Weijia Rao

Biography

Weijia Rao’s research applies empirical methods to the study of international and comparative law, with a focus on legal institutions governing global trade and investment. Her work has examined the influence of global businesses on government regulations, the role of domestic politics in international dispute resolution, the evolution and impacts of international investment agreements, and China’s engagement with the international economic order. She teaches Contracts, International Trade Regulations, and a seminar on comparative law and China. 

Professor Rao’s recent scholarship has been published or is forthcoming in peer-reviewed journals such as the American Law and Economics Review, Journal of Law and Economics, Journal of Legal Studies, Journal of Empirical Legal Studies, Journal of Law and Courts, and International Review of Law and Economics, as well as in student-edited law reviews such as the UC Davis Law Review, Harvard International Law Journal, Yale Journal of International Law, and Chicago Journal of International Law.

Prior to joining Boston University, Rao was an assistant professor of law at George Mason University for four years. Prior to that, she 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.