Attorney Ashton Richardson will be continuing his education in the Master of Advanced Studies (MAS) in International Law which is a part of the Geneva Academy's 2026–2028 Executive Master programme.
PHILIPSBURG--St. Maarten attorney-at-law Ashton Richardson has been admitted to the Geneva Academy's 2026–2028 Executive Master – Master of Advanced Studies (MAS) in International Law in Armed Conflict, while also completing his second Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) through the University of Curaçao.
Richardson, an attorney with Brooks & Associates N.V., has practised law for more than five years, with experience in constitutional and administrative law, immigration, human rights, criminal law and civil law. His practice has included administrative and human-rights litigation in St. Maarten and the wider Dutch Caribbean.
Richardson obtained his first LL.B. in International and European Law from The Hague University of Applied Sciences before earning an LL.M. in Global Criminal Law from the University of Groningen, where he graduated with honours. He also completed a one-year internship with the Trial Chambers of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon in The Hague, gaining experience in international criminal law, legal procedure and judicial administration.
After returning to St. Maarten, Richardson joined Brooks & Associates, where he has continued his professional and academic development under the mentorship of senior attorney Brenda Brooks, LL.M. His latest academic appointment is with the Geneva Academy of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights, a joint centre of the University of Geneva's Faculty of Law and the Geneva Graduate Institute.
The two-year programme focuses on international law in armed conflict and will allow Richardson to further specialise in international humanitarian law, human rights and international criminal law while continuing his legal practice in St. Maarten.
Only 40 participants are admitted to each cohort, bringing together legal professionals from different countries and professional backgrounds. Richardson said the programme will provide an opportunity to deepen his expertise while gaining a broader international perspective that can be applied to his legal work.
He is also pursuing a longer-term ambition of serving as a judge and contributing to the administration of justice and the strengthening of the rule of law in St. Maarten. Richardson expressed gratitude to his family, particularly his mother for their continued support as well as to his clients and colleagues for their trust. He also credited Brooks for her mentorship and role in his professional development. Richardson will continue practising at Brooks & Associates while completing the Geneva Academy programme.
