Xiaorui Han’s journey into law began with a personal mission: protecting her father’s business rights. What started as a family endeavor quickly grew into a passion for legal analysis and logic, leading her to the pursuit of an LLM degree at Case Western Reserve University. Now an SJD candidate specializing in international business law, Han is dedicated to solving complex legal challenges that impact businesses across borders.
With six years of studying Chinese law, Han aims to expand her expertise in U.S. legal practices, particularly in the context of international trade between the world’s two largest economies—America and China. Her goal is to help businesses navigate legal challenges and ensure smooth international transactions.
Han first chose to attend the program at Case Western Reserve as a result of its high rank by the U.S. News, earning her LLM degree in 2023. Working as a teaching assistant for two professors in the LLM program, she assists students with their work while deepening her understanding of U.S. legal and political frameworks. Specializing in international business law, Han has found the program’s blend of foundational knowledge and advanced topics to be invaluable.
“The courses taught by Professor Colares, Professor Petras and Professor Rapp have significantly shaped my understanding of international business law,” Han shares. "Their classes on international transactions, trade law and business associations have been instrumental in preparing me for my career, providing a thorough grounding in everything from Contracts for the International Sale of Goods to U.S. corporate structures."
In addition to academics, Han values the welcoming and supportive community at Case Western Reserve. From engaging with student staff who have helped ease challenges related to language and academics, to enjoying stress-relief sessions with therapy dogs, she appreciates the balance of rigorous study and personal well-being.
Outside the classroom, Han cherishes the cultural richness surrounding Case Western Reserve. She fondly recalls visits to the Cleveland Botanical Garden, the Cleveland Museum of Art and world-class performances by the Cleveland Orchestra. These experiences, often free or discounted for students, have enriched her time at Case Western Reserve and provided much-needed inspiration along her academic journey.
Among the standout moments in Han’s education were the hands-on projects in the U.S. Legal Writing course led by Julia Liston and the Vis Practicum under Kathryn Mercer.
“The collaborative environment in these courses helped me gain new insights from my peers. This kind of engagement fostered a diverse exchange of ideas and enhanced my legal education,” she reflects.
The most valuable lesson for Han has been in the art of legal writing. Liston’s course on U.S. Legal Analysis and Writing helped her sharpen her ability to articulate clear legal arguments, a skill crucial for future client advisement. Similarly, the SJD Seminar led by Jonathan Gordon advanced her research skills, pushing her to think critically and write with precision in complex legal contexts.
Beyond academics, Han enjoys being an active member of the Asian Law Student Association (ALSA). She looks forward to events like the barbecue festival by Lake Erie and cultural activities such as the ‘Asian Tea and Snacks’ gatherings, which celebrate Asian culture and build connections among students.
As she works towards a Doctorate of Juridical Science with an anticipated graduation date of May 2026, Han is committed to becoming an expert in International Business Law. With aspirations to assist commercial practitioners and educate future students in the field, her journey at Case Western Reserve is just the beginning of a promising legal career.
“I believe dedication and effort are key to success,” Han notes. “The hard work I put into my LLM opened up opportunities like my current TA position in the SJD program. With persistence, you can achieve great results.”