A History of Law and Lawyers in the GATT/WTO: The Development of the Rule of Law in the Multilateral Trading System

How did a treaty that emerged in the aftermath of World War II and barely survived its early years evolve into one of the most influential organizations in international law? This unique book brings together original contributions from an unprecedented number of eminent current and former GATT and WTO staff members—including many current and former Appellate Body members—to trace the history of law and lawyers in the GATT/WTO and explore how the nature of legal work has changed over the institution's sixty-year history. It paints a fascinating portrait of the development of the rule of law in the multilateral trading system and allows some of the most important names in GATT and WTO history to share their stories and reflect on the WTO's remarkable journey from a .provisionally applied treaty. to an international organization defined by its commitment to the rule of law. This volume provides a new perspective on the role of law and lawyers in the GATT/WTO Secretariats that highlights the multiple roles of lawyers and non-lawyers in enhancing the rule of law in the multilateral trading system.