Thomas Raab

Prof. Dr. Thomas Raab is a full Professor of Civil Law and Labor Law at the University of Trier, Faculty of Law, where he has held the Chair of Civil Law and Labor Law since April 2003. He serves as Director of the Institute for Legal Policy at the University of Trier (since November 2014) and is a member of the Board and collegiate management of the Graduate Center University Trier (GUT) since March 2022, serving as spokesperson since July 2022. His academic career includes previous positions as Vice President of the University of Trier (2011-2015), Dean of the Law Department (2006-2007), and various teaching positions at other German universities.

Prof. Raab's research focuses primarily on Civil Law, Labor Law, Works Constitution Law, and Legal Policy. His work explores the complex relationships between employers and employees, with particular emphasis on works council rights, collective labor law, and the practical implementation of labor regulations. He has made significant contributions to understanding co-determination procedures, business transfers, temporary employment regulations, and the evolving nature of works councils in the digital age.

His publication record spans nearly three decades, with a consistent focus on labor law developments. The most recent articles demonstrate his ongoing engagement with contemporary labor law challenges, including digital transformation in works councils, business transfers, temporary employment regulations, and pay equity. His work shows a progression from foundational analyses of works council authority to more nuanced examinations of how traditional labor law concepts apply to modern workplace challenges.

• Johannes Gutenberg University Prize for the Department of Law and Economics 1993 (for his dissertation)

Prof. Raab has supervised numerous doctoral students who have gone on to prominent careers in the judiciary, legal practice, and corporate sectors. His leadership extends beyond research to institutional development, including significant roles in university governance and legal policy initiatives. He co-edits the "Legal Policy Forum" and "Legal Policy Symposium" series and serves on the Board of the "Society for Legal Policy" since 2015. His expertise is frequently sought by media outlets, including Deutschlandfunk, where he has provided commentary on labor law issues related to the coronavirus pandemic.

As Director of the Institute for Legal Policy, Prof. Raab leads initiatives that bridge academic research and practical legal policy development. His involvement with the German-French University since 2013 demonstrates his commitment to international legal education collaboration. The Institute serves as a hub for legal policy discussions, including the Bitburger Conversations, which address significant legal and societal issues.