Richard Bainter

Richard Bainter, Lecturer II at the University of San Diego, is a legal expert with extensive international experience in law, elections, and legislative reform. He holds a JD from the University of Denver, Sturm College of Law, and a BA in Political Science and History from the University of Iowa.

• Practicing law since 1988 in litigation, mediation, and public interest advocacy
• Active legal advisor to the Office of the High Representative in Bosnia
• Collaborated with UN on South Sudan independence referendum legal issues
• Advised Vietnam Lawyers’ Association on referendum law drafting
• Teaching experience at UC San Diego, USD School of Law, and Thomas Jefferson School of Law

His research and practice focus on international legal frameworks, electoral systems, and post-conflict legislative restructuring. He has contributed to drafting critical laws in Bosnia, including those governing elections, political party financing, and security sector reforms.

Bainter’s work bridges academic instruction with real-world legal analysis, particularly in transitional justice and democratic institution-building. His field experience spans election observation missions in Eastern Europe, the Balkans, and Central Asia, providing practical insights into comparative international law.