Identified as one of "Washington's Top Lawyers" by Washingtonian magazine (December 2004), Mr. Kester's practice is in general litigation, both civil and criminal, with a heavy emphasis on appellate matters. He has argued before the Supreme Court of the United States on several occasions, including in important constitutional cases. He also has successfully focused on the difficult process of obtaining grants of review from the Supreme Court, and also has presented amicus curiae briefs to the Court in major cases. Mr. Kester has briefed and argued dozens of cases in federal courts of appeals throughout the country, as well as in many state supreme courts and appellate courts. He has been recognized by the National Association of Attorneys General for counseling lawyers in improving their advocacy before the Supreme Court. Mr. Kester also has particular experience in federal administrative law, including significant cases interpreting major federal regulatory statutes such as the Environmental Protection Act and the Americans With Disabilities Act. In federal affairs he draws on experience in government service at high levels of the Department of Defense, and has been counsel in cases involving legal regulation of political activity. He also has handled a number of cases involving international extradition, and is author of a widely-cited article on the subject. Other Government ServiceStanding Committee on Rules of Practice and Procedure, United States Judicial Conference, 2005 White House Fellows Regional Selection Panel, 1980-1985 President's Chemical Warfare Review Commission, 1985 Academic Advisory Board, U.S. Naval Academy, 1979-1983 Board of Visitors, U.S. Air Force Academy, 1979-1981 The Special Assistant to the Secretary and Deputy Secretary of Defense, 1977-1978 Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army, 1969-1972 Assistant to the General Counsel, Department of the Army, 1965-1968 Professional ExperienceDirector, Historical Society of the District of Columbia Circuit Fellow, American Bar Foundation |