Paolo Farah
Professor of Public Policy and Public Administration, Professor of Law
Paolo Davide Farah is an esteemed legal scholar, professor, and expert renowned for his work in international economic law, environmental sustainability, and global trade policies. His career fosters international collaboration on critical issues such as environmental protection and ethical trade practices, making substantial contributions through his writing and consultancy.
Educational Background
Paolo received his foundational education in law at some of Europe’s finest institutions. He graduated with a J.D. in International and European Law from Paris Ouest La Defense Nanterre University, France. He furthered his legal training with an LLM in European Legal Studies from the College of Europe in Bruges, Belgium, in 2003 and completed a dual PhD in International Law in 2011 from Aix-Marseille University in France and the University of Milan in Italy.
Career Initiation
Farah’s professional journey began on the global stage. He initially worked at the World Trade Organization’s Legal Affairs Division in Geneva. He then transitioned to Baker & McKenzie in Milan as an associate lawyer focusing on international business law.
Academic and Teaching Roles
Paolo is a full professor at West Virginia University, located within the John D. Rockefeller IV School of Policy and Politics at the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences. He instructs students in public administration, law, environmental policy, and energy justice there. Additionally, Paolo heads the Energy Justice and Just Transition Lab and is the Coordinator of the Eberly College Interdisciplinary Research Collaborative, engaging in projects to address global challenges such as environmental degradation.
International Teaching and Advisory Roles
Globally, Farah enriches students as a Professor of Law at Beijing Foreign Studies University, China. He has also been the scientific director of the Summer Law Institute in China since 2006, enriching legal professionals’ understanding worldwide.
Consulting Expertise
Paolo lends his extensive expertise to numerous international entities, providing legal advice and consultancy services to organizations such as the UNDP, the Italian Ministry of Economic Development and Commerce, and the OECD.
Research and Publishing
Paolo is a prolific writer, authoring over 60 peer-reviewed articles and several books. He serves as the editor-in-chief of prestigious book series, including "Transnational Law and Governance," "Global Law and Sustainable Development" by Routledge, and “Global Issues” by Palgrave Macmillan, contributing significantly to the field of international law.
Leadership and Global Impact
In leadership roles, Paolo has served on the European Society of International Law board and chaired various interest groups within the American Society of International Law. He actively supports the next generation of legal scholars through his work, including directing the Summer Law Institute in China.
Philanthropic and Educational Contributions
Farah is committed to advancing global legal education and has directed initiatives that have raised over $2 million for research funding. He is the founder and president of gLAWcal—Global Law Initiatives for Sustainable Development, where he promotes research and discussions on sustainable development and global justice.
Language Skills
Paolo Farah’s multilingual abilities, fluent in Italian, English, and French and proficient in Chinese, allow him to engage effectively with a diverse range of international collaborators and students.
Learn more: Pittsburgh International Airport’s Transformation: Honoring Rachel Carson & Advancing Sustainability
Reflections on the Symposium on “Emerging Technologies & Legal Governance” at Michigan State University College of Law
Reconnecting International Studies”, International Studies Association’s 66th Annual Convention
Paolo Davide Farah, The Inflation Reduction Act and Energy
Educational Background
Paolo received his foundational education in law at some of Europe’s finest institutions. He graduated with a J.D. in International and European Law from Paris Ouest La Defense Nanterre University, France. He furthered his legal training with an LLM in European Legal Studies from the College of Europe in Bruges, Belgium, in 2003 and completed a dual PhD in International Law in 2011 from Aix-Marseille University in France and the University of Milan in Italy.
Career Initiation
Farah’s professional journey began on the global stage. He initially worked at the World Trade Organization’s Legal Affairs Division in Geneva. He then transitioned to Baker & McKenzie in Milan as an associate lawyer focusing on international business law.
Academic and Teaching Roles
Paolo is a full professor at West Virginia University, located within the John D. Rockefeller IV School of Policy and Politics at the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences. He instructs students in public administration, law, environmental policy, and energy justice there. Additionally, Paolo heads the Energy Justice and Just Transition Lab and is the Coordinator of the Eberly College Interdisciplinary Research Collaborative, engaging in projects to address global challenges such as environmental degradation.
International Teaching and Advisory Roles
Globally, Farah enriches students as a Professor of Law at Beijing Foreign Studies University, China. He has also been the scientific director of the Summer Law Institute in China since 2006, enriching legal professionals’ understanding worldwide.
Consulting Expertise
Paolo lends his extensive expertise to numerous international entities, providing legal advice and consultancy services to organizations such as the UNDP, the Italian Ministry of Economic Development and Commerce, and the OECD.
Research and Publishing
Paolo is a prolific writer, authoring over 60 peer-reviewed articles and several books. He serves as the editor-in-chief of prestigious book series, including "Transnational Law and Governance," "Global Law and Sustainable Development" by Routledge, and “Global Issues” by Palgrave Macmillan, contributing significantly to the field of international law.
Leadership and Global Impact
In leadership roles, Paolo has served on the European Society of International Law board and chaired various interest groups within the American Society of International Law. He actively supports the next generation of legal scholars through his work, including directing the Summer Law Institute in China.
Philanthropic and Educational Contributions
Farah is committed to advancing global legal education and has directed initiatives that have raised over $2 million for research funding. He is the founder and president of gLAWcal—Global Law Initiatives for Sustainable Development, where he promotes research and discussions on sustainable development and global justice.
Language Skills
Paolo Farah’s multilingual abilities, fluent in Italian, English, and French and proficient in Chinese, allow him to engage effectively with a diverse range of international collaborators and students.
Learn more: Pittsburgh International Airport’s Transformation: Honoring Rachel Carson & Advancing Sustainability
Reflections on the Symposium on “Emerging Technologies & Legal Governance” at Michigan State University College of Law
Reconnecting International Studies”, International Studies Association’s 66th Annual Convention
Paolo Davide Farah, The Inflation Reduction Act and Energy
