James Petzke

James Petzke is an Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Department of English at the City University of New York (John Jay College). He also teaches legal and academic writing at Columbia University, New York University, Fordham University School of Law, and Pace University School of Law. His academic qualifications include a J.D. from the University of Southern California, a B.S. in Communication Studies from Northwestern University, and a Master's in Education & Applied Linguistics from Georgia State University.

His professional background encompasses extensive legal practice, service as a deputy attorney general in California's Correctional Law Division, and roles in Los Angeles County government including Senior Deputy to Supervisor Edmund D. Edelman. He served on the Los Angeles County Criminal Justice Coordinating Committee and AIDS Commission, and pioneered correctional education by teaching inmates at San Quentin State Prison.

Research interests focus on legal communication pedagogy, applied linguistics in justice contexts, and academic writing methodologies. His interdisciplinary work bridges law, education, and criminal justice reform.