Summary
Dr Massarella completed his LLB (Hons) degree and LPC at Nottingham Trent University before qualifying as a Solicitor (England and Wales) in 2002. He subsequently worked in private practice primarily in the area of civil litigation before coming to Hull to pursue an interest in Public International Law. After completing an LLM in International Law he undertook doctoral studies under the supervision of Professor Richard Barnes and Professor Lindsay Moir. His PhD was on the topic of Jurisdiction over Maritime Piracy in International Law, and was examined by Professor Robert Cryer (University of Birmingham). Following his PhD he was appointed as a full-time Lecturer in the Law School, and has taught at all levels from L3 (Foundation) through to L7 (Postgraduate).
He has been involved in the teaching of practical skills at undergraduate level, including helping to develop and later convening the Practical Legal Skills Module, and then designing, introducing, and convening the core module Real World Law. He was also a supervisor of the Law Clinic for several years.
Dr Massarella’s teaching is currently focused on Public International Law, which he convenes and teaches at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, and also International Criminal Justice as part of the LLM programme. He has also taught a range of other subjects, including convening International Investment Law, European Human Rights, the Law of Tort, Practical Legal Skills, and Real World Law. He has contributed to other modules including the Law of the Sea, Shipping Law, Postgraduate Legal Research, and Systems of Justice, and supervised dissertations at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, as well as being involved in the supervision of doctoral students.
Dr Massarella’s research interests are in Public International Law, and especially on different aspects of the Law of the Sea, including the regulation of activities at sea, piracy, and maritime security. He has presented papers at a number of international conferences, including the International Law Association (British Branch) Spring Conference and the European Society of International Law (ESIL) Research Forum.
He has previously served as the Undergraduate Programme Director, Postgraduate (Taught) Programme Director, and as a member of the Law School’s Admissions Team.