Rosa Celorio Named Associate Dean for International and Comparative Legal Studies


August 27, 2018

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Rosa Celorio joined GW Law as the new Associate Dean for International and Comparative Legal Studies (ICL) and Burnett Family Professorial Lecturer in International and Comparative Law and Policy. She will lead the ICL program, which attracts students from more than 40 countries, offers an academic experience of a transnational and global nature, and has numerous alumni working around the world. GW Law recently interviewed Dean Celorio about her new role, goals for the program, and more.

Dean Celorio revealed that she is excited to work with students, faculty, staff, and alumni in advancing an ICL program which is multi-layered and of broad scope in its offerings, events, and experiences. She explained that it is key that the program promotes an understanding of the connection between the public and private domains of international law, a strong theoretical foundation in these areas, and opportunities to observe and engage in the practical application of the law in these spheres. "Our program is uniquely positioned to promote the understanding of international law as a key tool to resolve and address many complex social, economic, and policy issues, and to foster creativity and innovation in transnational lawyering," she said.

The events organized by the ICL program this year will also seek to advance understanding of the synergies between domestic and international law issues. "For example, there are many cornerstone social issues and challenges discussed in the media and different spaces in the United States today, with significant international law implications," she said. "GW Law is very well-positioned to enhance knowledge and understanding of these connections."

Prior to joining the law school, Dean Celorio worked for more than a decade as a Senior Attorney at the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, one of the main organs of the regional human rights protection system for the Americas. In that role, she witnessed how international law still provides hope for many persons affected by armed conflicts, poverty, income inequality, and forms of discrimination and violence, among other social issues. "Despite existing challenges, international law is still key for the preservation of peace; the resolution of conflict and the rule of law; the respect of human rights and the pursuit of justice; the building of productive economies; sustainable development; and inclusive societies."

For the last nine years, Dean Celorio has been teaching at GW Law as a Professorial Lecturer in Law in the area of international human rights law. The law school has one of  the "best locations in the world" to focus on international and comparative law, due to its close proximity to many international and regional organizations, the U.S. government, non-profits, and law firms, Dean Celorio explained. Teaching in this area has exposed her to see the opportunities available and has increased her interest in joining the program full-time.

Dean Celorio added that in her new role, "I hope also to build more connections between students and potential employers in both the public and private sectors in areas linked to international and comparative law."

Q&A with Dean Celorio

What is a lesson you have learned in previous jobs that you will bring to the law school?

I have learned throughout my career that there are important values—such as diversity, inclusion, equality, and human dignity—that you can advance through legal work in both the public and private sectors. These can guide you as an attorney in your work for government entities, non-profits, law firms, international and regional organizations, and businesses. Legal training opens the door to make many social contributions and help others both nationally and internationally.  

What is something about you that students may find surprising that you are willing to share?

I grew up in Puerto Rico and lived there until I was 18. I still visit frequently and have family there. My native language is Spanish. My father was a Cuban immigrant and my mother is from Puerto Rico.

What are some programming or job opportunities you see for GW Law students to take advantage of this year? 

GW Law is located in the heart of Washington, D.C., offering numerous opportunities for students to observe and engage with many international processes. We are situated close to the State Department, World Bank, International Monetary Fund, the Organization of American States, many law firms and corporations, and international non-profits, which offers great opportunities for networking and performing externships. Our location offers a great venue to study international law and also directly observe its practical application.