Rakesh Kumar Bhala

Rakesh Kumar Bhala (Raj Bhala) is the inaugural Leo S. Brenneisen Distinguished Professor and former Raymond F. Rice Distinguished Professor at the University of Kansas School of Law, where he has held the highest academic accolades for scholarship and research. He also served as Associate Dean for International and Comparative Law (2011–2017). His expertise spans international trade law, Islamic law, and law and literature. Bhala has authored seminal works such as Modern GATT Law, Understanding Islamic Law (Sharī'ah), and TPP Objectively.

Education: Harvard Law School (J.D., 1989); Oxford University (MSc in Management, 1986); London School of Economics (MSc in Economics, 1985); Duke University (A.B. in Economics, 1984).

Research Interests: International trade law (including trade remedies and development economics), Islamic law, law and literature, and Indian trade policy. Bhala advocates for interdisciplinary approaches, emphasizing the intersection of trade law with social justice, geopolitics, and cultural norms.

Awards:

• Moreau Award (2015)
• Kemper Teaching Award (2008)
• Alumni Fellowship Award for Excellence in Teaching (1996)
• President’s Award for Excellence (Federal Reserve Bank of New York, 1990 and 1992)

Service: Negotiated international agreements with law schools in India, Korea, and UAE; advised the U.S. State Department; and served on editorial boards of major legal journals. Bhala has taught globally, including at the University of Auckland, Tel Aviv University, and the Command and General Staff College (Fort Leavenworth).

Labs/Teams: Co-founded the Two-Year Juris Doctor (J.D.) Program for Foreign-Trained Lawyers and the Doctorate of Juridical Science (S.J.D.) Program at KU Law.