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Public Service

A career dedicated to public service, legal leadership, and

advancing the public interest.

Jay Lefkowitz served in senior legal and policy roles across two presidential administrations. In August 2005, President George W. Bush appointed him the first United States Special Envoy for Human Rights in North Korea, a position created by the North Korean Human Rights Act of 2004 and based in the State Department's Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor.

 

He held the role until January 2009, working with international organizations and NGOs on humanitarian coordination, pressing regional governments on refugee protection, and expanding Radio Free Asia broadcasting into a country that permitted its citizens almost no outside information. Earlier, he was Deputy Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy and Director of the Domestic Policy Council, and General Counsel of the Office of Management and Budget.

 

Jay Lefkowitz began his government service in the administration of President George H. W. Bush as Director of Cabinet Affairs and Deputy Executive Secretary of the Domestic Policy Council, and has served as a public member of the United States delegation to the UN Commission on Human Rights in Geneva.

Government Service

Jay served in senior leadership positions at the White House and the Office of Management and Budget, including as Deputy Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy and General Counsel of the Office of Management and Budget.

Human Rights Advocacy

As the U.S. Special Envoy for Human Rights in North Korea, Jay worked with governments, international organizations, and civil society to promote human rights and religious freedom.

Law & Public Policy

Throughout his career, Jay has contributed to public policy through legal advocacy, government service, legal education, and published commentary on constitutional law, education, national security, and human rights.

Legal Education

Jay serves as a Lecturer in Law at Columbia Law School, contributing to legal education through teaching and public engagement.

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