About Paolo Farah

Paolo Davide Farah stands out as a renowned legal scholar, professor, and expert in international economic law, environmental sustainability, and global trade policies. His career is marked by a commitment to promoting international cooperation on ecological and ethical trade issues. He is a respected author and consultant, contributing his expertise to various international organizations.

Educational Background

Farah's academic pursuits were grounded in some of Europe's top institutions. He obtained his J.D. in International and European Law from Paris Ouest La Defense Nanterre University in France. His quest for more profound knowledge led him to the College of Europe in Bruges, Belgium, where he completed an LLM in European Legal Studies in 2003. He achieved a significant milestone by earning a dual PhD in International Law from Aix-Marseille University in France and the University of Milan in Italy in 2011.

Professional Origins

Paolo began his illustrious career internationally, initially working in the Legal Affairs Division of the World Trade Organization (WTO) in Geneva. He later joined the prestigious Baker & McKenzie in Milan as an associate lawyer specializing in international business law.

Academic Achievements and Leadership

Farah is a full West Virginia University professor based in the John D. Rockefeller IV School of Policy and Politics at the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences. Here, he teaches public administration, public policy, law, environmental policy, and energy justice courses. Additionally, he leads the Energy Justice and Just Transition Lab and is the Eberly College Interdisciplinary Research Collaborative Coordinator, where he fosters academic partnerships to address global challenges like environmental degradation and human rights abuses.

International Involvement

Internationally, Paolo is recognized as a Professor of Law at Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU) in China, where he guides international law and policy students. Since 2006, he has directed the Summer Law Institute in China, an executive education program that enhances the skills of legal professionals globally.

Consulting and Advisory Expertise

Farah has also made significant contributions as a legal advisor and consultant for numerous prestigious entities, including the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), the Italian Ministry of Economic Development and Commerce, and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).

Scholarly Contributions

A prolific writer, Paolo has authored more than 60 peer-reviewed articles nine books, and has edited six special issues in academic journals. His publications are well-regarded in international law, environmental policy, and sustainable development. He is the editor-in-chief of three influential book series: "Transnational Law and Governance," "Global Law and Sustainable Development" by Routledge, and “Global Issues” by Palgrave Macmillan.

Leadership Roles and Impact

Throughout his career, Farah has assumed numerous influential positions. He was a board member of the European Society of International Law (ESIL) from 2018 to 2022 and has led the Interest Group on International Environmental Law for eight years. He also holds leadership roles in the American Society of International Law (ASIL), including vice-chair and chair of the Interest Groups on International Environmental Law and International Law and Technology.

Support for Young Academics

Dedicated to supporting the next generation of scholars, Paolo has led initiatives that provide young academics with opportunities to advance their careers. He has managed research projects with over $2 million in external funding and directs China's impactful Summer Law Institute.

Global Contributions

As the founder and president of gLAWcal — Global Law Initiatives for Sustainable Development, Farah is crucial in fostering global justice and sustainable development. His leadership in the gLAWcal-Palgrave MacMillan “Global Issues” book series has led to the publication of eight volumes that contribute to international discourse on sustainability and law.

Multilingual Capabilities

Paolo Farah’s linguistic skills are an asset in his global engagements. He is fluent in Italian, English, and French and understands Chinese well, facilitating his international teaching and consultancy roles.

Learn more: 2025 SEALS Annual Conference – Call for Expression of Interest

• Celebrating a Milestone for the gLAWcal-Palgrave MacMillan Book Series!
• Research Seminar by professor Paolo Davide FARAH
• Faculty Research Seminar by professor Paolo Davide FARAH
• Séminaire avec Paolo Farah
• Paolo Davide Farah, Intellectual Property, Genetic Resources, and Traditional Knowledge
• Paolo Davide Farah, The Inflation Reduction Act and Energy
• Reconnecting International Studies”, International Studies Association’s 66th Annual Convention