Making Freedom His Business: A Conversation with the Foremost Human Rights Lawyer: Jared Genser

HLTH Forward Podcast

In this compelling podcast episode, I engage in a profound conversation with Jared Genser, renowned as "The Extractor" by The New York Times, acknowledging his tireless efforts in liberating political prisoners globally. Serving as pro bono counsel to five Nobel Peace Prize Laureates, Genser's impact is highlighted by his representation of figures like Aung San Suu Kyi, Liu Xiaobo, and Ales Bialiatski—individuals whose laurels were earned while enduring imprisonment. The discussion navigates through the intricacies of Genser's journey, unraveling his unwavering dedication, resilience, and profound belief in the inherent right to freedom.

As we explore the profound stories behind Aung San Suu Kyi, Liu Xiaobo, and Ales Bialiatski, imprisoned laureates whom Genser has championed, the podcast delves into the intersectionality of human rights and the pressing need for justice on a global scale. Genser's commitment to serving as the legal voice for those who have been silenced sheds light on the challenges inherent in navigating complex legal landscapes while advocating for fundamental rights.

Genser's narrative unfolds as a testament to the delicate balance required when fighting for the rights of others, emphasizing the need to align legal strategies with a moral compass.
In essence, this podcast episode serves as a powerful exploration of Jared Genser's life and work, offering a profound understanding of the challenges and triumphs that come with being at the forefront of human rights advocacy. It inspires reflection on the shared values of dedication, resilience, and the pursuit of freedom, both in the legal arena and in the broader context of conducting business with dignity.
About
Jared Genser has been an international human rights lawyer for over two decades. He is Managing Director of Perseus Strategies, a public interest law firm, Special Advisor on the Responsibility to Protect to the Organization of American States, and outside General Counsel to the Neurorights Foundation. Referred to by the New York Times as “The Extractor” for his work freeing political prisoners worldwide, he has served as pro bono counsel to five Nobel Peace Prize Laureates, including the last three Laureates who won their Prize while imprisoned — Aung San Suu Kyi (Burma, 2006-2010), Liu Xiaobo (China, 2010-2017), and Ales Bialiatski (Belarus, 2023-Present) — as well as Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Elie Wiesel.

Genser was previously a partner in the government affairs practice of DLA Piper LLP and a management consultant with McKinsey & Company. He has also been an Adjunct Professor of Law at Georgetown University Law Center, the University of Pennsylvania Law School, and the University of Michigan Law School, across which he taught semester-long seminars about the UN Security Council seven times.

In addition, he was an Associate of the Carr Center for Human Rights Policy at Harvard University from 2014-2016, a Visiting Fellow with the National Endowment for Democracy from 2006-2007, and earlier in his career was named by the National Law Journal as one of “40 Under 40: Washington’s Rising Stars.” Genser’s other past clients have included former Czech Republic President Václav Havel, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, and former Maldives President Mohamed Nasheed. Over his career, he has also advised multilateral institutions, governments, companies, foundations, and civil society organizations on ensuring their work was consistent with international human rights, labor rights, and environmental rights standards. Coming from his experience freeing his first client as a law student, in 2001 he founded Freedom Now

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