James M. Cooper

James M. Cooper is Professor of Law at California Western School of Law, where he has served as Associate Dean for Experiential Learning and Assistant Dean. A Cambridge University-trained Barrister and Solicitor, he maintains an active international scholarly presence while teaching courses including International Business Transactions, Torts I, Comparative Law, International Trade Law, and International Law.

His academic journey includes:

• Faculty positions at University of Strathclyde Law School and University of Toronto Faculty of Law
• Visiting Professorships at UC San Diego, Franz von Liszt Institute in Germany, and University of Heidelberg
• Current Research Fellow at Singapore University of Social Sciences
• Longstanding member of Heidelberg Center for Latin America academic staff since 2004

Professor Cooper's scholarship focuses on the legal regulation of emerging technologies, particularly blockchain, artificial intelligence, and the metaverse. His work bridges technology innovation with legal governance, examining how traditional legal systems adapt to digital transformation. He has advised blockchain companies across Asia and North America, bringing practical insights to his academic work.

His publication record reveals a strategic evolution from Latin American legal reform toward cutting-edge technology governance. Recent scholarship shows increasing sophistication in comparative analysis of regulatory approaches, particularly regarding US-China frameworks for emerging technologies. His interdisciplinary approach combines legal theory with practical policy considerations.

Professor Cooper has received significant recognition:

• Profiled in The Wall Street Journal, American Bar Association Journal, and Washington Post
• Featured in New York Times, Time Magazine, and USA Today
• Regular media commentator for NBC News, Fox News, Bloomberg Law, and international outlets
• Member of Editorial Boards for Revista DESC and The Journal of Digital Assets

Throughout his career, Professor Cooper has secured substantial funding for legal initiatives, most notably raising over $5 million for Proyecto ACCESO, his judicial technology transfer project in Latin America. His government advisory work spans multiple continents, having consulted for U.S. Department of Justice, U.S. Department of State, Organization of American States, and numerous Latin American governments during critical legal reforms. He has directed documentary films for the BBC and various national governments, often pairing these with his scholarly publications.

Professor Cooper maintains active involvement with the Heidelberg Center for Latin America, where he co-directs the International Post Graduate Program. This collaborative initiative, sponsored by University of Heidelberg, Konrad Adenauer Foundation, University of Chile, and other institutions, represents his ongoing commitment to fostering international legal education and cooperation in the region.