phd in international trade law

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Fall 2019 • Course

Managing International Trade and Investment

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PhD Programme in Law

The opportunity to undertake advanced legal research at one of the world's best law schools.

The London School of Economics is a world centre for advanced research and teaching with an outstanding reputation, with a campus situated in the heart of London, one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world. Only a short distance from Europe's financial, legal and cultural centres, LSE stands at the crossroads of international debate, a location that is fundamental to our identity as an outward looking institution with an active involvement in UK and world affairs. Each year the School attracts many influential outside speakers. Regular events and seminars involving politicians, regulators, practitioners and academics take place to complement your studies. 

LSE Law School is one of the UK's pre-eminent research institutions for law. Our academics are the authors of influential and often path-breaking scholarship, and many have globally leading reputations.  LSE Law is also one of UK's largest law schools, with over 70 academic members of staff. It is a uniquely cosmopolitan academic community, with staff and students coming from all over the world.  Our academics draw on a wide range of literatures and traditions, and pursue analyses that seek to situate the law within the political, social and economic context within which it is formed and operates. 

PhD Programme

The PhD programme at the London School of Economics and Political Science offers the opportunity to undertake advanced legal research at one of the world's best law schools. Students in our PhD programme receive excellent training and work under the supervision of leading scholars with strong international, comparative and interdisciplinary commitments. Our doctoral students become members of a lively academic community which is at the cutting-edge of legal scholarship and which plays a major role in the education of lawyers and law teachers from around the world.

We hope that the questions you have about our PhD programme will be answered in these web pages. If you have additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact us , or see our Frequently Asked Questions  ...

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Georgetown Law

International trade law.

Generally, international trade law includes the rules and customs governing trade between countries. International trade lawyers may focus on applying domestic laws to international trade, and applying treaty-based international law governing trade.

Two main areas of international trade on the domestic side include trade remedy work and export controls/sanctions. Trade remedies are tools used by the government to take corrective action against imports that are causing material injury to a domestic industry because of unfair foreign pricing and/or foreign government subsidies. An example of a trade remedy includes antidumping duties set forth by the International Trade Commission (“ITC”) in response to dumping;this occurs when a foreign company sells a product in the U.S. that is below the price it sells for in its ‘home market’ and thus causes harm to the U.S. industry.

Export control laws govern the exportation of sensitive equipment, software, and technology for reasons related to foreign policy objectives and national security. Three U.S. government agencies have the authority to issue export licenses, including: Department of State; Department of Commerce; and Department of Treasury. Violations of export control laws can carry both civil and criminal penalties.

On the international treaty front, companies may need advice on the rules of the World Trade Organization (“WTO”), which is a formal international organization that regulates trade. Other relevant treaties include the North American Free Trade Agreement (“NAFTA”) and bilateral investment treaties.

Some firm practices focus on only one aspect of the law (such as antidumping), whereas others are very broad practice groups that touch all areas of international trade. The predicted growth area for the future is the laws surrounding data and privacy information flow, since what is permissible differs greatly by country.

What do international trade lawyers do?

International trade lawyers may advise both U.S. companies doing business abroad and foreign businesses operating in the U.S. Companies hire international trade attorneys to counsel them on the relevant international trade rules, advise them on compliance with such rules, as well as to conduct internal investigations, prepare voluntary disclosures, and/or represent them in enforcement actions related to the violation of such rules.

On the domestic side, international trade attorneys may represent their clients before the ITC or the Department of Commerce (“DOC”) regarding disputes related to import laws and remedies (e.g., antidumping actions). If the ITC, DOC, or U.S. Customs and Border Protection make a determination that a client disagrees with, the attorney may represent the client in a protest at the Court of International Trade. Lawyers will also assist clients with customs classification, valuation, and rules of origin matters. International trade attorneys will also help their clients secure the proper license from the DOC or Department of State to export goods. The lawyers may assist companies looking to acquire a U.S. target that is under review by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (“CFIUS”), a committee that reviews the national security implications of investment in U.S. assets.

Trade lawyers on the international side handle a lot of disputes, for which the WTO is the primary arbitrator. Only sovereign states can bring disputes to the WTO, and the United States does not hire outside counsel to represent them in these matters, so international trade attorneys often represent other countries. Attorneys may also become involved in lobbying efforts on behalf of their clients to influence international rules.

What to do if you’re interested in pursuing a career in International Trade Law

Language skills can be a real asset, especially for investigations work and international trade disputes. Many government agencies will break down by region, including the Department of Commerce. Other useful skills include writing, applying complex statutes, negotiation, and an understanding of banking/finance. For trade remedy work, there are a lot of numbers involved, so a background in economics can be helpful.

Georgetown Law Courses/Clinics

Statutory Interpretation Administrative Law Corporations International Trade Other International Law courses WTO Certificate (or courses within the certificate program)

Georgetown Law Student Groups

International Law Society

Relevant Bar Associations

• Washington International Trade Association
• ABA Section on International Law, International Trade Committee  (loves having student members!)
• Customs &International Trade Bar Association  (accepts student members)
• Women in International Trade
• DC Bar, International Law Section

Where it’s Hot

While a lot of the international trade work is done in the Washington, DC area, you don’t need to be here in order to practice international trade. There is a lot of work in Silicon Valley. The Department of Commerce has opened offices in both San Francisco/Silicon Valley. Customs practices exist wherever you can find a major port, and international trade compliance can be found anywhere, though the work may be industry based in locations outside of DC. The majority of trade remedies work is found in the DC area, though there is a little work in New York.

Helpful International Trade Law Resources

• Law360: International Trade  (subscribe for free to daily newsletter alerts)
• International Trade Law News
• WorldTradeLaw.net  (free resource library and paid subscription service)
• ASIL Presents: Preparing for a Career in International Law (58:14) ( PowerPoint Slides )
• ABA Section on International Law, International Trade Committee

Representative Internship/Fellowship Opportunities

• Government: Department of Justice; Treasury (Office of Foreign Assets Control); Department of Commerce; ITC; Office of the U.S. Trade Representative; Federal Trade Commission; Department of State; International Trade Administration; Securities Enforcement Commission; Department of Homeland Security Office of Customs; Patent Trade Office; United States Agency for International Development (“USAID”)
• World Trade Organization
• International Finance Corporation
• Export-Import Bank of the United States
• Overseas Private Investment Corporation (“OPIC”)
• Boutique firms
• Large firms

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Home » Online PhD in International Law and Treaty Law (DILT)

Online PhD in International Law and Treaty Law (DILT)

Online phd in international law and treaty law.

This highly specialized PhD program offers in-depth and comprehensive coursework in international law.

It is one of the world’s only two doctoral programs in this field offered by an intergovernmental organization constituted under international law (the other being offered by the European University Institute and it is a PhD in Law more generally, with a European emphasis).

EUCLID (Pôle Universitaire Euclide | Euclid University), an international intergovernmental organization with a university mandate, offers to select students from the general public an external (distance or online) degree program called the EUCLID DILT which is a full PhD in International Law and Treaty Law.

In terms of academic progression, EUCLID’s intention is to offer a credible path leading from the LLM (24 credits) to the MSc (additional 12 credits) and finally to the PhD (another 25 credits of coursework or directed studies, followed by the dissertation).

As a public non-profit institution, EUCLID is able to offer affordable, low-tuition programs.

Academic Presentation

This specialized PhD program focuses on the actual practice of States and intergovernmental organizations, rather than the advancement of academic knowledge for its own sake. It has primarily been designed to be used by professional diplomats working for EUCLID Participating States and can be considered an excellent route to pursue a career within governmental bodies, international law firms, academia, NGOs and international organizations.

Thanks to its low tuition and institutional relationships, it is designed to be of special interest to African and Small States students.

Within certain parameters, the curriculum is customizable, with elective courses focusing on:

• International organizations
• European Law
• Maritime law
• Treaty drafting and case studies.

Above:  International Law: Lights and Shadows

Admissions / Entry Requirements for the PhD:

Applicants should have a relevant JD, LLM or Master’s degree issued by an institution listed in the UNESCO-IAU WHED handbook / database. Similar or related backgrounds with adequate professional experience may be considered.

Employment Outlook

The EUCLID LLM program provides outstanding professional and academic preparation to its students for a successful career in global affairs at the international, regional, national and local levels. Our alumni have been successful securing employment and promotions in government service and international organizations, including at the level of ambassador and minister.

Faculty Highlights

EUCLID’s online PhD in International Law and Treaty Law program is supported by a world-class faculty group which is truly global in scope and dedicated to high-quality interaction with each student. For each program, 3 faculty members are featured below, and the full faculty roster is accessible via the top menu.

Robin van Puyenbroeck

Pr Charles Doubane

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LL.M. in International Trade Law / WTO Law

Usually a one-year, full-time program, an LL.M. in International Trade Law / WTO Law typically focuses on public international law (where it intersects with trade law), as well as regulatory bodies like the World Trade Organization (WTO). It can be a great degree for many students, and is especially suited for law professionals whose interests lie in trade treaties, the economic relations between states, or the laws that govern trade.

Typically, an LL.M. in International Trade Law will cover a variety of topics in business, commerce, investments, and more. The programs in this field might include classes in International Economic Law, International Tax Law, International Commercial Arbitration, Investment Law, and more. Some degrees might also offer specific courses addressing important regulatory bodies, such as the WTO.

Besides topical classes, some International...

Typically, an LL.M. in International Trade Law will cover a variety of topics in business, commerce, investments, and more. The programs in this field might include classes in International Economic Law, International Tax Law, International Commercial Arbitration, Investment Law, and more. Some degrees might also offer specific courses addressing important regulatory bodies, such as the WTO.

Besides topical classes, some International Trade Law LL.M.s might also offer students the opportunity to complete a thesis or research project in their field of interest. Other master's degree programs might also offer internship components, so that students can get hands-on experience in international trade law. 

Students who graduate with an LL.M. in International Trade Law have a range of career options. Some students opt to practice law in a law firm that focuses on international investments or has commercial clients who operate internationally; others might go on to successful careers at the WTO or other regulatory bodies.

See all law schools offering LL.M.s in International Trade Law / WTO Law below.

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All LL.M. Programs in International Trade Law / WTO Law

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Full-Time: Master of Laws (LL.M.), Executive Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Global Business Law more…

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Full-Time: Master of Laws LLM, Competition Law LLM, European Law LLM, Intellectual Property & Information Law LLM, International Business Law LLM more…

Distance Learning: International Financial and Commercial Law LLM more…

Full-Time: European Private Law LL.M., European Competition Law and Regulation (International and European Law) LL.M., European Union Law (Internationa... more…

Full-Time: LL.M. (Master of Laws), LL.M. in Art, Business and Law, LL.M. in Banking and Finance Law, LL.M. in Commercial and Corporate Law, LL.M. in Co... more…

Part-Time: Postgraduate Diploma in Law, Postgraduate Diploma in Law more…

Distance Learning: LL.M. in International Dispute Resolution, Postgraduate Diploma in Technology, Media and Telecommunications Law, International Relations MA more…

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Dual Degree: Double Master's Program with Thammasat University, Sorbonne Law School - Queen Mary University of London Double LL.M., Dual LL.M. in Commerc... more…

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Full-Time: LL.M. in Banking, Corporate, and Finance Law, LL.M. in Corporate Compliance, LL.M. in Fashion Law, LL.M. in Intellectual Property and Inform... more…

Distance Learning: Online LL.M. in U.S. Law more…

By Research: Doctor of Juridical Science (S.J.D.) more…

Full-Time: LL.M. in U.S. Law, Energy, Environment, and Natural Resources Law LL.M., Health Law LL.M., Intellectual Property & Information Law LL.M., In... more…

Full-Time: Master in International Law, Foreign Trade & International Relations, Master in International Sports Law, Master in Sports Management and Le... more…

Distance Learning: Master in International Business Law, Contracting and International Relations, Global Master in International Sports Law, Global Master in S... more…

Full-Time: International Trade and Business Law LL.M., Indigenous Peoples Law and Policy LL.M., General LL.M., Master of Legal Studies (MLS) more…

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By Research: Indigenous Peoples Law and Policy SJD, International Trade and Business Law SJD more…

Full-Time: LL.M. in International Maritime Law, LL.M. in International Commercial and Maritime Law, LL.M. in Oil, Gas and Renewable Energy Law, LL.M. i... more…

Full-Time: LL.M. General Law, LL.M. Corporate Finance and Law, LL.M. Criminal Justice, LL.M. Criminal Justice & Human Rights, Energy Transition Law wit... more…

Part-Time: Executive LLM in Energy Law, The North Sea Energy Law Programme (NSELP) more…

Distance Learning: LL.M. Dispute Resolution, LL.M. International Trade Law, LL.M. Oil and Gas Law with Dissertation, LL.M. Oil and Gas Law with Dissertation, L... more…

Full-Time: LL.M. in International Business Law, LL.M. in European and International Trade and Investment Law, Master 1 in International and European La... more…

Distance Learning: Online LL.M. Digital Law and Technology more…

Full-Time: Joint LL.M./MA in Environmental Justice in Southeast Asia, LL.M. (Master of Laws), LL.M. in Environmental Law and Sustainable Development, L... more…

Distance Learning: MSc Finance and Financial Law more…

By Research: MRes in Law more…

Full-Time: LL.M. International Business Law - Paris Campus, LL.M. International Business Law - Singapore Campus, LL.M. International Business Law - Mau... more…

Full-Time: LL.M. International Law, LL.M. Corporate Responsibility and Business Law, LL.M. Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, LL.M. International Co... more…

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Georgetown Law

International law / trade.

This is a listing of selected courses which focus on international trade. This list does not reflect the requirements of the certificate in WTO studies.

LAW 885 v01 Advocacy in International Arbitration

LL.M Seminar (cross-listed) | 2 credit hours

This course blends mock arbitration experiences with class discussion of techniques, strategy, and ethics in international arbitration proceedings. Students directly participate in a series of practical exercises based upon a series of international arbitration fact patterns, which will entail their role-playing as advocates, cross-examiners, and arbitrators. The course emphasizes advocacy in connection with jurisdictional and procedural issues, selecting and challenging arbitrators, and other scenarios that often arise in international arbitration.

LAW 370 v02 Business and Human Rights in the Global Economy

J.D. Seminar (cross-listed) | 2 credit hours

Corporations today have a global scale as well as an impact that matches or sometimes exceeds that of governments. Their activities -- from sourcing of raw materials, to processing and production of intermediate or finished goods, to distribution and sale -- have major consequences not only for the human rights of their employees but also for the rights of the individuals and communities impacted by their operations. In many countries, government regulation and oversight are either absent or largely ineffective. Companies in turn struggle to define their responsibilities in the face of these "governance gaps" -- particularly where requirements under national law fall short of international standards in areas such as hours of work and safety and healthy.

A robust and often contentious debate over these issues culminated in the development of the U.N. Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (the “UNGPs”) under the leadership of Special Representative John Ruggie. These Principles establish a framework for considering the respective roles of governments and corporations and outline core concepts of human rights due diligence and effective remedy. In doing so, the UNGPs also inform and to some extent refocus efforts that have emerged over the past 20 years to address these governance gaps and have brought together stakeholders from business, labor, civil society, the investment community, and academia.

At the same time, in recent years there has been an increased push from civil society groups and certain governments to go beyond these "voluntary" efforts and develop a binding business and human rights treaty mechanism; this has met with strong opposition from business and many other governments, including the United States.

Even as "non-regulatory" approaches remain the predominant means of addressing various business and human rights challenges, there also has been a growing focus in recent years on tools through which national governments and international institutions could exercise greater leverage. This includes advocacy for stronger labor and other human rights language in trade agreements, one-way trade preference programs, procurement standards, and the rules and guidelines applied by international financial institutions -- coupled with more aggressive enforcement of those criteria. Expanded efforts to advance that "regulatory" approach in trade policy and elsewhere in some cases has been met with resistance from governments and business, but there also have been examples of emerging consensus among a diverse range of stakeholders.

This course introduces students to this quickly-evolving business and human rights landscape, including the diverse set of multi-stakeholder initiatives -- some, but not all, of which include government participation. We will discuss the guidance provided by the UNGPs and other instruments, the range of stakeholders and how they engage with one another, tools utilized by governments and corporations to implement human rights standards, and how all of these interact in the context of both sector-specific and cross-cutting legal and policy challenges.

Among the questions the course will examine are:

• Which human rights standards are most relevant to business?
• What are the appropriate linkages between business policies and practices and the promotion of human rights?
• Which business and human rights approaches are emerging as “best practices" and perhaps even as recognized norms?
• What tools to support those are being used by governments and corporations?
• Who are the principal stakeholders and what are their roles and objectives?
• What are the strategies for addressing business and human rights "governance gaps" at the national and international levels?
• What are the opportunities for increased integration of labor/human rights and trade policies, and what are the limitations?
• What mix of mandatory/regulatory and voluntary/“self-regulatory” approaches has been utilized in different situations to advance human rights objectives? Which approaches have been most effective?
• How are various business and human rights challenges playing out in specific sectors, and how do these inform the debate about different approaches?

To address these and other key questions, the course will begin with several sessions setting out the relevant legal and policy developments, with special attention to the UNGPs. It will also include a review of different stakeholders and their roles and interests, and examination of concepts of corporate responsibility and corporate accountability, and an analysis of the various approaches to business and human rights advanced by companies, governments, labor, civil society, and through multi-stakeholder initiatives. The second half of the semester will then focus on how these concepts are being applied in particular sectors to address specific business and human rights challenges.

Throughout the course, students will be asked to examine the various approaches and differing roles of key stakeholders, including by playing the roles of those addressing the key issues from the perspectives of corporations, civil society and unions, and governments. The class will be divided into three groups for purposes of this “role playing” -- with each asked to adopt all three perspectives during the course of the semester, both in students’ individual analyses of assigned readings and in group sessions during certain classes.

Learning Objectives:

Introduction to business and human rights landscape, including legal and policy developments, particularly the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. The course reviews different stakeholders and roles, examines concepts of corporate responsibility and accountability, and analyzes various approaches to business and human rights advanced by stakeholders. The course will also familiarize students with sector specific business and human rights challenges.

LAW 3060 v00 Business, Human Rights and Sustainability

LL.M Course (cross-listed) | 1 credit hour

The relationship between business, human rights, and sustainability has gained momentum in recent years with the private sector, governments, civil society, and international organizations, owing largely to the passage of the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGP) in 2011, the 2012 UN Rio + 20 Sustainable Development Conference and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (2015). These developments were preceded and followed by a series of multi stakeholder (governments, private sector, investors, civil society networks and organizations) and specific industry driven initiatives looking at how to integrate these international standards into both self and binding regulatory processes. As a result, many of these initiatives led to an emerging international soft law system of business, human rights and sustainability that is based in the internationally acknowledged body of hard law principles.

Regardless of being industry, sector specific or multi stakeholder in nature, the regulation, de-regulation, policy, practice and ever growing global litigation in this new field of practice is multifaceted, dynamic, interactive, complex and challenges business leaders, markets and even lawyers to think outside the box in order to address a challenging relationship between business, markets and society. This is where business strategy meets risks. Or instead, this is where risks eat a business strategy.  As a result, business leaders, shareholders and their advisors are now required to integrate a 3D internal and external view and assessment on how to address, prevent, mitigate and remediate the social and environmental impacts (risks) of private sector operations in complex environments and with a collaborative and systems thinking approach.

Bar Associations in America and abroad have begun issuing specific guidance on how corporate lawyers should advice their clients incorporating human rights and sustainability standards. For instance, in a Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) transaction, corporate lawyers are most likely to encounter questions dealing with social, environmental, human rights and environmental concerns. Those advocating on behalf of environmental and human rights organizations will find their work directly intersects with company law, securities law, investment law, governance, compliance, company law and alternative dispute resolution mechanisms to name a few sub areas.

Fast-forward 2020. The global COVID-19 pandemic has suddenly entered this space. It has done so highlighting the vulnerabilities and opportunities in the relationship between business, governments and society across the globe. Furthermore, the global pandemic is challenging all stakeholders not only to become relevant but to re-think, re-imagine and re-envision new models that seek engagement, resilience, addressing grievances, investment, economic recovery and accountability frameworks.

In practice, these global and ever growing litigation trends are also challenging traditional company-led corporate social responsibility (CSR) and ethics programs that have been associated with both philanthropic, corporate citizenship and company-sponsored activities that give back to societies. While many of these programs have achieved several levels of success, for many sectors in society they remain as corporate public relations or green wash exercises and demand more transparent, accountable and remediation responses.  The stakes are high.

Litigation, a growing movement towards mandatory human rights and environmental due diligence and reporting requirements and other types of social demands are challenging companies to be very purposeful and accountable on how they address the environmental, social and governance negative impacts (for some) or violations (for others) of their operations globally and domestically. Stakeholders are asking companies to integrate ongoing due diligence processes that address materiality concerns when it comes to managing supply chains and making sure they are free of child labor, modern slavery and human trafficking. They are also asking companies to address the social and environmental impacts of extraction of natural resources above and below ground, to name a few. 

Furthermore, stakeholders are not alone on this. The emerging and growing movement of shareholder advocacy is leading the way across industries and pushing the way through different strategies for more corporate engagements that drive responsible business conduct and standard-setting activities that push for robust business, human rights and sustainability policies embedded as part of corporate operations across systems and functions. In particular, a wide range of investors that include asset management firms, trade union funds, public pension funds, foundations, endowments, faith-based organizations and family funds are leveraging their assets of over US$3.5 trillion to collaborate around responsible investment while influencing boards and management.

At the conclusion of this course, students will demonstrate the capability:

• To distinguish between relevant applications of the Business, Human Rights and Sustainability frameworks of international hard and soft laws, in the context of environmental, social and human rights challenges across industries and different actors and how they can be integrated into the business strategy.
• To assess critical human rights, environment and natural resources challenges currently faced by industries and markets in different contexts through a multi stakeholder and 3D lens risk management approach.
• To analyze and discuss how different tools and resources can be applied and be relevant to address human rights and environmental challenges, which tools would be best suited for specific contexts and grievance mechanisms that exist for access to remedy across relevant and selected industries (policy development, stakeholder forums and facilitation, influence and development, multi stakeholder assessments, human rights due diligence and environmental assessments) in international development, conflict and post-conflict environments.

LAW 807 v00 Cross-Border Transactions in Latin America

LL.M Seminar (cross-listed) | 1 credit hour

The course is designed to give students an overview and practical insight on the legal aspects of doing business with or investing in Latin America. The course will focus on Mexico, but will also address legal issues associated with doing business in Central and South American countries. Topics will be discussed from the perspective of U.S. investors doing business in the region, and will cover the legal implications of cross-border distribution, licensing and joint venture arrangements, acquisitions and direct investments, labor planning and creditor rights.

LAW 014 v01 Current Issues in Transnational (Private International) Law Seminar

J.D. Seminar (cross-listed) | 2-3 credit hours

This seminar provides an introduction to the increasingly important field of private international law as well as an opportunity to explore in depth specific issues now under active consideration in the various international and regional organizations working on the development, codification and harmonization of private international law. Beyond the “classic”  PIL  questions of jurisdiction, choice of law, judicial assistance and enforcement of judgments, we will explore such topics  as  international family law (including international adoption, abduction and enforcement of child support and family maintenance),  alternative dispute settlement mechanisms (including international mediation  and  commercial  and  investment arbitration),  as well as the cross-border aspects of such topics as  data protection  and  privacy, bankruptcy/insolvency, secured transactions, securities law, intellectual property, transport of goods by sea, letters of credit, leasing law, consumer protection, and even wills and trusts.   You may write your papers in any of these areas (among others).   All students will be expected to choose a topic to  research, write and  present  to  the class.

This course requires a paper and an oral presentation. It is open to J.D. and LL.M. students. For J.D. students who choose the 3 credit “writing seminar” option, the objective will be to research and write analytical papers of publishable quality on discrete topics of current importance in transnational practice. Students will be required to satisfy the WR requirement including (1) selection of a paper topic approved by the professor, (2) submission of an outline, followed by feedback from the professor, (3) submission of a draft paper of at least 6,000 words exclusive of footnotes, followed by feedback from the professor, and (4) submission of a final paper of at least 6,000 words exclusive of footnotes, incorporating the professor’s suggested revisions. The paper must use legal forms of citation, where appropriate.

Learning goals for this course:

Familiarity with substance of "Private International  Law", where it is developed  and  how;  understanding of the  relationship between international and domestic  law;   ability to research effectively in the field; ability to write coherently and present conclusions orally. 

LAW 3082 v00 Dispute Settlement in International Trade: A Comparative Examination of WTO, Regional & Bilateral Systems

LL.M Course (cross-listed) | 2 credit hours

This course involves an in-depth look, in a seminar-type setting, at different state-to-state dispute settlement systems in the international trade area.  Although the principal focus will be WTO dispute settlement, the course will also examine the new or re-invigorated mechanisms in regional agreements (e.g., RCEP, CPTPP) and bilateral trade and investment agreements of the United States (USMCA, CAFTA) and the EU. In addition to examining the treaty provisions themselves, the course will involve the close reading of arbitral decisions, as a medium to examine real-world systemic issues regarding dispute settlement, such as the function of terms of reference, approaches to treaty interpretation, confidentiality, coherence between different bodies of international law, the role of precedent, standard of review, the scope of appellate review, implementation and compliance, and remedies. At the same time, students will gain familiarity with some of the leading substantive issues in international trade law. 

LAW 726 v00 Global Competition Law and Policy

LL.M Seminar (cross-listed) | 2-3 credit hours

This course examines the current state of competition (or “antitrust”) policies and enforcement mechanisms around the world, using case studies from the US, EU, Asia and elsewhere. The international competition community is in the throes of a vigorous re-examination of the goals and tools of competition regulation and policy: has inadequate or ineffective competition regulation contributed to excessive industry concentration, income inequality, stagnant wage growth, and related harm to consumers and society? Or are existing competition enforcement tools sufficient to address actual competition problems, leaving other economic and social issues to be better addressed by other public policies and tools? Do digital markets and “platforms” require special rules? These issues present the challenges of accommodating competition policy to evolving political, economic and social demands.

LAW 726 v01 Global Competition Law and Policy

This seminar will examine the development of competition laws around the world, differences in substantive standards among the major enforcement jurisdictions; the role of historical, political, and economic forces that affect those differences; and the possible consequences of those differences. We will start with a basic understanding of competition principles common to key jurisdictions including the U.S., Canada, the EC, the UK, and Japan, and will compare and contrast these with the principles applied in developing and transition economies, such as China, Mexico, India, and South Africa. Particular emphasis will be on current issues and trends including the role of antitrust in a digital economy, multi-jurisdictional merger control, and regulation of dominant firm conduct. We will also consider the role of competition policy in economic and political development generally.

LAW 750 v01 Global Securities Offerings

In this course, students will learn how to structure and execute global securities offerings. The course begins with a brief examination of the process of an SEC-registered offering in the U.S., and the ongoing requirements of SEC reporting companies, and then continues by examining how to conduct offerings, both domestically and internationally, outside of SEC registration. Topics include the registration requirements of 5 of the Securities Act, the various exceptions from registration, including Sections 4(a)(1), 4(a)(2) and 4(a)(7) of the Securities Act, the safe harbors pursuant to those exemptions, including Regulation S, Regulation D, Rule 144, Rule 144A, and the changes to certain of those rules and regulations by recent legislation, including the JOBS Act and the FAST Act. In addition to a thorough review of the rules and regulations in the course materials, this course seeks to give students insight into how those rules and regulations are used in practice, and into the mechanics of conducting various types of securities offerings, so that upon completing the course students are better prepared to address these topics in practice. The course was jointly developed by a senior SEC staffer and a private practitioner. Note that there is no pre-requisite for this course.

LAW 780 v01 International and U.S. Customs Law

Whenever merchandise crosses an international border, it is subject to customs laws and procedures.  And with the grow of international trade and commerce over the years, customs laws and procedures have become increasingly more internationalized, important, and complex.  Therefore, knowledge of customs laws and procedures is important to the practice of international trade law.

This course will provide a basic introduction to the rules and principles relating to both international and U.S. customs laws and procedures.  This will include an examination and review of those rules and principles relating to tariff classification, customs valuation, rules of origin, border enforcement of intellectual property rights and regional trading arrangements.

International efforts to facilitate trade and to harmonize and simplify customs laws and procedures will be examined and reviewed together with international organizations dealing with international customs laws and procedures (such as the World Trade Organization and the World Customs Organization).

Customs authorities are the guardians of national borders.  The role of customs authorities in combating terrorism and criminal activity and in securing and safeguarding national borders will also be examined and reviewed.

There are no prerequisite courses required for this course. 

LAW 882 v08 International Arbitration

This course aims to familiarize students with international commercial arbitration and will follow the traditional steps of international arbitration proceedings from the registration of the dispute to enforcement and challenges of an award in national courts.  This course will not rely solely on US law but, instead, adopt a global approach to international arbitration. 

LAW 1701 v00 International Economic Law and Institutions

J.D. Course (cross-listed) | 3 credit hours

This course will provide an introduction to the international legal and institutional frameworks that govern economic cooperation among nation states in the key areas: (a) international monetary law, (b) international trade, (c) international capital movements (including foreign direct investment) and (d) international development.  A central area of focus will be how these different frameworks interact – and, in some cases, conflict – with each other, as policy makers struggle to both maximize the benefits of globalization and minimize its costs. Considerable emphasis will be placed on the institutional dimension of cooperation, with a comparative review of the relevant international organizations (including the WTO, IMF and the World Bank).  The Course will identify the current challenges faced by each of these institutions in an environment where multilateral co-operation, although increasingly urgent, is also increasingly unpopular. The Course will be interdisciplinary, focusing on the legal, political and economic dimensions of these complex problems. Senior officials of a number of the major international organizations will participate as guest lecturers, giving their own perspectives regarding the key challenges facing their institutions.

The Course will be divided into two parts:

The first part will include an overview of the relevant legal and institutional frameworks, their relationship with each other and some of the key challenges they currently face.

The second part will cover a number of cross-cutting issues that often require effective coordination among these different institutions, including the following:

• The backlash to globalization and efforts to “decouple” or restrict the flow of capital, goods or technology to certain markets, or to reconfigure global supply chains.
• The role of the state in the market economy, including the role of subsidies and other forms of government intervention and the debate over non-market economies in the WTO.
• The efficacy of “soft law” and “soft institutions”, which are increasingly relied upon in an environment where countries are less inclined to surrender legal sovereignty through the creation of treaty obligations or the establishment of independent international organizations.
• The impact of both economic crime on economic development and financial stability, with a review of efforts by the international community to address this problem.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, students will have gained a general understanding of the range of legal frameworks that govern international cooperation in trade, monetary affairs, international capital movements (including foreign direct investment) and international development. They will also have gained insight into the relationship among these frameworks, which is critical in an environment where global economic problems require integrated solutions. Importantly, they will have gained an appreciation of the institutional dimension of economic cooperation, which is of great importance given that a critical feature of the post-war architecture has been the extent to which the international community has delegated authority to international organizations to provide the “machinery of cooperation” despite a waning faith in multilateralism. Having gained an understanding of the general principles that underpin international economic law and institutions, students will have an opportunity to apply this understanding to a number of cross-cutting issues that are of current relevance, including sovereign debt, the growing importance of soft law, economic crime, the accountability of international organizations, and the backlash to globalization.

LAW 1260 v00 International Economic Law Practicum (Project-Based Practicum)

J.D. Practicum | 4 credit hours

In this project-based practicum course focused on international economic law, primarily international trade and investment law, students will participate in a seminar and will work throughout the semester on a project done on behalf of a developing country government, an international organization, an NGO or an SME under the supervision of their professor(s) and in conjunction with expert mentors. Students will participate in a weekly seminar with two-hour sessions (during some weeks, primarily at the start of the semester and around the middle and end of the term, the seminar meets two or three times, other weeks, the seminar does not meet and only team meetings take place) and carry out 10 hours/week of project work under the direction of the course professors.

SEMINAR:  This practicum offers a unique opportunity to thoroughly analyze international trade and investment law, as well as broader issues of international economic law, and jurisprudence through a combination of practice and theory. The practicum has three goals. First, to enhance students’ substantive legal knowledge of international economic law, not only through traditional in-class teaching but also through hands-on work on a specific legal project of high practical importance for their “beneficiary.” Second, the practicum aims to improve students’ professional skills to become successful lawyers, including the ability to analyze complex legal problems, to apply the law to a set of facts, to interact with beneficiaries, to work in groups with other lawyers across cultures and language barriers, to convincingly make oral presentations, to write legal memos or submissions, and to adapt the explanation of legal expertise to a diverse audience. Third, the practicum aims to stimulate personal skills and aspirations of students and to make them aware of professional opportunities in the international law field and discover new challenges. Through interactions with students from diverse background and a diversity of “beneficiaries”, often from other countries and legal systems, participants will build inter-personal skills, learn about other legal, economic, and social systems, and experience the challenges and needs of a wide variety of stakeholders affected by international economic law, extending well beyond traditional issues and stakeholders.

PROJECT WORK:  Students will work in small groups (“project teams”) and under the close supervision of one or more Professors ("Supervising Professors"), invited experts (“Mentors”) and the Teaching Assistant (TA) on specific legal questions related to international economic law (IEL) coming from “real clients” (“beneficiaries”) such as international organizations, governments, SMEs or NGOs. In addition, introductory sessions by Mentors will be held to provide substantive background to the respective topics, as well as sessions to improve research and legal writing skills. At the end of the semester, the groups will submit written legal memos or other work products and orally present their projects in class in the presence of the beneficiary and other invited guests. To get an idea of the types of projects done in previous years, see  www.tradelab.org .

The practicum is part of the broader TradeLab network and operates in collaboration with TradeLab ( www.tradelab.org ) to enable beneficiaries to submit projects, to facilitate the operation of the teams and to promote the completed work to the public. TradeLab is an online platform that allows countries, NGOs and other smaller stakeholders easy and smart access to legal talents in the field of trade and investment law, allowing these actors to reap the full development benefits of global trade and investment rules by making WTO, preferential trade and bilateral investment treaties work for everyone.

LAW 2021 v00 International Oil & Gas Industry: Legal and Policy Seminar

The scramble to secure steady supplies of inexpensive energy to generate electricity and to power industry and transport has defined much of the twentieth and, thus far, twenty-first centuries. Climate change and renewable energy (appropriately) dominate the discussion today, particularly in the developed world, but, absent a major unforeseen technological breakthrough, non-renewable sources such as oil and natural gas are still expected to meet the majority of the world’s energy needs for decades to come (according to the US Energy Information Administration, 82% of energy consumed worldwide will still come from non-renewable sources in 2050).

The oil and gas industry lies at the intersection of global business, international law, geopolitics, the environment and particularly in the developing world, economic development. This seminar will address the international legal norms and public policy principles that have shaped, and continue to guide, this industry. It is designed for students interested in careers in energy, energy policy, project finance, international arbitration, environmental regulation or development – whether for a law firm, energy company, NGO, international organization or government – as well as students simply interested to learn more about an industry that impacts our daily lives in countless ways. 

LAW 820 v01 International Protection of Intellectual Property Through the WTO

LL.M Course | 2 credit hours

This course deals with international protection of intellectual property through the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the WTO agreements which cover intellectual property: the TRIPS Agreement, The Paris Convention and the Berne Convention. The course will also cover the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) and the Dispute Settlement Understanding, which are essential in enforcing these agreements.

The course examines in detail the relevant U.S. law and how the extraterritorial application of these laws effects international enforcement of intellectual property. These laws are Section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 which prohibits the importation of articles into the United States which infringe U.S. patents, trademarks, or copyrights, and Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 which allows retaliation against foreign countries which impose unjustifiable or unreasonable restrictions against U.S. commerce.

The main WTO cases in intellectual property will be read and analyzed. These will include the cases on Sections 337 and 301, which have limited the United States’ ability to unilaterally affect intellectual property law. Other cases will include the U.S. – Cuba Havana Club case, the Indian Pharmaceutical case, the Internet Gaming case, the U.S. Musical Copyright case, the European Geographical Indication (GI) case, the Canada Pharmaceutical patent case, and the China Intellectual Property Violation case. The course will study the Doha Agreement, which allows the compulsory licensing of pharmaceutical patents to fight pandemic diseases particularly HIV/AIDS. Finally, the course will review any significant changes in trade law or existing trade agreements, particularly as relates to intellectual property, that may occur under the Trump administration

LAW 244 v01 International Trade

This three-credit survey course is designed to introduce students to the legal system governing international economic transactions and international economic relations, with a focus on the World Trade Organization (WTO) and its constituent treaty instruments. The primary objective of the course is to give the student an in-depth overview of the world trading system and some exposure to its particular details. The course will cover the basic principles and mechanisms of international trade law, including most-favored-nation (MFN) and national treatment, and relevant law in different substantive areas, including tariffs, quotas, services, intellectual property, trade remedies, and standards.  We will also examine the issue of development in the WTO and trade treaties and whether treaty obligations constrain countries’ policy autonomy and hinder their ability to pursue successful development strategies, as well as the tensions between trade liberalization and other values, such as those concerning the environment, health and safety, workers’ welfare, and human rights.

The course will also cover current trends and issues in international trade law.  The Uruguay Round established the WTO in 1994 as the premiere forum for negotiating multilateral trade agreements and adjudicating international trade disputes; however, the negotiation and adjudication functions of the WTO currently face significant challenges.  Globally, more than 300 regional or bilateral trade agreements have been negotiated, including the recent United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) and Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), with implications for both individual countries and the global trading system overall.  The course will include current developments at the WTO, bilateral and regional trade agreements (including U.S.-Europe and U.S.-Kenya negotiations and trade models in other parts of the world like China’s Belt and Road Initiative and the African Continental Free Trade Area), Brexit, and U.S. “trade wars” pursued on national security grounds.

LAW 1799 v00 International Trade and Investment Law

This three-credit course introduces students to the legal and policy aspects of international trade and investment law, two pillars of international economic law that have developed dispute settlement systems. These two areas of law affect a broad array of national legislation, regulation, and administrative practice, as well as other areas of international law and policy, such as development, human rights, climate change, and other environmental issues. Both trade law and investment law have raised anxieties regarding their linkages, effects, and overlaps with non-economic issues. The United States, European Union, China, and many other countries have actively engaged in litigation and new negotiations in both fields of law. In international trade law, governments bring legal claims against each other for breaches of obligations, while private lawyers work with private commercial interests behind the scenes and often directly on behalf of governments. International investment law, in contrast, provides direct rights to private foreign investors to bring claims against governments. These disputes are proliferating and sometimes overlap with international trade law claims. In the past, the U.S. always sought protection for its investors in developing countries, but with shifts in the global economy, the U.S. increasingly became subject to such suits by foreign investors. This course will introduce students to both of these areas of international law practice.

LAW 673 v01 International Trade and Investment Litigation and Strategy

This course will teach students the practical aspects involved in litigation of international trade and investment disputes. Its goal is to prepare students entering either private practice or government service to handle complex litigation in those fields. The course will provide a comparative analysis of the dispute settlement mechanism of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and Investor-State arbitration. While it will focus on procedural issues and case management, the first sessions will provide an overview of the legal framework of the multilateral trading system and investment treaty law. It will identify and analyze each phase of the proceedings of WTO disputes (under the Dispute Settlement Understanding) and of investor-State arbitrations (mainly under the arbitration rules of the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes and Chapter Eleven of the North American Free Trade Agreement). Some of the topics that will be covered include: pre-trial preparation, formal initiation of a dispute, constitution of panels and tribunals, discretionary procedural issues, evidentiary issues, jurisdictional and other preliminary objections, written pleadings, conduct of hearings, use of witnesses and experts, awards and rulings, recourses, implementation and enforcement, and in general case management. The analysis and discussions in class will be based on treaty text, jurisprudence and the practical, hands-on experience of the professors. Guest-speakers – including practitioners, government officials, or staff from relevant international organizations – will be invited to a few sessions. Students will be expected to participate in class discussions and in simulations.

LAW 244 v05 International Trade Law

Economic interdependence between countries and across production chains has grown exponentially. Yet, today, economic globalization is under attack. In this context, existing rules on international trade, and negotiating fora to potentially change those rules, are key. This course focuses on the rules and institutions established under the World Trade Organization (WTO) as well as selected regional trade agreements. What are the benefits and risks of trade liberalization from legal, economic and political perspectives? How can trade liberalization go hand in hand with pursuing public policy goals such as protecting the environment or labour standards ("non-trade concerns"), job creation or promoting the economic development of poor countries? The course will offer an in-depth, practical knowledge of substantive WTO law drawing heavily on case law from dispute settlement practice. It will address the basic principles of trade in goods and trade in services as well as more specific WTO agreements on, for example, health measures, subsidies, trade remedies and intellectual property rights. The course will also focus on the unique WTO mechanism for the settlement of trade disputes, and especially on how it balances trade liberalization with non-trade concerns as well as how it copes with increasing trade tensions between OECD countries and emerging economies like Brazil, China, India and Russia.

LAW 966 v01 International Trade Law & Regulation

LL.M Course (cross-listed) | 2-3 credit hours

Examines international trade laws and regulations and World Trade Organization agreements affecting international trade, and the relationship of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade 1994 and other international agreements to U.S. law and practice. Considers, in detail, the U.S. antidumping, countervailing duty, safeguards (Section 201) laws and regulations and the WTO agreements that establish multinational standards applicable to the use of those remedies. Examines the WTO agreements on services, intellectual property, and technical barriers to trade. Examines the statutory remedies, particularly Section 301, that are available to address foreign restrictions on U.S. exports of goods, capital, services, and intellectual property. Analyzes the U.S.-China "trade war" and resulting tariffs and agreements.  Evaluates the role of Congress, the U.S. Trade Representative, and other U.S. agencies in setting trade policy and overseeing administration of the trade laws. Analyzes the WTO procedures for dispute resolution and key WTO panel and Appellate Body decisions. Reviews free trade agreements, including the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement, as well as bilateral investment treaties. The course includes a weekly discussion of current events affecting international trade law and regulation.

LAW 1897 v00 International Trade Remedies and the WTO

J.D. Course (cross-listed) | 1 credit hour

This class is an intensive workshop designed to use case studies of U.S. agency decisions and related WTO jurisprudence to: 1) develop students’ substantive understanding of trade remedy law; and 2) introduce students to the policy and procedural aspects of the various phases of trade remedy disputes in the U.S. and at the international level. The class will include an examination of U.S. law and WTO agreements on antidumping measures, subsidies and countervailing measures, and safeguards.  Particular attention will be focused on developing strong oral and written advocacy and presentation skills through issue spotting exercises/mock agency hearings and the final writing assignment.

LAW 959 v00 International Trade, Development & the Common Good

This course will examine the connection between trade law and development, including aspects of international and regional trade agreements, comparative law, and diverse areas of market regulation at the national level. Overall, the seminar will highlight the role of law and regulation as a driver for sustainable development and inclusive growth and link broader legal frameworks and policy debates with the needs of individuals and enterprises. It will engage students in ways in which economic law can help encourage sustainable and inclusive development and will assess challenges associated with legal and regulatory capacity and the uneven implementation of laws in practice. Cross-cutting and inter-disciplinary approaches in the field, such as socio-legal approaches, human rights, food security, the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and gender and trade will also be discussed throughout the seminar.

The seminar will take place in three phases. In Phase I, the seminar will explore the historical and institutional relationship between trade and development, including World Trade Organization (WTO) disciplines, regional trade agreements (RTAs), and other relevant international legal frameworks.  Phase II will focus on different issues and will cover a number of substantive aspects of trade and development in depth, all of which impact stakeholders and communities and hold greater potential to contribute to the common good.  Specific areas of focus will include domestic market regulation and investment, non-tariff measures, regulation of services, trade facilitation, agriculture, labor and environment, intellectual property rights, gender, and digital trade.  Phase III of the course will consist of an in-class exercise to apply the theory and substantive legal approaches discussed in Parts I and II in the context to practical trade and development challenges. 

Readings will be drawn from a variety of viewpoints and sources – law review articles, white papers, academic journals, newspapers and magazines, and excerpts from books – and will cut across trade and economic law, inclusive economic development, and business.  The readings will highlight different aspects of the legal and regulatory environment in the context of encouraging sustainable and inclusive development globally and at the grassroots level. Discussion questions will be provided for each session, which can be used as the basis for class preparation

The course will also incorporate short, practical case studies that illustrate how different issues in trade, development, and economic regulation can be applied from the perspective of different stakeholders (entrepreneurs, countries, and communities).  Seminar members will be asked to assume roles in discussion of these case studies, which will count towards class participation and lay the groundwork for the final paper.  Questions to guide the case study analysis will also be provided. 

In addition to the readings assigned for each session, optional background readings will be included for students wishing to explore a topic in greater depth (additional background reading is recommended for students who have not taken a trade law course, but the course does not have any prerequisites). 

LAW 708 v00 International Trade, Intellectual Property Rights, & Public Health

This course will cover the interface between the intellectual property rights, international trade and public health, focusing in particular on the WTO TRIPS Agreement and subsequent decisions, including on the Covid-19 vaccines waiver and its possible extension to diagnostics and therapeutics.  It will provide an introduction to the provisions of WTO agreements relevant to public health (other than TRIPS), and to the law and economics relating to IPRs and public health; it will cover the provisions of the TRIPS Agreement relevant to public health, and discuss the relevant disputes settled in the WTO. It will examine the background, content and implications of the Doha Declaration on the TRIPS Agreement and Public Health and of the subsequent TRIPS amendment implementing compulsory licensing for exports.  It will also discuss the TRIPS-plus provisions in bilateral or regional free trade area agreements. The course would study relevant national/regional implementing legislation, for example on compulsory licenses, and discuss use of the WTO export compulsory license provisions. It will devote a session to Covid-19 and infectious disease pandemics.It will devote a session to Covid-19 and infectious disease pandemics. Finally, the course will also cover recent work on trade, intellectual property and public health in other intergovernmental organizations, in particular in the World Health Organization, including negotiations on the pandemic agreement. In addition to the final paper, students will be graded on class participation, individual/group class presentations. The learning objectives and outcomes of this course are to be able to:

• Identify the legal and policy implications of international trade rules, particularly those on intellectual property rights (IPRs), for public health, and critically evaluate proposals for changes to these rules; 
• Understand past and current legal work of international institutions in this field, particularly the WTO and the WHO, and evaluate the way forward; 
• Improve the basic skill of communicating effectively, both in writing and orally, on a legal topic covered by the course, for example by explaining clearly how the provisions of TRIPS could be used to promote both the innovation of and access to needed medicines; 
• Improve the skill of independently conducting legal and policy research; 
• Demonstrate the basic value of being respectful of the different views in this area, including during group work and in class.

LAW 676 v00 Investor-State Dispute Resolution Seminar

LL.M Seminar | 3 credit hours

The subject of investor-state disputes and their resolution lies at the cutting edge of international law, and is a major factor in the development of the global economic system in years to come. Study of this form of arbitration provides insight into the evolving shape of customary international law, the conflict between capital-importing and capital-exporting states, and the status of individuals in the international legal order. This seminar will provide students with a firm grounding in the history, present practice, and future implications of arbitration between foreign investors and host states, sanctioned by multilateral and bilateral investment treaties. Topics that will be covered in this course are the history of the treatment of aliens and investments under international law; an overview of the most important international treaties that give investors a right to arbitration of claims; the most important elements of procedure that characterize investor-state arbitration, including tribunal composition, jurisdiction, evidence, award and challenge or annulment; substantive law of investment arbitration, the standards that apply when a tribunal determines whether a breach of the treaty has occurred; and the future development of investor-state arbitration including the challenges of globalization and other stresses, the clash of capital-importing and capital-exporting countries, environmental protection and free trade, restrictions on state sovereignty, the construction of an international investment jurisprudence, the limits on arbitrability, and the expansion of multilateral investment protections worldwide. Active participation in discussion of the course materials is required.

LAW 1218 v00 Trade, Money, and Trust: The Law and Policy of Globalization Seminar

J.D. Seminar (cross-listed) | 3 credit hours

Successful management of globalization has emerged as the central challenge of our time. Globalization has been blamed for many of our social and economic problems from inequality to stagnant growth. The international regulatory failures exposed by the financial crisis of 2008-2009 have called into question not only the regulatory framework for financial stability, but also the entire framework of international norms and institutions known as Bretton Woods that have been the pillars of global economic regulation. The accompanying collapse in public trust in government experts and private elites has complicated efforts to address these challenges. Populist candidates have swept elections, particularly in the US and UK, based on platforms to reverse the course of international integration. Meanwhile, China and Russia have doubled down on leaders that embrace a return to state controlled economies and traditional notions of regional hegemony. Are we at an historical turning point characterized by GLEXIT – the abandonment of globalization – or will these challenges lead to a Globalization 2.0?

The purpose of this seminar is to look at the role of international economic law in managing globalization, both in terms of extracting the benefits and in addressing the consequences, particularly those negative effects that have fed the backlash. The focus of the seminar will be on the central regulatory regimes governing international economic activity: trade, monetary, investment, finance, competition, tax, sovereign debt and corruption. We will examine the fundamental character and role of legal norms, regulatory systems and international institutions in a world characterized by interdependence and conflict.

This is a research seminar in which the initial eight weekly classes will present a survey of regulatory regimes designed to give students a framework for what have historically been somewhat distinct “silos” but which each illustrate the recurring tensions between fragmentation and coherence. We invite student involvement in the specific topics in the field on which we focus. Each student will be asked to provide short papers responding to the readings for each of the initial sessions. Students will be expected to write a research paper on a relevant topic under the guidance of one of the professors and to make a short presentation to the class during the last third of the course. In their research paper, students will be expected to identify a contemporary, global economic regulatory issue and propose solutions drawing on insights from the seminar (and their broader studies) to analyze the problem, propose and defend possible solutions.

The seminar will be taught by professors with a wide range of experience in academia, private practice and government service. Distinguished outside experts will also be called upon to address particular topics within this framework. 

A number of broad themes will be developed to help unravel the complexity of global regulation:

• What is the role of legal norms in creating efficient and sustainable global markets? Do some problems lend themselves to different types of norms (e.g. soft versus hard law)? What about governance, the formality of legal norms (and institutions) and the role of national sovereignty and subsidiarity?
• Why do the different global economic regulatory regimes look so different? Why has trade evolved with an advanced set of norms, dispute settlement and enforcement?
• How have crises and systemic failures contributed to the development of legal regimes? Do crises lead to sustainable and effective regulatory regimes?
• What role does trust play in the character of legal regimes? Can international economic law be viewed as the objectification of trust? How can trust be sustained when global issues engage citizenry across the most diverse context imaginable?

LAW 872 v00 World Trade Organization: Agreements, Negotiations & Disputes

The course analyzes the World Trade Organization (WTO) and its agreements, including the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT), and the substance and status of negotiations to amend the agreements. It concentrates on the coverage of the agreements, based on their text and interpretive guidance from key dispute settlement decisions. The course also reviews the relevant economic, policy and legal aspects of the international trading system.

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Law - International Trade and Business Law

The Law - International Trade and Business Law program from The University of Arizona is typically a three-year program, with the first year requiring full-time in-residence attendance, typically two terms of enrollment in coursework at the University of Arizona. 

The University of Arizona Multiple locations Tucson , Arizona , United States Top 1% worldwide Studyportals University Meta Ranking 4.1 Read 41 reviews

Key Features

The SJD dissertation phase (2-5 years) culminates in an in-person defense of the dissertation. 

Students of the Law - International Trade and Business Law program from The University of Arizona enjoy the full resources of the University of Arizona campus, and most UA professors are eligible to participate in your faculty committee. It is pro forma to ask experts from another college or program to be part of your dissertation committee when they have special knowledge of some aspect of the dissertation and research. 

Enrollment in coursework outside of the College of Law and development of a candidate's dissertation committee must be performed under the guidance and approval of your law faculty advisor.

Programme Structure

• Your legal education will teach you to “think like a lawyer,” honing your analytical skills, developing better critical thinking, and acquiring the professional skills you need no matter where your education takes you.
• University of Arizona Law offers a mix of qualities no other school can match: a small, top-ranked program in the heart of a nationally acclaimed university, exceptional employment outcomes. 

Key information

• 60 months

Start dates & application deadlines

• Starting 2024-08-24 00:00:00 Application deadline not specified.

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Disciplines

Academic requirements.

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

Student insurance.

Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items, so make sure your student insurance ticks all the following:

• Additional medical costs (i.e. dental)
• Repatriation, if something happens to you or your family
• Home contents and baggage

We partnered with Aon to provide you with the best affordable student insurance, for a carefree experience away from home.

Starting from €0.53/day, free cancellation any time.

Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at The University of Arizona and/or in United States, please visit Student Insurance Portal .

Other requirements

General requirements.

• SJD applicants must be JD graduates of an ABA approved law school in the United States, or possess the first law degree from a foreign law school approved by the government or other accredited authority in the nation in which it is located. 
• A completed LLM or foreign equivalent is also required.  

Tuition Fee

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The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find PhD's scholarship opportunities for Law - International Trade and Business Law.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

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The pace, scale and economic impact of the international hydrogen trade, phd research project.

PhD Research Projects are advertised opportunities to examine a pre-defined topic or answer a stated research question. Some projects may also provide scope for you to propose your own ideas and approaches.

Funded PhD Project (UK Students Only)

This research project has funding attached. It is only available to UK citizens or those who have been resident in the UK for a period of 3 years or more. Some projects, which are funded by charities or by the universities themselves may have more stringent restrictions.

Birmingham Law School - Postgraduate Research Opportunities

Awaiting funding decision/possible external funding.

This programme is waiting to confirm funding from a university or external source. This may depend on attracting suitable students and applications are welcome. Please see the programme details for more information.

Law Research Programme

Law Research Programmes present a range of research opportunities, shaped by a university’s particular expertise, facilities and resources. You will usually identify a suitable topic for your PhD and propose your own project. Additional training and development opportunities may also be offered as part of your programme.

International law and the fight against wildlife crime: challenges and perspectives

Self-funded phd students only.

This project does not have funding attached. You will need to have your own means of paying fees and living costs and / or seek separate funding from student finance, charities or trusts.

Institute for Diplomacy and International Governance

Funded phd programme (students worldwide).

Some or all of the PhD opportunities in this programme have funding attached. Applications for this programme are welcome from suitably qualified candidates worldwide. Funding may only be available to a limited set of nationalities and you should read the full programme details for further information.

Social Sciences Research Programme

Social Sciences Research Programmes present a range of research opportunities, shaped by a university’s particular expertise, facilities and resources. You will usually identify a suitable topic for your PhD and propose your own project. Additional training and development opportunities may also be offered as part of your programme.

Resilience Assessment and Optimization of Global Maritime Transportation Networks

Funded phd project (students worldwide).

This project has funding attached, subject to eligibility criteria. Applications for the project are welcome from all suitably qualified candidates, but its funding may be restricted to a limited set of nationalities. You should check the project and department details for more information.

PhD Economics

The PhD opportunities on this programme do not have funding attached. You will need to have your own means of paying fees and living costs and / or seek separate funding from student finance, charities or trusts.

PhD Research Programme

PhD Research Programmes present a range of research opportunities shaped by a university’s particular expertise, facilities and resources. You will usually identify a suitable topic for your PhD and propose your own project. Additional training and development opportunities may also be offered as part of your programme.

PhD (School of Management) Doctorate

Phd/msc+phd in economics, institute for international management, business research programme.

Business Research Programmes present a range of research opportunities, shaped by a university’s particular expertise, facilities and resources. You will usually identify a suitable topic for your PhD and propose your own project. Additional training and development opportunities may also be offered as part of your programme.

Labour Organising in Logistics Warehouses: The case of South Yorkshire and Inland Empire

Smart factory, funded phd project (european/uk students only).

This project has funding attached for UK and EU students, though the amount may depend on your nationality. Non-EU students may still be able to apply for the project provided they can find separate funding. You should check the project and department details for more information.

Sensor Fusion and management in Autonomous Airborne Platforms

New materials and structures for cte management of laser systems, data-driven computational sensing and imaging, scotland’s diaspora – was there social justice for the ‘failed’ immigrant in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.

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International Trade

This course takes as its subject matter a sale of goods by a seller in one country to a buyer in another, and examines the contractual relations between various parties that may be involved in the making and performance of such a sale. Accordingly, it is concerned first with the relations between buyer and seller, emphasising the special features of the sale which are due to its international character. Secondly, it is concerned with the carriage of goods from the seller to the buyer, once again emphasising the special rules which govern international carriage. So as to keep the course within reasonable bounds, it deals only with carriage by sea; it does not cover the special rules governing international carriage by air, road and rail. Thirdly, the course deals with an aspect of banking law. Payment in international sales is often made, not directly by buyer to seller, but through the mechanism of a banker’s commercial credit; the law relating to such credits forms the third part of the course.

Looked at from another angle, the course is concerned with the special problems that arise in overseas sales because the parties are often comparative strangers to one another, and because there is often a long interval of time between the despatch of goods and their receipt. During that time, the parties are exposed to certain financial and physical risks. The financial risk to which each party is exposed is that of the other’s insolvency: to protect himself against this risk the seller will want to be paid as early as possible while the buyer will want to pay as late as possible. One major topic for discussion is the way in which the law and commercial practice seek to reconcile these conflicting desires. So far as the physical risks are concerned, there is the possibility that the goods may be lost or damaged or delayed in transit. Sometimes that risk has to be borne by one of the parties to the contract of sale; sometimes it has to be borne (at least in part) by the carrier; and exactly how it is to be borne has obvious repercussions on the decisions to be made by each party with regard to insurance.

Although its name might suggest something different, the course is about a branch of English domestic law. Our concern is with the English rules governing international transactions (though these rules are often applied to contracts which have no physical connection with this country). It follows that the materials and methods of this course are almost entirely those of the traditional law course, i.e. that it consists largely of a study of decided cases and legislation, though the latter is to a considerable extent influenced by international conventions. Internationally accepted customs and practices figure prominently in the banking section of the course; but the course contains nothing that anyone with the standard equipment of a common lawyer cannot handle.

The course has three principal attractions. Firstly, it raises not only complex and fascinating analytical issues but also fundamental issues of legal policy. Secondly, a study of International Trade will help candidates very considerably with their understanding of the law of contract, particularly in the areas of privity, breach, frustration and remedies. Thirdly, the course forms a useful background to one of the most intellectually satisfying types of legal practice.

Lecturing and other guidance is important in this subject because there are no suitable student books for students to study it for themselves at the right level. The books available are either too simple, or are large practitioners’ works in the use of which students need guidance.

Lectures in Michaelmas Term usually cover carriage by sea and on letters of credit. There are handouts for each set of lectures. In the Hilary Term (second of the year) there is normally a weekly class where the three contracts are treated together and their interaction studied. For this there are separate lists of cases and questions. Tutorials (which include practice in analysing problems) are also available in that term, and that is the term in which the bulk of the student’s own personal work on the subject (other than attending lectures) should be done.

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International Trade Law, LLM

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• International Trade Law

Introduction

International trade law is an exciting and highly competitive field of law. At Aberdeen we’ve combined the teaching and research strength of our long-established law school and the calibre of our first-class teaching team with our growing international profile and activity to create options for this LLM.

Study Information

Study options.

Economic globalisation and recent world events, including Brexit and trade wars, have thrown a spotlight on the issues, challenges and complexities of international trade and trade negotiation. We offer a specialist LLM programme in this area with career opportunities for skilled and ambitious lawyers with broad and transferable skills to continue to grow. This programme includes a dissertation to further develop your academic and research skills. This degree is alternatively available with a professional skills option (instead of dissertation) with the opportunity to further develop your professional skills in international trade negotiation at a summer course on campus.

This programme is also available to study online.

Programme Fees

Duration: 12 months full-time or 24 or 36 months part-time.

Information for part-time students: This route will run over three academic years. Candidates normally take 30 credit points in Academic Year 1, 120 credit points in Academic Year 2, and 30 credit points in Academic Year 3. LS551T and PD5506 must be taken in Year 1, and both LS553V and LS5904 must be taken in Year 2. Candidates must take the following. They can be taken in either Year 1 or Year 2 or 3: LS508A and LS553V. Candidates must take a remaining 60 credit points. At least 60 credit points must be obtained from the courses listed below. The remaining credit points may be obtained from any LLM 30 credit on campus course.

Compulsory Courses

This course, which is prescribed for all taught postgraduate students, is studied entirely online, takes approximately 5-6 hours to complete and can be taken in one sitting, or spread across a number of weeks.

Topics include orientation overview, equality and diversity, health, safety and cyber security and how to make the most of your time at university in relation to careers and employability.

Successful completion of this course will be recorded on your Enhanced Transcript as ‘Achieved’.

This course provides students from diverse legal and educational backgrounds with a common understanding of the core research, analytical, and writing skills which will be required for LLM-Taught courses. The course is delivered as a series of five interactive lectures with two individual assessments designed to encourage critical thinking and provide opportunities for early feedback. It also incorporates a library workshop to provide students with hands-on experience with the resources available for course and dissertation work.

30 Credit Points

The course aims to provide a thorough and critical understanding of fundamental concepts, principles and institutions of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), with emphasis on trade in goods (GATT). The main topics covered include relevant historical and institutional developments, WTO dispute resolution, core principles such as the non-discrimination, most-favour-nation (MFN) and the prohibition of quantitative restrictions on international trade. The security, environment, human rights, labour standards, economic emergencies and free trade areas and customs unions based exceptions and their challenges are also analytically explored. These are studied in light of relevant WTO panel and Appellate Body cases and recommendations.

Optional Courses

In addition to the above candidates must take courses to the value of 60 credit points. At least 30 credit points must be obtained from the courses listed below. The remaining credit points may be obtained from any LLM 30 credit on campus Law course:

International commercial lawyers frequently work on contracts involving parties from different countries. Here, each one of these jurisdictions may offer a different interpretation of the same contractual provisions. This course is aimed to help commercial lawyers understand how different legal traditions offer different viewpoints on key contractual challenges. At the end of the course, students will be able to understand many of the discrepancies and similarities between legal systems, thus honing a fundamental skill for an international commercial lawyer. The course will cover a wide range of European legal systems, as well as transnational contract law mechanisms including the Principles of European Contract Law and the United Nations Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods.

The complex interaction between investment protection and the sovereign right of states to regulate has been most acute in the energy sector. On the one hand, investors require strong guarantees that states will respect the “rules of the game” that constitute the basis of their investments. On the other, states can be tempted to interfere with foreign energy investments because of their strategic and social importance. This course aims to analyse if existing investment disciplines and international investment protection framework, are adapted to the specific regulatory risks that investors face in the energy landscape of the 21st Century and how best to avoid disputes and manage them.

There is limited appreciation given to the study of the state as a policymaker, legislator, and disputing party in the context of international economic law. Yet, the states have become the “investor of first-resort", while participating in an unprecedented surge of international investment disputes and international economic agreements. The course covers how international investment law interacts with the State’s regulatory powers in different economic sectors.

60 Credit Points

Between May and mid-August students prepare a 10,000 word dissertation on a topic of their choice related to their specialist LLM programme. Students are instructed through the delivery of a preparatory lecture, two supervisory meetings and a two hour dissertation planning workshop in a small group setting. Students are expected to spend considerable time on independent research throughout the course of the dissertation module, including; preparation of dissertation plan, amendment of plan in accordance with supervisory comments, preparation for the dissertation workshop, and, of course, in the final 10,000 word dissertation itself.

This course considers issues relating to international trade and finance law and addresses the legal and commercial aspects of export-import transactions. It covers trade risks and risk assessment, the law and practice relating to international sale of goods, carriage of goods and insurance matters, international trade finance, digitalisation of international trade and international commercial dispute resolution.

Students will explore the diverse elements of law which constitute international intellectual property law. We will consider the historical development of international intellectual property rights, framework of international treaties and organisation, copyright (with a particular focus on new developments in the digital age), geographical indications, patents and designs. Throughout the course, the challenge is to identify conflicts and synergies, and areas for future development, through regard to cases, scholarship, and the activities of policy makers and activists. Assesment is by an essay, an individual presentation and discussion board submissions. Description: The course considers key issues relating to international intellectual property law which may vary from year to year consistent with the legal and social evolution of the fields; the course will explore copyright, geographical indications, patents, designs, and their relationship with regional and international treateis and international organisation; key themes will be drawn together in a practical presentation session.

This course introduces international commercial litigation, the major means of commercial dispute resolution for many sectors of industry and the default means of dispute resolution against which international arbitration is positioned. The course demonstrates the relevance of a venue’s Private International Law (PIL) to its attractiveness for dispute resolution and provides advanced instruction in the relevant post-Brexit aspects of PIL to parties engaged in litigating international commercial disputes.

The demand for international commercial arbitration has increased significantly over the last 20 years. Empirical surveys conducted consistently report figures that suggest around 60% of businesses prefer arbitration over other dispute resolution methods.

Seminar topics have been chosen to give students a good knowledge of international commercial arbitration law. The topics covered will be: (1) Arbitration Agreement and Arbitral Jurisdiction (2) The Role of the Seat (3) Applicable Substantive Law (4) The Arbitral Tribunal (5) Arbitral Procedure and Evidence (6) The Arbitral Award.

The course also provides a lecture on the introduction to international commercial arbitration.

The course examines the complex and dynamic relationship between law and development and traces the impact of international development discourse on lower- and middle-income countries’ legal systems. The course focuses on domestic law reforms aiming to promote sustainable development and achieve the 2030 UN Sustainable Development Agenda. It focuses on the role of law in promoting SDG 16 on peace, justice, and inclusive institutions, SDG 8 on decent work and economic growth, and SDG 12 on sustainable consumption and production.

Information for part-time students: This route will run over two academic years minimum. Candidates can take up to 120 credit points in an academic year. LS501T and PD5006 must be taken in Year 1, and LS5904 must be taken in Year 2. Candidates must take the following. They can be taken in either Year 1 or Year 2: LS558A and LS553V. Candidates must take a remaining 60 credit points. At least 60 credit points must be obtained from the courses listed below. The remaining credit points may be obtained from any LLM 30 credit on campus course.

Available Programmes of Study

You will gain a thorough foundation in a broad range of topics engaging with different aspects of international trade law. You will supplement this with a range of optional courses designed to give you a wide perspective and cater to your personal interests and career goals.

You will also prepare a 10,000-word dissertation on a topic of your choice in the field of international trade law. Please note: Students staring their LLM programme in January write their Dissertation project during the Summer semester.

Duration: 12 months full-time. 24 months part time.

We will endeavour to make all course options available. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page .

Fee Information

Additional fee information.

• Fees for individual programmes can be viewed in the Programmes section above.
• In exceptional circumstances there may be additional fees associated with specialist courses, for example field trips. Any additional fees for a course can be found in our Catalogue of Courses .
• For more information about tuition fees for this programme, including payment plans and our refund policy, please visit our Tuition Fees page .

International Applicants

More information about fee status, living costs, and work allowances for international students is available here .

Scholarships

Self-funded international students enrolling on postgraduate taught (PGT) programmes will receive one of our Aberdeen Global Scholarships, ranging from £3,000 to £8,000, depending on your domicile country. Learn more about the Aberdeen Global Scholarships here .

To see our full range of scholarships, visit our Funding Database .

Related Programmes

You may also be interested in the following related postgraduate degree programmes.

• Business Law and Sustainable Development
• Corporate Finance and Law
• International Commercial Law with Dissertation
• International Commercial Law with Professional Skills

How You'll Study

The LLM International Trade Law with Dissertation has flexibility built in. The programme is structured to allow you the freedom to specialise within international commercial law, yet explore its many aspects. Teaching is organised on a modular basis with a dissertation to be submitted at the end of August each year.

Learning Methods

• Individual Projects

Assessment Methods

Within the taught element of the programme, i.e. the 4 courses which the students undertake, a range of forms of assessment are found: such as written examination, individual and group oral presentation and essays. In addition, between May and mid-August, students prepare a 10,000 word dissertation on a topic of their choice related to their specialist LLM programme.

Why Study International Trade Law?

• The School of Law is ranked Top 10 in the UK by The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023.
• A foundation discipline in 1495, today our Law School is considered one of the UK’s elite training grounds for lawyers.
• A highly-respected Centre for Commercial fostering research excellence in international trade law and offers unique research activities by serving as a dynamic hub for law academics, legal practitioners, those working in related professions, industry representatives, activists and policymakers, providing opportunities for synergy and rich engagement
• The calibre, experience, and enthusiasm of the strong academic team, challenging you with complex, realistic scenarios as you get to grips with this fascinating and fast-growing area.
• Taught by our teaching team that includes legal practitioners with extensive real-world experience.
• The resources of the award-winning Sir Duncan Rice Library and Taylor Law Library, with a first-class collection of reference works in law and related subjects.

Interested in this programme?

Entry requirements, qualifications.

The information below is provided as a guide only and does not guarantee entry to the University of Aberdeen.

Normally a 2(1) honours degree in Law (or another related discipline) or equivalent

Please enter your country to view country-specific entry requirements.

English Language Requirements

To study for a Postgraduate Taught degree at the University of Aberdeen it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write English fluently. The minimum requirements for this degree are as follows:

IELTS Academic:

OVERALL - 6.5 with: Listening - 5.5; Reading - 6.0; Speaking - 5.5; Writing - 6.0

OVERALL - 90 with: Listening - 17; Reading - 21; Speaking - 20; Writing - 21

PTE Academic:

OVERALL - 62 with: Listening - 59; Reading - 59; Speaking - 59; Writing - 59

Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency:

OVERALL - 176 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 169; Speaking - 162; Writing - 169

Read more about specific English Language requirements here .

Document Requirements

You will be required to supply the following documentation with your application as proof you meet the entry requirements of this degree programme. If you have not yet completed your current programme of study, then you can still apply and you can provide your Degree Certificate at a later date.

Additional details for international applicants, including country-specific information, are available here .

Aberdeen Global Scholarship

Eligible self-funded postgraduate taught (PGT) students will receive the Aberdeen Global Scholarship. Explore our Global Scholarships, including eligibility details, on our dedicated page.

International trade law and policy has a direct impact on all aspects of the economy. This programme is particularly relevant for those seeking a career or currently working in the public sector in the area of international trade or diplomacy, politics, businesses involved in export or import of goods, industry associations, lawyers in government departments or in-house counsel and non-governmental organisations with interest on trade and sustainable development issues. This programme is also relevant for those seeking an academic career in international trade law.

There are many opportunities at the University of Aberdeen to develop your knowledge, gain experience and build a competitive set of skills to enhance your employability. This is essential for your future career success. The Careers and Employability Service can help you to plan your career and support your choices throughout your time with us,

We are Top 100 in the World for Law

Our Law School is ranked in the Top 100 globally, according to the Times Higher Education World University Subject Rankings 2022.

5th in the UK for Law

Our Law School is ranked 5th in the UK of 105 providers for Overall Student Satisfaction (National Student Survey 2022).

Top 10 UK Law School

We are ranked Top 10 in the UK for Law by the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024.

Our Experts

You will be taught by and have access to a number of experts, many of whom are internationally renowned within their respective fields. These will include members of the Centre for Commercial Law .

Information About Staff Changes

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International trade law, sjd student mariam olafuyi receives african scholars award.

Based on a story by Perry King

SJD student Mariam Olafuyi has been awarded an emerging academic award at the third annual African Scholars Awards ceremony. 

The awards, created by the University of Toronto’s African Alumni Association, recognize the winners for their commitment to building and strengthening communities inside and outside U of T in ways that promote diversity, inclusivity and innovation. Twenty-five students, faculty, staff and alumni received awards at an event at the William Waters Lounge in Woodsworth College.

• Read more about SJD student Mariam Olafuyi receives African Scholars Award

Mariam Momodu (Olafuyi)

Mariam Momodu (Olafuyi) is a Doctoral Candidate at the University of Toronto Faculty of Law. She specializes in international trade law, law and development and law and globalization. In her doctoral thesis, she re-evaluates economic integration in Africa by exploring the concept of bottom-up economic integration- an analysis of the use of private regulation by non-state actors to facilitate trade within Africa. She also routinely engages in debates about the informal economy and trade facilitation initiatives that affect women and youth in Africa. Mariam is currently a Vanier Scholar at the University of Toronto. She was recently also awarded a Senior Doctoral Fellowship by New College, University of Toronto. 

She obtained her undergraduate degree in law from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria, where she was elected as the first female president of the law students' society and set a record for the most outstanding academic result from the faculty.  She then obtained a Master of Laws (LL.M.) degree from the University of Cambridge, where she was awarded the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship and the Cambridge Trust Scholarship. During her time at Cambridge, she was a co-editor of the Cambridge Journal of International and Comparative Law and one of the organizers of the annual Cambridge Africa Business Network conference at Judge Business School.

Prior to commencing her doctorate program, Mariam was an adjunct lecturer at the Centre for Law and Business, Lagos. She also worked as in-house counsel for a multinational company and practiced in a tier-one law firm in Nigeria, advising on regional economic integration and trade in Africa.

In addition to her academic endeavours, Mariam is involved in several initiatives that equip young people from underrepresented backgrounds with the skills and knowledge required to access quality education. She also actively advocates for quality education in developing countries.

She has received several recognitions for her work in law, education and development. She was recognized by McKinsey and Co. as one of the 40 Next Generation Women Leaders in Nigeria and was a delegate at the World Youth Forum in 2019.

Presentations

"Globalization, Technology and Values: Millennials and Gen Z's Interaction With the Global Trading System"  at the World Trade Organization Public Forum. October 2019 (Panel Convener and Moderator)

"Can Transnational Private Regulation Facilitate Achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals?" at the Purdy Crawford Workshop on The Role of Business Regulation in Advancing the Sustainable Development Goals. September 2019

Mainstreaming Non-State Actors in African Economic Integration.

http://www.afronomicslaw.org/2019/05/01/mainstreaming-non-state-actors-in-african-regional-integration/

The Informal Economy and the African Continental Free Trade Agreement: Making Trade Work for the Often Overlooked (AfronomicsLaw.Org)

Co-authored chapter published in ‘The Copenhagen Competition 2010 on Access to Medicines’ Laura Nielsen (ed.). Copenhagen: DJOF Publishing, 2010. Print

• Read more about Mariam Momodu (Olafuyi)

Prof. David Schneiderman writes "How to make investment agreements more progressive: stop signing them" in Globe and Mail

In a commentary in the Globe and Mail , Prof. David Schneiderman argues that there are compelling to revisit Canada’s participation in the investor-state dispute settlement agreements that are part of most trade treaties ("How to make investment agreements more progressive: stop signing them," October 27, 2018).

Read the full commentary on the Globe and Mail website , or below.

• Read more about Prof. David Schneiderman writes "How to make investment agreements more progressive: stop signing them" in Globe and Mail

No Time for Tinkering: On Intellectual Property and NAFTA

No Time for Tinkering: How a "more progressive" NAFTA could break the vicious circle of global inequities in the ownership of knowledge

The postwar international trading order reflected the assumption that reducing various state-imposed restrictions on trade, and promoting free and competitive markets, would be mutually beneficial to trading nations and to the world as a whole.

• Read more about No Time for Tinkering: On Intellectual Property and NAFTA

"Taking the facts seriously": A Conversation with Professor Michael Trebilcock

Renowned law and economics scholar University Professor Michael Trebilcock will present a paper, “The Fracturing of the Post-War Free Trade Consensus: The Challenges of Constructing a New Consensus,” at the International Monetary Fund’s conference “Meeting Globalization’s Challenges,” October 11, 2017, in Washington, DC.

The University of Toronto is the only Canadian postsecondary institution participating among a global list of panelists.

• Read more about "Taking the facts seriously": A Conversation with Professor Michael Trebilcock

Prof. David Schneiderman discusses the rules of trade and investment on TVO's The Agenda

In an extended one-on-one interview with host Steve Paikin, Prof. David Schneiderman discussed the rules of international trade and investment on TVO's flagship public affairs program, The Agenda with Steve Paikin , on May 8, 2017.

• Read more about Prof. David Schneiderman discusses the rules of trade and investment on TVO's The Agenda

Prof. Ariel Katz writes "CETA could put Canada between a rock and constitutional hard places"

In a commentary in the Globe and Mail , Prof. Ariel Katz analyzes the constitutional implications of a decision by the German Federal Constitutional Court about CETA, the Canada-European Union free trade agreement ("CETA could put Canada between a rock and constitutional hard places," October 25, 2016).

• Read more about Prof. Ariel Katz writes "CETA could put Canada between a rock and constitutional hard places"

Faculty of Law co-sponsors all-day workshop about TPP agreement for Minister Chrystia Freeland

By Terry Lavender

“I felt I needed to be informed by the academic community’s thinking on trade issues,” Chrystia Freeland said (all photos by Arnold Lan)

• Read more about Faculty of Law co-sponsors all-day workshop about TPP agreement for Minister Chrystia Freeland

Special Issue of JILIR dedicated to 2014 Baker Lecture - Anne Orford on Food Security and International Trade Law

The Journal of International Law and International Relations (JILIR) has published a special issue based on the 2014 Katherine Baker Memorial Lecture delivered by Anne Orford, Michael D Kirby Chair of International Law, Melbourne Law School. Prof. Orford spoke about "Food Security, the World Trade Organisation, and the Social State."

• Read more about Special Issue of JILIR dedicated to 2014 Baker Lecture - Anne Orford on Food Security and International Trade Law

Prof. Ariel Katz and LLM student Liran Kandinov: "TPP trades away our constitutional rights"

In a commentary in the Toronto Star , Prof. Ariel Katz and LLM student Liran Kandinov argue that changes to copyright terms proposed in the Trans-Pacific Trade Agreement would violate the Charter of Rights and Freedoms ("TPP trades away our constitutional rights," October 28, 2015).

Read the full commentary on the Toronto Star website , or below.

• Read more about Prof. Ariel Katz and LLM student Liran Kandinov: "TPP trades away our constitutional rights"

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MJ Degree Accelerates Trade Policy Career

“I was fortunate to grow up [in Vietnam] in a political family, with both my parents being federal policy makers,” Linh says. “Growing up with discussions on policy formulation, implementation and doing good things for the public, I’ve always wanted to continue the family’s tradition and work in the law and policy arena.”

That path led Ho to Foreign Trade University, a prestigious university in Vietnam that offers a specialized degree program in economics, finance and trade. She spent five years at the Ministry of Industry and Trade in Vietnam as the lead coordinator of the UK-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement, where she was responsible for overseeing the implementation of the agreement and ensuring Vietnam's compliance with its trade-in-good commitments in various multilateral trade regimes. Before that, Linh served as a senior policy analyst at a U.S. consulting firm, where she provided policy analysis and advocacy support to Fortune 500 clients in the ICT and energy sectors.

“I realized that in order for any professional to succeed in his or her career, one has to know how to read, understand and comply with the laws,” Linh says. “This is true in finance, corporate governance, real estate, and also in trade policies, my area of expertise, and that was my motivation to apply to IU McKinney’s MJ program, so that I could learn how to think like a lawyer, while not exactly being one.”

McKinney Law allowed her to develop technical skills to navigate complicated regulations, understand regulations’ implementation approaches through case studies, as well as solid legal knowledge.

“Among all of the things I’ve learned and treasured, the ability to do research, read, analyze and write critically is the most useful skill I learned,” she says. “It helped me to write policy recommendations and draft well-rounded Vietnamese policies to help shape a better business environment in Vietnam. My English legal writing and speaking skills improved significantly, which contributed to the success of my work in the World Trade Organization on behalf of Vietnam.”

Faculty and her classmates made an impact, too.

“The law school professors were very kind and supportive while being strict to uphold the utmost education quality for students,” Linh says. “I was able to immerse myself in a professional setting, being in class with bright and kind classmates and learning a lot from them.”

After 8 years working in Vietnam advising policies for the government and several Fortune 500 companies, Linh has moved to Edmonton, Canada to work for the Government of Alberta as a trade policy analyst.

“None of this would be possible without the opportunity that IU McKinney gave me back in 2015, with a scholarship to be in the MJ program, and the guidance and support of the law school’s professors,” Linh says.

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