Photo of Wyche Attorney John L. S. Simpkins

John L. S. Simpkins, Of Counsel

 

 

 

 

 

Professional Background

2007-Present Wyche Burgess Freeman & Parham, P.A.
2005-Present Charleston School of Law, Assistant Professor of Law and Director of Diversity Initiatives, Charleston, South Carolina
1999-Present College of Charleston, Instructor, Charleston, South Carolina
2003–06 Richard W. Riley Institute, Associate Director; Assistant Professor of Political Science; Consultant, Lecturer, Furman University, Greenville, South Carolina
1999–02 Associate, Baach Robinson & Lewis PLLC, Washington, DC

Educational Background

1993, A.B. Harvard College
1999, J.D., L.L.M. Duke University School of Law, International and Comparative Law

Professional Activities and Memberships

  • African Studies Association
  • American Bar Association
  • American Constitution Society
  • American Political Science Association
  • American Society of International Law
  • Canadian Association of African Studies
  • International Association of Constitutional Law
  • The Law and Society Association
  • Liberian Studies Association
  • African Network of the International Association of Constitutional Law, 2007
  • American Bar Association Task Force on International Electoral Standards, 2006
  • Voting Rights Team U.S. Election Monitor, Broward County, Florida, 2004
  • Volunteer Trainer of Ugandan Political Groups for International Republican Institute, 2004
  • Observer, Constitution of Kenya Review Commission, 2004
  • American Bar Association International Human Rights Award Liaison, 2002
  • Board of Directors, Washington Council of Lawyers, Washington, DC, 2001–02
  • Firm Representative, Washington Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights and Urban Affairs, 1999–2002

Bar and Court Admissions

  • District of Columbia, 1999

Representative Community Activities

  • Board Member, Trident United Way, March 2007-Present
  • Board Member, South Carolina Aquarium, February 2007-Present
  • Board Member, Center for Heirs' Property Preservation, 2006-Present
  • Founding Director, Center for a Better South, 2005-Present
  • Steering Committee, South Carolina Chapter of American Constitution Society, 2005-Present
  • International Advisory Committee, Friends of the University of Natal, South Africa, 2000-Present
  • Board Member, Students Sharing Coalition, Baltimore, Maryland, 2002–03
  • Presenter, South Carolina World Trade Center International Visitors' Program
  • Advisor, School's Out After School Program
  • Co-Founder, Center for a Better South
  • Charter Member, 100 Black Men of Upstate South Carolina
  • Participant, Diversity Leadership Academy of Upstate South Carolina, 2004
  • Participant, Renaissance Weekend
  • Participant, Harvard Alumni Association Leadership Forum
  • Participant, The Trinity Forum
  • Interviewer, Harvard College Undergraduate Admissions
  • Contributor, Content of Our Character Project

Publications

  • Author, “The Role of Constitution-Building Processes in Democratization”, International IDEA, Stockholm, Sweden
  • Contributor, Encyclopedia of American Parties and Elections, 2006
  • Author, “Homosexual Rights in the European Community?” 23 South African Yearbook of International Law 185–198

Languages

  • Spanish

Awards and Honors

  • Liberty Fellow, Class of 2009