A governance consultant and licensed attorney advising on special economic zones and special jurisdictions.
MICHAEL CASTLE-MILLER
is a governance consultant who has served as an advisor to governments, international organizations, civil society, and private investors in over 30 countries. He specializes in the legal and public policy frameworks for special jurisdictions -- such as special economic zones and semi-autonomous areas -- that improve governance for developing countries. He has drafted laws and regulations, helped create administrative agencies, design policy reforms, and structure public-private partnerships. He is the Founder and Executive Director of Politas, which provides innovative legal and policy solutions to help cities and special jurisdictions achieve inclusive growth.
Michael's professional experience ranges from legal and policy consulting to real estate negotiation, and from organizational management to community engagement. Michael was the Managing Director of Locus Economica, a boutique SEZ consulting firm advising on numerous World Bank, UN, and other donor projects. Michael also served as a consultant with the World Bank, working on urban law and development issues. Before that, he worked for the Public International Law and Policy Group.
Countries assisted include: Vanuatu, Laos, Myanmar, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Ethiopia, S. Sudan, Kenya, Rwanda, Zambia, Lesotho, Senegal, Sao Tome & Principe, Libya, Rep. of Georgia, Serbia/Kosovo, Brazil, Chile, Peru, Honduras, The Bahamas, Mexico, the U.S. and the Catawba Nation (U.S. Federally Recognized Tribe).
Michael earned a J.D., summa cum laude, from American University, Washington College of Law and an M.A. in International Politics from American University, School of International Service. His work has been featured in National Geographic, fDi Magazine, der Standard, Christian Science Monitor, and Weltwoche. His publications in legal journals cover the political economy of international trade and investment, comparative local government, “Charter Cities,” U.S. immigration law, and expropriation jurisprudence. He has given talks and participated in panel discussions on special jurisdictions at several conferences internationally.
Michael is a member of the Pacific Council on International Policy and a Senior Program Officer of WEPZA, a trade association of SEZ practitioners. He is also an active member of the New York State Bar Association and licensed to practice law in New York.
Michael is based in New York, where he is enveloped by nature in the Hudson Valley with easy access to New York City.
