Weijia Rao

Biographical Sketch

Weijia Rao is an Assistant Professor of Law at Antonin Scalia Law School, George Mason University. Her research applies empirical methods to the study of international and comparative law, with a focus on legal institutions governing global trade and investment. Her ongoing projects include examining domestic political influence on state behavior in international dispute settlement, studying the development of international investment treaties, and exploring selective enforcement of trade laws. Her recent scholarship has been published or is forthcoming in the Journal of Legal Studies, International Review of Law and Economics, Harvard International Law Journal, Chicago Journal of International Law and Yale Journal of International Law.

Prior to joining the faculty, Professor Rao practiced international trade and investment law at Sidley Austin LLP in Washington DC. She also has experience working at the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID), an investment arbitration institution under the World Bank Group. Professor Rao graduated from the University of Chicago Law School with a master’s degree (LLM) and a doctoral degree (JSD) in international law. Before coming to the United States, Professor Rao completed her undergraduate studies at Tsinghua University in Beijing, where she received a dual degree in law and economics. She is admitted to the New York State Bar. 

Professor Rao teaches Contracts and International Trade Regulations.