THE INTERNATIONAL Criminal Court (ICC) has appointed Dov Jacobs, an expert in international and criminal law, as associate counsel to former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s legal team.
The appointment, requested by lead counsel Nicholas Kaufman, was confirmed by the ICC Registry on April 3, 2025, following Jacobs’ acceptance. The document formalizing his appointment was made public on April 7.
According to the ICC, Jacobs has signed the solemn undertakings required by Article 5 of the ICC’s Code of Professional Conduct.
Jacobs’ LinkedIn profile indicates he is a Defense Trial Lawyer at the ICC with 15 years of experience in international law, international criminal law, and human rights. He is a recognized expert in his field, teaches at various universities, and provides training for ICC counsel.
He also serves as a consultant and trial lawyer at the ICC and is the founder of Strategic International Legal Consulting (SILC). He will work alongside lead counsel, Atty. Nicholas Kaufman.
Jacobs’ official website reveals his current involvement in the defense teams of Laurent Gbagbo and Mahamat Said at the ICC, as well as the Félicien Kabuga case at the Mechanism for International Criminal Tribunals.
He has also served as Amicus Curiae in the Afghanistan and Palestine situations at the ICC.
The ICC currently holds Duterte in custody at The Hague, following his arrest and transfer for alleged crimes against humanity committed during his administration’s “war on drugs.”
Photo courtesy of ICC
