Thomas Antkowiak

Thomas Antkowiak is a Professor of Law at Seattle University School of Law, where he teaches International Human Rights Law and directs the International Human Rights Clinic. His expertise spans the Inter-American human rights system, reparations for rights violations, indigenous rights, and transitional justice. He has held senior roles at the Inter-American Court of Human Rights and advised Nobel Peace Laureate Oscar Arias.

Education: B.A., Harvard University (Sheldon Prize Fellow); J.D., Columbia University (James Kent Scholar). Professional highlights include directing the law school's Latin America Program and leading landmark cases before regional and UN human rights bodies. His research emphasizes victim-centered remedies, social rights resurgence, and environmental justice intersections.

• Education: Columbia Law School (J.D.), Harvard University (B.A.)
• Clinical Leadership: Directed Seattle University's International Human Rights Clinic since 2008
• Key Roles: Senior Attorney at Inter-American Court (2003-2005), Director of Access to Justice Program (2007-2008)

His 15+ years of litigation include cases before the Inter-American Commission/Court, African human rights bodies, and UN mechanisms. Recent work focuses on indigenous land rights and environmental justice in Latin America. He has authored/co-edited over 20 books/articles, including The American Convention on Human Rights: Essential Rights (Oxford UP, 2017) and Victims Unsilenced (2007).

Awards:

• James Kent Scholar (Columbia Law School)
• Sheldon Prize Fellowship (Harvard)
• Americas Project 2000 Fellow

Advising & Grants: Supervised over 100 student-led cases in the Human Rights Clinic, securing remedies for victims of torture, wrongful detention, and land dispossession. Collaborated with NGOs and international bodies on advocacy projects across 15+ countries.

Labs/Teams: Leads Seattle University's Latin America Program and co-founded the American Society of International Law's Latin America Interest Group.