A History of Law and Lawyers in the GATT/WTO

How did a treaty that emerged in the aftermath of the Second World War, and barely survived its early years, evolve into one of the most influential organisations 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 evolved over the institution's sixty-year history. In doing so, 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 personalities 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 organisation defined by its commitment to the rule of law.

• Provides a new perspective on the role of law and lawyers in the GATT/WTO Secretariats which highlights the multiple roles of lawyers and non-lawyers in enhancing the rule of law in the multilateral trading system

• Offers an historical and analytical description of the evolution of the rule of law in the GATT/WTO systems and the various and sometimes contradictory ways in which commitment to the rule of law has manifested itself in the multilateral trading system

• Contributions from a wide range of current and former GATT and WTO staff, as well as members of the Appellate Body, provide unprecedented insights into the legal work in the multilateral trading system, as experienced by a wide range of persons