Ira H. Trako, J.D.
Instructor of Law; Executive Director, Center for International and Comparative Law
Courses Taught
Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court, Immigration and Crime in the International Context, International Courts and Tribunals
Education
B.S.B.A., Economics, Saint Louis University, 2008, cum laude
B.A., History, Saint Louis University, 2008, cum laude
J.D., Saint Louis University School of Law, 2011
Practice Areas
Ira H. Trako is an Instructor of Law and Executive Director for the Center for International
and Comparative Law at Saint Louis University School of Law. She teaches international
and comparative law courses, seminars, and advanced legal writing. Holding a Teaching
with AI certificate from Harvard Business School alongside advanced training in legal
pedagogy, her teaching emphasizes practical legal skills, metacognition, and innovative
teaching methods, including the thoughtful integration of artificial intelligence
into the classroom.
As Executive Director of the Center for International and Comparative Law, Trako drives
SLU Law’s global strategy, leading the charge in internationalizing legal education
and advancing students' professional identity formation through Center programs and
global internship placements.
Before joining SLU LAW, Trako’s legal practice focused on criminal defense, appellate
advocacy, and the mitigation of immigration consequences stemming from criminal convictions.
Research Interests
Trako’s interests focus on innovative legal pedagogy, practical skills training, intercultural competency building, and the intersection of artificial intelligence and the law. Building on her international and comparative law expertise, her scholarly and teaching interests also encompass comparative artificial intelligence regulation and the impact of artificial intelligence on transnational legal practice.
Professional Organizations and Associations
Trako is a licensed member of the Missouri Bar and an active member of the American Bar Association (ABA) and the Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis (BAMSL). She has held numerous leadership positions in the ABA International Law Section since 2014, including leadership in the International Legal Education & Specialist Certification Committee, International Courts & Judicial Affairs Committee, and International Criminal Law Committee. She has also served in several leadership and advisory capacities within the Section. In 2022 and 2023, she received an ABA Presidential Appointment to serve as a member of the Law Library of Congress Advisory Commission.
Community Work and Service
Beyond her academic roles, Trako serves as a volunteer mediator for the St. Louis Mediation Project.