Dr Ilaria Zavoli

Profile

I joined the School of Law at the University of Leeds as a Lecturer in Law in April 2018.

Prior to this role, I was a Research Fellow at the School of Law, Politics and Sociology at the University of Sussex, where I worked on a British Academy-funded project examining money laundering in the UK real estate market. My research background also includes a PhD in Law from the University of Leeds, where I conducted an in-depth study on in absentia proceedings in international criminal justice.

I hold a Law Degree (cum laude) and a Postgraduate Specialization Diploma in Law (cum laude) from the University of Bologna (Italy). Additionally, I earned an Advanced LL.M. in Public International Law (specialising in International Criminal Law) from Leiden University (The Netherlands), further enhancing my expertise in global legal frameworks and justice mechanisms.

Responsibilities

• Programme Manager International Law and Global Governance LLM
• Module Leader International Criminal Law
• Co-Director International

Research interests

My research interests span three key areas:

International Criminal Law & International Law

I focus on all aspects of international criminal justice, including the prosecution of international crimes before both international and national courts. My current work examines the conduct of in absentia proceedings, explores the role, challenges, and contributions of international lawyers within global justice mechanisms, and analyses the challenges of international criminal proceedings where a defendant dies.

Criminal Law

A key focus of my research is the assessment and prevention of money laundering in economic sectors that traditionally receive less scrutiny, including real estate, cryptocurrencies, construction, and insolvency. Through my pioneering studies, I have identified the systemic risks associated with money laundering in these sectors, examined the barriers to effective regulatory implementation, and put forward recommendations to strengthen the UK’s anti-money laundering regime.

Academic Integrity in Higher Education

I am interested in the implementation of Academic Integrity (AI) frameworks in higher education, with a particular focus on international students’ understanding and approach to AI principles. My work also examines best practices for maintaining academic integrity in digital and blended learning environments, ensuring ethical engagement and pedagogical effectiveness.

Qualifications

• Postgraduate Certificate in Academic Practice - University of Leeds
• PhD International Criminal Law - University of Leeds
• Adv. LL.M. Public International Law, specialization International Criminal Law - Leiden University
• Postgraduate Specialization Diploma in Law - University of Bologna
• Law Degree - University of Bologna

Professional memberships

• Fellow of the HEA
• Fellow of the Michael Beverley Innovation Fellowship 2022

Student education

I hold a PG Certificate in Academic Practice. I have extensive teaching experience which covers a variety of UG and PG modules:

• An Introduction to Law (LAW1076)
• Criminal Law (LAW1260)
• International Human Rights Law (LAW2142)
• International Law (LAW2146)
• New Frontiers of Security, Conflict and Justice (LAW5005M)
• International Criminal Law (LAW5146M)
• Security, Conflict and Justice (LAW5301M)
• Postgraduate Legal Research Skills (LAW5662M)
• Financial Crime (LAW5637M)
• Global Governance Through Law (LAW5866M)

Research groups and institutes

• Centre for Criminal Justice Studies
• Centre for Business Law and Practice

Current postgraduate researchers

• Nina Herzog
• Valeria Caroli