Faculty

Professor Anita Ramasastry is a distinguished faculty member at the University of Washington School of Law, where she has been inspiring students since 1996. Renowned for her exceptional teaching prowess, she has earned the esteemed title of Philip A. Trautman Professor of the Year on multiple occasions, a testament to her dedication and impact in the classroom. In 1998, she was honored with the prestigious UW Distinguished Teaching Award, the highest recognition for teaching excellence at the university.

Beyond her exemplary teaching, Professor Ramasastry’s commitment to public service is evident through her notable achievements. In 2002, she was lauded with the UW Outstanding Public Service Award for her significant contributions to addressing domestic violence—an issue close to her heart. Her multifaceted research interests span commercial law, banking and payments systems, sustainable development, and the intersection of business and human rights, reflecting her broad expertise and passion for creating positive change.

Professor Ramasastry illustrious career extends far beyond academia. With experience as a staff attorney at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and as an associate attorney at the international law firm of White & Case in Budapest, Hungary, she brings a wealth of practical knowledge to her teaching and research. Her tenure as an assistant professor of law at the Central European University in Budapest further underscores her global perspective and commitment to advancing legal education worldwide.

A distinguished legal scholar, Professor Ramasastry has made significant contributions to the field through her roles as symposium editor for the Harvard International Law Journal and as a clerk for Justice Alan B. Handler of the New Jersey Supreme Court. Her involvement as a special attorney and advisor to a claims resolution tribunal in Zurich, Switzerland, highlights her dedication to seeking justice, even in complex international contexts.

In addition to her academic and legal endeavors, Professor Ramasastry has played a pivotal role in shaping policy and combating corruption on the global stage. Her leadership as a senior advisor in the International Trade Administration of the US Department of Commerce, under Secretary Gary Locke, underscores her commitment to fostering integrity and transparency in international trade. She has also collaborated with esteemed organizations such as the World Bank, USAID, and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, leveraging her expertise in commercial law and anti-corruption efforts to drive meaningful change.

As a member of the United Nations Working Group on Business and Human Rights from 2016 to 2022, Professor Ramasastry has been instrumental in advancing human rights standards within corporate practices. Currently serving as the Special Representative on Combating Corruption at the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, she continues to champion integrity and accountability on a global scale.

Beyond her professional accolades, Professor Ramasastry is a respected visiting professor at renowned institutions such as the Centre for Commercial Law Studies, Queen Mary Westfield College, University of London, and the Irish Center for Human Rights at the National University of Ireland-Galway, as well as Trinity Business School. Her commitment to sharing knowledge and fostering dialogue extends across borders, embodying her belief in the transformative power of education and collaboration. 

In summary, Professor Ramasastry’s illustrious career is characterized by a steadfast dedication to excellence, public service, and global advocacy. Her impact extends far beyond the confines of academia, leaving an indelible mark on the legal profession and the pursuit of justice worldwide.