Meet Our Founders
And their Story....

"Lawyers should be chosen because they can demonstrate a history rich in human traits, the ability to care, the courage to fight, the will to win, a concern for the human condition, a passion for justice and simple uncompromising honesty. These are the traits of the lawyer."

~ Gerry Spence
(Noteworthy American Lawyer and Author)

How the Right Team, Working Together, made that Goal into their Mission...

This team of partner lawyers set out to make this noble goal something more tangible, to fulfill its planned mission.  The "International Innocence Initiative," incorporated as a not-for-profit endeavor, is the manifestation of their vision, as experienced and well-known international lawyers who became fed up with witnessing injustices time and time again all over the world. Kurt, as the principal founder, and co-founders Van and Dragan have committed themselves to bring this aspirational dream to fruition. They truly believe that it is a fundamental duty to contribute to the pursuit of justice by Defending the Innocent, Around the World, Together. Toward that end, they have accepted this ambitious enterprise and burden by agreeing to proudly volunteer their knowledge and experience for the benefit of the "Initiative" and to serve as initial directors of the not-for-profit "International Innocence Initiative" upon its corporate formation in 2022.  Having set the lofty goal of providing legal help to those in need wherever they may be on the planet, this mission of the "International Innocence Initiative" requires a committed and strong team.  A team that will grow and expand.  A team as dedicated to the cause as its founders.  Together, as a team, we can help ensure that anyone who needs legal aid, especially in a foreign jurisdiction or land, will have the access and means to attain it - through the work of the "International Innocence Initiative."  Together we are stronger!  Are you ready to do your part to help the mission?

How it all started...
One Person with a Noble Goal...

The International Innocence Initiative began as an aspirational goal of renowned American and International Defense Attorney, Kurt Kerns of Wichita, Kansas. Already successful as a Warrior Lawyer, and highly rated as a Super Lawyer (among other accolades in his chosen field of law), he set out to bring his vision of "Defending the Innocent, Around the World, Together" to fruition. He found success as an individual attorney, but the impact he could make as one person was limited.  After years of planning and preparation, he found like-minded souls, aligning himself with them and convincing them to dedicate themselves to this worthy endeavor.  

Every Donation   
Counts

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Pursuing Justice by Defending Innocent People, Around the World, Together!

Our Founders/Directors photographed before the International Court of Justice (the "Peace Palace") at The Hague, Netherlands

KURT P. KERNS

Founding Executive Director
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DRAGAN D. IVETIC

Co-Founder & Director
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VAN Z. HAMPTON

Co-Founder & Director
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Meet the Corporate Team

OUR CREW.

The Core work of our not-for-profit endeavor is carried out tirelessly by our dedicated directors who have agreed to undertake dual roles.  While fulfilling their corporate duties, they ensure that the work of the not-for-profit known as the  "International Innocence Initiative" is undertaken professionally and properly.  Using the wisdom of their combined knowledge and vast experiences, and relying on their numerous contacts and affiliated law practitioners around the world, they seek to obtain legal representation for those in need - wherever they are on the planet!

VAN Z. HAMPTON

Co-Founder & 
Director
Licensed as an Attorney since 1987.

Former District Judge and Chief Judge of the 16th Judicial District of Kansas.

Former Chair of the ICCBA Professional Standards Advisory Committee (the Bar Association of the ICC).

Authorized to practice law in several jurisdictions (both in the United States and Internationally).







External Link to Firm Biography (More Extensive)

KURT P. KERNS

Founding Executive 
Director
Licensed as an Attorney since 1991.

Listed in Best Lawyers in America, and he’s been selected for inclusion in Super Lawyers for ten years.

For several years, Kurt proudly served on the board of governors for the Kansas Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and he currently holds a lifetime membership to the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.

Authorized to practice law in several jurisdictions (both in the United States and Internationally).

External Link to Firm Biography (More Extensive)

DRAGAN D. IVETIC

Co-Founder &
Director
Licensed as an Attorney since 1999.

Former President of the Association of Defence Counsel Practicing before International Courts and Tribunals (the Bar Association of the UN -Intl. Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals).

Current Chair of the ICCBA Defence Section (the Bar Association of the ICC).

Authorized to practice law in several jurisdictions (both in the United States and Internationally).



External Link to Firm Biography (More Extensive)

We are always looking for more Brave Volunteers to join our noble cause and become part of the "Initiative"!

"Few will have the greatness to bend history itself, but each of us can work to change a small portion of events. It is from numberless diverse acts of courage and belief that human history is shaped. Each time a man stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope, and crossing each other from a million different centers of energy and daring those ripples build a current which can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance. "

(Robert F. Kennedy)
“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly"

"As my sufferings mounted I soon realized that there were two ways in which I could respond to my situation -- either to react with bitterness or seek to transform the suffering into a creative force. I decided to follow the latter course.”

(Martin Luther King, Jr.)

JOIN US!

Every gift has a HUGE impact.

Legal

A portion of each donation helps pay for the time our team spends preparing for each case.  Typically our cases require both a local attorney in the place of arrest and an attorney from the Initiative.

Expenses

Donations help pay for food, gas, and lodging for our legal team as they work to help others. Translations, transcripts, and other legal expenses are also paid for by donations

Fees

Your gift helps to offset any additional court fees or Expert Witness fees associated with the cases that we take on.

Travel

Our team often travels large distances to meet our clients, who may be all over the world. Donations help offset travel costs.

Now is the time to give.

Much of our work is time sensitive. Every gift is immediately put into action in the fight against injustice.
Donate Now
mail@innocenceinitative.org

+1 (312) 204-7252

+1 (800) 486-2950 [Toll Free]

161 N. Clark St., Suite 1700
Chicago, Illinois, 60601
United States of America
Headquarters in Chicago
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INTERNATIONAL INNOCENCE INITIATIVE


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