David Tolbert, J.D Closed Now

David Tolbert, J.D., is an internationally recognized leader in transitional justice, international criminal law, and human rights. With a career spanning decades in international tribunals and justice institutions, he has played a central role in developing accountability mechanisms for societies emerging from conflict and repression.

Tolbert served as President of the International Center for Transitional Justice (ICTJ) from 2010 to 2018. Under his leadership, ICTJ expanded its global reach, working in more than 30 countries to advance truth-seeking, reparations, institutional reform, and prosecutions. His tenure emphasized victim-centered approaches and highlighted the importance of linking transitional justice to peacebuilding and development.

Before joining ICTJ, Tolbert held senior positions at the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY), including Deputy Chief Prosecutor and Registrar. At the ICTY, he was deeply involved in high-profile cases addressing war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide in the Balkans. He also represented the tribunal in outreach efforts, ensuring that justice processes were connected to affected communities.

In addition, Tolbert worked with the Special Tribunal for Lebanon, the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC), and the Special Court for Sierra Leone, giving him direct experience across some of the most significant international justice institutions of the past three decades.

As a scholar and advocate, Tolbert has written extensively on transitional justice, international courts, and the challenges of accountability in post-conflict societies. He has lectured at leading universities and advised governments, the UN, and civil society organizations on transitional justice strategies.

Today, Tolbert continues to serve as a consultant and advisor on justice and accountability initiatives worldwide, reinforcing his lifelong commitment to ensuring that victims of atrocities have access to truth, justice, and reparations.

Last work experience / company:
International Center for Transitional Justice (ICTJ)
International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY)