Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
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Benjamin Rodriguez

Private Law
Pohnpei,FM

Summary

With a distinguished career in the judiciary and legal sectors, including a pivotal role at the Pohnpei Supreme Court, I excel in legal writing and leadership. My tenure has been marked by developing strategies to enhance judicial responsiveness and fostering collaborative environments, demonstrating a profound impact on legal systems and organizational success.

Overview

34
34
years of professional experience
2
2
Certifications

Work History

Legal Counsel

Nett District Government
09.2019 - Current
  • Drafted proposed laws or legislation for the legislative branch;
  • Provide legal advice on legislative matters.
  • Draft proposed laws or legislation for the executive branch
  • Provide legal advice on executive matters
  • Draft memos, contracts and interpret the municipal ordinances and other duties as well
  • Draft rules for the Nett District Court
  • Provide advise on judicial matters including pending cases; appeals, etc.

Executive Director

Pohnpei Chamber of Commerce
09.2019 - 07.2022
  • Managed a diverse team of professionals, fostering a collaborative work environment for increased productivity.
  • Developed and implemented organizational strategies to achieve set goals and objectives and secured long-term success.
  • Worked closely with organizational leadership and board of directors to guide operational strategy.
  • Developed strategic partnerships with key stakeholders to expand the organization''s reach and influence.
  • Develop budget for the chambers and attend online and in person meetings or hearings, etc.

Assistant Attorney

Micronesian Legal Services
07.2019 - 08.2019
  • Researched and interpreted laws, rulings and regulations to advise clients on business and legal transactions.
  • Participated in mediation sessions leading to cost-effective resolutions without resorting to lengthy trial procedures.
  • Drafted comprehensive legal documents such as pleadings, motions, briefs, contracts, wills, and trusts for various clients.
  • Drafted and reviewed contracts for clients, ensuring accuracy and compliance with applicable laws while protecting their interests.
  • Do other duties.

Chief Justice

Pohnpei Supreme Court
09.2010 - 05.2019
  • Worked collaboratively colleagues develop strategies increase judicial system''s effectiveness responsiveness evolving societal needs.
  • Improved public perception of the judiciary by engaging in community events, speaking engagements, and educational initiatives.
  • Handled high-profile cases with professionalism, ensuring that all parties received due process and equal protection under the law.
  • Contributed development of policies procedures enhance overall operations within courthouse fostering more efficient work environment staff.
  • Handled all administrative matters of the judiciary branch,
  • Attend meetings, conferences and other gatherings as representative of the judiciary; do other duties as well

Associate Justice

Pohnpei Supreme Court
10.2006 - 08.2010
  • Handled a diverse caseload spanning constitutional law, civil rights claims, criminal matters, and administrative appeals efficiently and fairly.
  • Maintained high ethical standards in all aspects of work, fostering public confidence in the judiciary system.
  • Contributed to the fair administration of justice by presiding over hearings and trials in a timely and impartial manner.
  • Reviewed appellate briefs and records to identify critical legal issues for oral argument preparation.
  • And other duties involving the role of a judge.

National Justice Ombudsman

FSM National Supreme Court
11.2000 - 09.2006
  • Worked collaboratively colleagues develop strategies increase judicial system''s effectiveness responsiveness evolving societal needs.
  • Improved public perception of the judiciary by engaging in community events, speaking engagements, and educational initiatives.
  • Handled high-profile cases with professionalism, ensuring that all parties received due process and equal protection under the law.
  • Contributed development of policies procedures enhance overall operations within courthouse fostering more efficient work environment staff.
  • Draft pre-sentence reports to assist the justices in their sentencing of criminals
  • Served in the court room during trials as ombudsman; do other duties as assigned.

Legislative Aide

Pohnpei State Legislature
03.1991 - 10.2000


  • Enhanced legislative productivity by conducting thorough research and analysis on policy issues.
  • Gathered support for bills and amendments from other members and worked with committees on legislation.
  • Provided excellent customer service to constituents by responding promptly to inquiries and addressing concerns effectively.
  • Draft standing committee reports and other correspondence as instructed by the committee or individual senators.
  • Attend hearings and other meetings as required by the committees' or the Legislature.
  • Draft proposals (legislations); amend laws; do other duties as may be assigned.

Lab Assistant

Pohnpei State Hospital
09.1990 - 02.1991
  • Ensured accurate test results with proper use of lab equipment and adherence to protocols.
  • Prepared specimens for testing and analysis.
  • Learned multiple molecular biological techniques.
  • Prepared samples for centrifugation, aliquoting and preserving sample integrity.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Biology/Chemisty- PreMed

Colorado State University-Pueblo
Pueblo, Colorado
04.2001 -

Skills

Legal writing

Legal Research

Family law

Contract drafting

Litigation Management

Employment law

Legal Analysis

Case analysis

Leadership and Management

Budget Management

Certification

Member of the FSM Bar

Timeline

Legal Counsel

Nett District Government
09.2019 - Current

Executive Director

Pohnpei Chamber of Commerce
09.2019 - 07.2022

Assistant Attorney

Micronesian Legal Services
07.2019 - 08.2019

Chief Justice

Pohnpei Supreme Court
09.2010 - 05.2019

Training of Trainers Certificate- South Pacific

06-2008

Associate Justice

Pohnpei Supreme Court
10.2006 - 08.2010

Member of the FSM Bar

07-2001

Bachelor of Science - Biology/Chemisty- PreMed

Colorado State University-Pueblo
04.2001 -

National Justice Ombudsman

FSM National Supreme Court
11.2000 - 09.2006

Legislative Aide

Pohnpei State Legislature
03.1991 - 10.2000

Lab Assistant

Pohnpei State Hospital
09.1990 - 02.1991
Benjamin RodriguezPrivate Law