Marie Wako is a JSD student at Stanford Law School. She holds an LL.M. from Stanford, where she was a Fulbright scholar, as well as a J.D. (cum laude) and LL.B. from the University of Tokyo. Her research spans the empirical analysis of criminal law, with a focus on gender and racial discrimination in courtrooms, as well as international trade law.

Marie was most recently an APARC pre-doctoral fellow. Her current research investigates the impact of female judges in Japanese criminal cases, examining how their presence might challenge the traditionally male-dominated judiciary and influence sentencing outcomes, particularly in a country where gender equality remains an ongoing challenge.

She was also recognized with the Leon M. Cain Public Service Award for her contributions in fostering a supportive environment for Advanced Degree Students at SLS.

Before embarking on her doctoral studies, Marie practiced law in Tokyo, advising private companies and government agencies on international trade matters, including export controls, economic sanctions, treaty negotiations, and international public law.