Claudio Grossman

Professor of Law and Dean Emeritus

American University Washington College of Law

Washington, DC, USA

Biography

Claudio Grossman is Professor of Law at American University, Washington College of Law (WCL) and the Raymond Geraldson Scholar for International and Humanitarian Law. He served as Dean from 1995 to 2016, after which he returned to the faculty. He was appointed Dean Emeritus by American University's Board of Trustees in recognition of over two decades of dedication and distinction. During Professor Grossman's tenure as dean, WCL pursued numerous exciting initiatives further developing its intellectual creativity. WCL is consistently ranked within the top 10 schools for clinical legal education, intellectual property, international law & trial advocacy in addition to being one of the most diverse law schools in the country.

Professor Grossman is consistently recognized as one of the top 25 influential people in legal education, contributing to the rule of law and human rights in the US and abroad. In 2016, he was elected to the UN International Law Commission for a five-year term and previously served as a member (2003-2015) and chair (2008-2015) of the UNCAT. In May 2010 he was appointed to the RFK Board of Directors. Since 2014, he serves as President of the Inter-American Institute for Human Rights since 2015.

Professor Grossman's career also includes extensive litigation experience presenting or deciding landmark cases in the Inter-American system, including Aloeboetoe et al v. Suriname, Velázquez-Rodríguez v. Honduras, and Tingni v. Nicaragua, among others. He also recently served as Agent for Chile in Obligation to Negotiate (Bolivia v Chile) from 2016-2018 and as Co-Agent from 2013-2016 before the ICJ. In 2019, he was elected Associate Member of the Institut de Droit International.

Professor Grossman is the author of numerous publications. For a complete listing, see below.

Claudio Grossman’s Newsfeed

Professor and Dean Emeritus Claudio Grossman Discusses the ongoing Crisis in Chile

On Tuesday, Nov. 26, Dean Emeritus and Professor Claudio Grossman — R. Geraldson Scholar for International Humanitarian Law, member of the UN International Law Commission, and associate member of the Institut de Droit International — presented “Crisis in Chile: Challenges and Perspectives.” In his presentation, he covered topics including the need to identify proper indicators — political and economic — to be able to foresee eventual societal crises.

Dean Emeritus and Professor of Law Claudio Grossman Elected Associate Member of the Institut de Droi

American University Washington College of Law Dean Emeritus and Professor of Law Claudio Grossman was elected associate member of the Institut de Droit International on Monday, August 26, 2019.

American University Washington College of Law

Professor of Law and Dean Emeritus

1985 - Present

Washington, DC, USA

Founded in 1896 by two pioneering women, the college continues to build upon this tradition of inclusive excellence by offering an exemplary professional education featuring top programs in clinical legal education, international law, trial advocacy, intellectual property, law & government and many more. Professor Grossman became Dean in 1985 and Dean Emeritus in 2016.

Other Business Interests

ABA Rule of Law Initiative

Board Member

2014 - Jan 2017

Washington, DC, USA

The mission of the American Bar Association Rule of Law Initiative is to promote justice, economic opportunity and human dignity through the rule of law.

Current Non-Executive Positions

Institut de Droit International

Associate Member

2019 - Present

Geneva, CH

Established in 1873, the Institut de Droit International (The Institute of International Law) is an organization devoted to the study and development of international law, whose membership comprises the world's leading public international lawyers.

Previous Non-Executive Positions

United Nations, Committee Against Torture

Chair

2003 - 2015

The Committee Against Torture (CAT) is the body of 10 independent experts that monitors implementation of the Convention against Torture & Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment by its State parties. Professor Grossman was chair between 2008 - 2015 and vice chair between 2003 - 2008.

United Nations Human Rights Treaty Bodies

Chair

May 2013 - May 2014

The Human Rights Treaty Bodies are committees of independent experts that monitor implementation of the core international human rights treaties. Each State party to a treaty has an obligation to take steps to ensure that everyone in the State can enjoy the rights set out in the treaty.

Philanthropy

RFK / Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights

Board Director

May 2010 - Present

New York, NY, USA

Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights, founded in 1968, is led by human rights activist and lawyer Kerry Kennedy and advocates for a more just and peaceful world. Working alongside local activists to ensure lasting positive change in governments and corporations, the RFK team includes leading attorneys, advocates, entrepreneurs and writers united by a commitment to social justice.

Inter-American Institute of Human Rights

President

1990 - Present

Professor Grossman has been involved in the Inter-American Institute of Human Rights since 1990. He currently serves as President after his reelection until 2022 and prior to this, held the roles of: President from 2014 - 2018; Board Member from 2011 - 2014; Member, General Assembly, from 1993 - 2014; Council member, from 1990- 2002.

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Publications

Professor Grossman's Publications

Author

Washington, DC, USA

Professor Grossman is the author of numerous publications regarding international law, international organizations & human rights. For a complete listing please go to https://www.wcl.american.edu/community/faculty/cv/grossman

Memberships

United Nations, International Law Commission

Member

Jan 2017 - Present

Geneva, CH

The International Law Commission was created in 1947 by the UN General Assembly, which comprises a body of recognized experts in international law, that works on the progressive development and codification of international law.

Commission for the Control of Interpol's Files

Member

Feb 2005 - Mar 2011

The Commission for the Control of INTERPOL's Files (known as the Commission, or the CCF) is an independent, impartial body, officially responsible for ensuring that the processing of personal data by the INTERPOL General Secretariat conforms to the applicable INTERPOL rules.