Dr. Carol Liao

Assistant Professor

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Biography

Carol Liao is an Associate Professor at the Peter Allard School of Law, University of British Columbia, and a UBC Sauder Distinguished Fellow. Her research interests include corporate law, sustainability, climate governance, and social justice. Liao serves as Co-Director of the UBC Centre for Climate Justice and holds the Chair of the Canada Climate Law Initiative, which focuses on advancing knowledge of climate risks and fiduciary obligations. She has received numerous awards, including the Influential Women in Business Award and recognition as one of Canada’s Top 100 Powerful Women. Liao is committed to community-engaged scholarship and has delivered over 200 invited talks internationally. Her previous experience includes senior associate roles in corporate law and serving with the United Nations International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda. Liao holds a BA (Hons) from Queen’s University, an LLB, an LLM, and a PhD/S.J.D. from the University of British Columbia and the University of Toronto. She is also a member of various boards and advisory committees, showcasing her engagement with the legal and corporate community.

Research Interests

Experience

Senior Associate

— Present

Shearman & Sterling LLP • New York

Represented public and private multinational corporations in transactional governance matters.

Judicial Clerk

— Present

BC Court of Appeal • British Columbia

Awards

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Influential Women in Business Award

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BCBusiness Women of the Year Award

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TELUS Community Service Award

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Canada's Clean50 Award

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Top 100 Powerful Women

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Top 25 Influential Lawyers

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Public Humanities Public Engagement Award

Courses

Business Organizations (LAW 459 / 506D) Corporate Social Responsibility Law (LAW 306D) Contract Law (LAW 211) Topics in Corporate Law (LAW 467D)

Requirements for University of British Columbia

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.3
IELTS
Listening
Required:6.5
Reading
Required:6.5
Writing
Required:6.5
Speaking
Required:6.5
Overall
Required:7
TOEFL
Listening
Required:22
Reading
Required:22
Writing
Required:21
Speaking
Required:21
Total
Required:100
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in Philosophy or related field 3 credits in formal logic 6 credits at the upper level in history of philosophy 3 credits at the upper level in ethics or value theory 6 credits at the upper level in metaphysics, epistemology, or philosophy of science
Application Checklist
  • Online application form
  • Application fee
  • Transcripts from all post-secondary institutions
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Writing sample (15-20 pages)
  • Statement of intent
  • Evidence of English language proficiency
Specialization Notes

Offers course-only and thesis routes. Focus areas include philosophy of science, mind, ethics, and Asian philosophy.