike cases involving mere corporate presence, this decision signals that intentional, U.S.-based technical support can ground aiding-and-abetting liability, pushing companies toward robust human rights due diligence and more accountable innovation in global surveillance and supply-chain markets.

Blog

Taking the Internet by Law

Property Law Today

April 20, 2025 This blog post argues that states can address monopoly-driven slow speeds, predatory pricing, and limited access to essential internet services by exercising eminent domain over Comcast's physical network infrastructure and opening it to competitive providers. Drawing on Kelo v. City of New London, the blog post contends that a well-designed, community-wide plan satisfies the Fifth Amendment's “public use” requirement and the just compensation standard. Given the internet's central role in work, education, and civic participation, public control of infrastructure advances equity and efficiency while remaining within the powers of a democratically accountable government.

Blog

International Criminal Law Updates

War Crimes Research Office of American University Washington College of Law

February – April 2025 Reported on developments on the International Criminal Court's investigation into the Situation in Ukraine and Preliminary Investigation into the Republic of Belarus.