Rachel Brewster
Jeffrey and Bettysue Hughes Distinguished Professor of Law
Rachel Brewster is a leading scholar of international economic law who co-directs Duke's Center for International and Comparative Law. She holds both a J.D. from UVA and a Ph.D. in political science from UNC-Chapel Hill, giving her a distinctive interdisciplinary perspective. Before joining Duke, she was an assistant professor at Harvard Law School and served as legal counsel in the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative. Her scholarship addresses WTO law, anti-corruption, carbon tariffs, and international dispute resolution.
Teaching Style
Professor Brewster brings an interdisciplinary approach to international economic law, drawing on both her legal training and her Ph.D. in political science. She uses the Socratic method to help students think about trade law not just as a set of rules but as a strategic system shaped by political and economic interests. She is known for rigorous but fair questioning and expects students to understand both the legal frameworks and the policy context of international trade disputes.
Cold Call Tips
- 1Understand the basic institutional structure of the WTO and its dispute settlement mechanism
- 2Be prepared to analyze trade law disputes through both legal and political economy lenses
- 3Know the key GATT/WTO provisions and major panel and Appellate Body decisions
- 4For FCPA classes, understand the statutory elements and enforcement patterns
Areas of Expertise
Education
- Ph.D. in Political Science, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- J.D., University of Virginia School of Law
- B.A., University of Virginia
Notable Publications
- International Trade Law (casebook)
- The Domestic Origins of International Trade Agreements
Research Interests
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