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David Nersessian

  • Associate Professor
Academic Division: Accounting & Law
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Bio

Dr. David Nersessian is a Professor of Law at Babson College, where he teaches Business Law and Public International Law and recently chaired the Faculty Senate Executive Committee. He earned his D Phil (PhD) in Law from Oxford University, where his research concentrated in public international law and human rights. He earned his JD magna cum laude from Boston University School of Law and his BSBA summa cum laude from Boston University School of Management.

Prior to completing his doctoral work, Dr. Nersessian practiced for six years with several large law firms, representing clients in complex commercial litigation in state and federal courts, administrative proceedings, and private arbitrations throughout the United States. He later spent five years as the vice president, trustee, and general counsel of an international educational nonprofit.

Before joining Babson, Professor Nersessian spent many years at Boston University in a variety of roles. He was Assistant Dean of Global Programs and a Senior Lecturer at the Questrom School of Business and both a Visiting Assistant Professor and Lecturer in Law at BU's School of Law. He also served as the founding Executive Director of Questrom's Susilo Institute for Ethics in a Global Economy. Prior to joining BU, he was Executive Director of Harvard Law School's Center on the Legal Profession and a Supreme Court Fellow at the US Supreme Court, where he worked for the Chief Justice's chief of staff. Before that he taught Criminal Law for St. Edmund Hall and St. Benet's Hall at Oxford University.

Dr. Nersessian's research concentrates on public international law, human rights, legal and business ethics, new technologies, globalization, and the management of legal and ethical risk in the corporate setting. His first book, “Genocide and Political Groups” was published by Oxford University Press in 2010. His second book, “International Human Rights Litigation: A Guide for Federal Judges” was published in early 2017. This book, which is a scholarly monograph on the Alien Tort Statute and related topics, was commissioned by the Federal Judicial Center to educate ~1,400 federal judges and magistrates nationwide on how to effectively hear and resolve human rights cases on their dockets. Prof. Nersessian also has taught international law subjects to federal judges on behalf of the Federal Judicial Center.

Professor Nersessian's current journal scholarship leverages his expertise in business law, ethics, and human rights to consider: (i) the ethical development of new technologies, (ii) the use of nonprofit business structures to force digital platforms to behave more responsibly, (iii) the application of big data and mathematical modeling techniques to redress modern slavery in the global supply chain, and (iv) the implications of Babson's Integrated Sustainability concepts for both higher education and corporate settings.

Academic Degrees

  • Ph D, Oxford University, St. Catherine’s College
  • LLM, Oxford University, St. Catherine’s College
  • JD, Boston University School of Law
  • BS, Boston University School of Management

Academic Interest / Expertise

Human Rights and New Technologies; Public International Law; Public Policy; Business and Legal Ethics; Integrated Sustainability

Awards & Honors

  • 2022 — Case Study Research Award - The Babson College Framework for Applied Business Ethics , Babson College (Center on Engaged Learning & Teaching) Teaching Innovation Fund
  • 2022 — Babson Research Scholar Award, 2022-2025, Babson College
  • 2021 — Finalist, Outstanding Interdisciplinary Paper Award, Academy of Legal Studies in Business
  • 2020 — Finalist, Virginia Maurer Outstanding Ethics Paper Award, Academy of Legal Studies in Business
  • 2018 — Babson Research Scholar Award, 2019-2022, Babson College
  • 2018 — Best International Case Award - Hilton: Combatting Human Trafficking in the Hospitality Industry, Academy of Legal Studies in Business
  • 2018 — Babson College Provost’s Office Conference Grant, Babson College
  • 2018 — Babson Faculty Research Fund Award, 2018-19, Babson College
  • 2016 — Virginia Maurer Outstanding Ethics Paper Award, Academy of Legal Studies in Business,
  • 2016 — New Case Writer Fellowship - Hilton: Combatting Human Trafficking in the Hospitality Industry, The Case Centre
  • 2016 — Case Study Research Award - Hilton: Combatting Human Trafficking in the Hospitality Industry, Babson College (Center on Engaged Learning & Teaching) Teaching Innovation Fund
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Courses

  • Degree Courses 2023

    • LAW 1000 BUSINESS LAW & ETHICS
    • LAW 3601 PUBLIC INTERNATIONAL LAW

  • Degree Courses 2022

    • LAW 1000 BUSINESS LAW & ETHICS
    • LAW 3601 PUBLIC INTERNATIONAL LAW
    • LAW 7200 LAW

Publications

Journal Articles

  • Erzurumlu, S.S., Deets, S.G., Nersessian, D., Rodgers, V.L. (2023). Strategic Engagement of Business with Sustainable Development Goals: A Systems Thinking Approach. Business Strategy and the Environment. Wiley. link
  • Mancha, R., Nersessian, D., Marthinsen, J.E. (2022). Reorienting the sharing economy for social benefit: the nonprofit digital platform business model. Social Responsibility Journal. Vol: 18, Issue: 5, Page: 918-934. link
  • Nersessian, D., Pachamanova, D.A. (2022). Human Trafficking in the Global Supply Chain: Using Machine Learning to Enhance Understanding of Corporate Disclosures under the UK Modern Slavery Act. Harvard Human Rights Journal. Vol: 35, Issue: Spring. link
  • Nersessian, D., Mancha, R. (2020). From Automation to Autonomy: Legal and Ethical Responsibility in Artificial Intelligence Innovation. Michigan Technology Law Review. Issue: 27, Page: 55-96. link
  • Nersessian, D. (2020). “Dick & Jane Hire a Lawyer” – A Case-based Examination of how Business Professionals can work Effectively with Legal Counsel. Journal of Legal Studies Education. Vol: 37, Page: 123-60.
  • Deets, S.G., Rodgers, V.L., Erzurumlu, S.S., Nersessian, D. (2020). Systems Thinking as a Tool for Teaching Undergraduate Business Students Humanistic Management. Humanistic Management Journal. link
  • Mancha, R., Gordon, S.R., Nersessian, D. (2020). Committing to Responsible Digital Transformation. BIZ-ED MAGAZINE. AACSB International . link
  • Nersessian, D. (2018). A Human Rights Perspective on Professional Responsibility in Global Corporate Practice. CASE WESTERN RESERVE JOURNAL OF INTERNATIONAL LAW.
  • Nersessian, D. (2018). The Law and Ethics of Big Data Analytics – A New Role for International Human Rights in the Search for Global Standards . Business Horizons. Vol: 61, Issue: 6, Page: 845-54. link
  • Nersessian, D. (2015). Business Lawyers as Worldwide Moral Gatekeepers? Legal Ethics and Human Rights in Global Corporate Practice. Georgetown Journal of Legal Ethics, The. Vol: 28, Issue: 4, Page: 1135-1187. Georgetown Law School.
  • Nersessian, D. (2012). How State Legislative Bans on Foreign and International Law Obstruct the Global Practice and Ethical Regulation of American Lawyers. Arizona State Law Journal. Vol: 44. Arizona State University, Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law.
  • Nersessian, D. (2007). Comparative approaches to punishing hate: The intersection of genocide and crimes against humanity. Stan. J. Int’l L.. Vol: 43, Page: 221. HeinOnline.
  • Nersessian, D. (2006). Whoops, I Committed Genocide! The Anomaly of Constructive Liability for Serious International Crimes. Fletcher F. World Aff.. Vol: 30, Page: 81.
  • Nersessian, D. (2005). Rethinking cultural genocide under International law. Human Rights Dialogue. Vol: 2, Issue: 12, Page: 7–8.
  • Nersessian, D. (2004). To Snitch or Not: The Obligations and Implications of Mandatory Fraud Reporting. Int'l Risk Management CGL Reporter. Vol: 16, Page: 1.
  • Nersessian, D. (2003). Penalty by Proxy: Holding the Policyholder Liable for Fraud by Coinsureds, Claims Professionals, and Other Agents. Tort, Trial & Insurance Practice L.J.. Vol: 38, Page: 907. American Bar Association.
  • Nersessian, D. (2003). The Razor’s Edge: Defining and Protecting Human Groups under the Genocide Convention, The. Cornell Int’l LJ. Vol: 36, Page: 293.
  • Nersessian, D. (2002). Penalty by Proxy: Holding the Innocent Policyholder Liable for Fraud by Coinsureds, Claims Professionals, and Other Agents. Tort Trial & Ins. Prac. LJ. Vol: 38, Page: 907. HeinOnline.
  • Nersessian, D. (2002). The Contours of Genocidal Intent: Troubling Jurisprudence from the International Criminal Tribunals, The. Tex. Int’l LJ. Vol: 37, Page: 231.

Books

  • Nersessian, D. (2017). INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS LITIGATION: A GUIDE FOR FEDERAL JUDGES. Page: 188. Federal Judicial Center - US Government Printing Office. link
  • Nersessian, D. (2010). GENOCIDE AND POLITICAL GROUPS. Oxford University Press . link

Cases and Teaching Notes

  • Nersessian, D. (2018). Hilton: Combatting Human Trafficking in the Hospitality Industry. Page: 1-32. Harvard Business Publishing . link
  • Nersessian, D. (2018). Teaching Note, Hilton: Combatting Human Trafficking in the Hospitality Industry. Page: 1-20. Harvard Business Publishing .

Book Chapters

  • Nersessian, D. (2019). The Current Status of Cultural Genocide Under International Law: JEFFREY BACHMAN (ED.) CULTURAL GENOCIDE: LAW, POLITICS, AND GLOBAL MANIFESTATIONS (London: Routledge 2019). Page: 62-91. Routledge Press .

Reports

  • Williams, S., Nersessian, D. (2007). Overview of the Professional Services Industry and the Legal Profession.

Conference Proceedings

  • Nersessian, D. (2012). Ethical Risks, Corporate Lawyers, and Human Rights: Proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the American Society of International Law. Vol: 105, Page: 295-298 . American Society of International Law. link
  • Nersessian, D., Davis, R., Keenan, P.J., Guáqueta, A., Altschuller, S.A. (2011). ETHICAL AND PRACTICAL CHALLENGES FOR CORPORATE LAWYERS ADVISING CLIENTS ON HUMAN RIGHTS: American Society of International Law. Proceedings of the Annual Meeting. Page: 295.

Other

  • Nersessian, D. (2005). The case for a crime of political genocide under international law. University of Oxford.
  • Nersessian, D. (2000). The Genocide Convention: defining the parameters of a crime without a name. University of Oxford.

Presentations

  • Research: How Do We Build on Our Legacy? Nersessian, D. Matsuno, K. Greenberg, D. Levinson, J. Sulkowski, A. Spinelli, S. Babson College Research Day, Wellesley, MA (2022)
  • Human Trafficking in the Global Supply Chain: Using Machine Learning to Enhance Understanding of Corporate Disclosures under the UK Modern Slavery Act Nersessian, D. Pachamanova, D. Academy of Legal Studies in Business 96th Annual Conference, Virtual (2021)
  • Law, Ethics, and Machine Learning – Big Data Analytics and Corporate Reporting on Human Trafficking in the Global Supply Chain Nersessian, D. Pachamanova, D. Ethical Leadership and Legal Strategies for Post-2020 Organizations, Virtual (2021)
  • From Automation to Autonomy: Legal and Ethical Responsibility in Artificial Intelligence Innovation (with Ruben Mancha) Nersessian, D. Mancha, R. Academy of Legal Studies in Business, Virtual (2020)
  • Panelist, Advice on Tenure and Promotion at Babson College Nersessian, D. Jones, K. Beitelspacher, L. Swanson, E. Babson College Research Day, Wellesley, MA (2020)
  • Panelist, Interdisciplinary Research at Babson College Nersessian, D. Beitelspacher, L. Wynstra, C. Pachamanova, D. Babson College Research Day, Wellesley, MA (2020)
  • Renewed Commitment to Teaching Excellence at Babson Nersessian, D. Talkin' Teachin' Lunch Series, Wellesley, MA (2019)
  • From Automation to Autonomy: Legal and Ethical Responsibility in Artificial Intelligence Innovation (with Ruben Mancha) Nersessian, D. Academy of Legal Studies in Business Annual Meeting, Montreal, Canada (2019)
  • The Current Status of Cultural Genocide Under International Law Nersessian, D. Academy of Legal Studies in Business Annual Meeting, Montreal, Canada (2019)
  • “Dick & Jane Hire a Lawyer” – A Case-based Approach to Classroom Discussion of how Business Professionals can work Effectively with Legal Counsel, Invited Paper, Journal of Legal Studies Education Invited Scholars Colloquium Nersessian, D. Academy of Legal Studies in Business Annual Meeting, Montreal, Canada (2019)
  • Integrating Corporate Compliance into Business School Teaching, Research, and Programs, Panel, Curricular Innovations in Business Law Nersessian, D. Summit on the Academic Profession of Business Law, Hartford, CT (2019)
  • The Changing Face of Business Law – New Teaching Paradigms for the Global Setting, Panel, Curricular Innovations in Business Law Nersessian, D. Summit on the Academic Profession of Business Law, Hartford, CT (2019)
  • From Automation to Autonomy: Legal and Ethical Responsibility in Artificial Intelligence Innovation (with Ruben Mancha) Nersessian, D. Mancha, R. Babson College Research Day, Wellesley, MA (2019)
  • Panelist, Scholarly Development: Preparing for Tenure and/or Promotion: How we Stayed Sane and Learned to Tolerate the Process Nersessian, D. Babson College Research Day, Wellesley, MA (2019)
  • Social Justice & Business Success Nersessian, D. Integrated Sustainability Teaching Panel, Wellesley, MA (2018)
  • Hilton: Combatting Human Trafficking in the Hospitality Industry Nersessian, D. Academy of Legal Studies in Business Annual Meeting, Portland, OR (2018)
  • Innovative Technologies and Human Rights Nersessian, D. Academy of Legal Studies in Business Annual Meeting, Portland, OR (2018)
  • Panel moderator / organizer, Ralph Bunche International Law Paper Award Finalists Nersessian, D. Academy of Legal Studies in Business Annual Meeting, Portland, OR (2018)
  • Senate Executive Committee Overview Nersessian, D. New Faculty Orientation, Babson College, Wellesley MA (2018)
  • A Human Rights Perspective on Legal Ethics and Global Corporate Practice Nersessian, D. Symposium, Corporations on Trial: International Criminal and Civil Liability for Corporations for Human Rights Violations, Case Western Reserve University School of Law (2017)
  • Big Data, Big Business, and Big Problems – Corporate Opportunities & Risks from an International Human Rights Perspective Nersessian, D. Babson College Research Day, Wellesley, MA (2017)
  • Big Data, Big Business, and Big Problems – Corporate Opportunities & Risks from an International Human Rights Perspective Nersessian, D. North Atlantic Regional Business Law Association (NARBLA) Annual Conference, Wellesley, MA (2017)
  • Big Data, Big Business, and Big Problems – Corporate Opportunities & Risks from an International Human Rights Perspective Nersessian, D. Research Colloquium: The Law and Ethics of Big Data, Philadelphia, PA (2017)
  • Babson, UN PRME, and the Sustainable Development Goals Strategic Linkages / Pathways Forward Nersessian, D. Babson College - Board of Trustees, Babson College, Wellesley MA (2017)
  • PRME Update / Pathways Forward Nersessian, D. Babson College - President's Cabinet, Babson College, Wellesley MA (2016)
  • Big Data, Big Business, and Big Problems – Corporate Opportunities & Risks from an International Human Rights Perspective Nersessian, D. Invited Research Presentation at U Conn Human Rights Center, Storrs, CT (2016)
  • Beyond Privacy: Rethinking Big Data Analytics and International Human Rights Nersessian, D. Academy of Legal Studies in Business, San Juan, PR (2016)
  • Integrating Ethics, Social Responsibility, and Sustainability into Lessons, Courses, and Publications Nersessian, D. Annual Faculty Learn & Share Day, Babson College, Wellesley MA (2016)
  • The Law and Ethics of Big Data: (Very) Preliminary Thoughts on Big Data and Human Rights Nersessian, D. North Atlantic Regional Business Law Association (NARBLA) Annual Conference, Bentley College, Waltham, MA (2016)
  • The Law and Ethics of Big Data: (Very) Preliminary Thoughts on Big Data and Human Rights Nersessian, D. Research Colloquium: The Law and Ethics of Big Data, Kelley School of Business, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN (2016)
  • Human Rights and ISIS – International Crimes and Humanitarian Intervention Nersessian, D. BU Law Inaugural Peace and National Security Panel, Boston, MA (2014)
  • The Professional Development of Ethical Lawyers – Operationalizing Legal Ethics in Private Practice Nersessian, D. NALP/ALI-ABA Professional Development Institute, Washington, DC (2012)
  • “Save our State” – But From What? How Legislative Prohibitions on International and Foreign Law in Judicial Decision Making Impede the Ethical Regulation of American Lawyers Nersessian, D. Boston University School of Law Faculty Workshop, Boston, MA (2012)
  • Publication and Publicity in Legal Scholarship Nersessian, D. Northeast Regional Scholarship Workshop, Albany, NY (2012)
  • “Save our State” – But From What? How Legislative Prohibitions on International and Foreign Law in Judicial Decision Making Impede the Ethical Regulation of American Lawyers Nersessian, D. Northeast Regional Scholarship Workshop, Albany, NY (2012)
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Professional Services

  • Committee Chair Academy of Legal Studies in Business, Co-Chair, Artificial Intelligence Special Interest Group (2021 - Present)
  • Reviewer, Ad Hoc Reviewer American Business Law Journal (2016 - Present)
  • Reviewer, Ad Hoc Reviewer Journal of Legal Studies Education (2016 - Present)
  • Reviewer, Ad Hoc Reviewer Routledge Publishing (2022 - 2022)
  • Officer, President/Elect/Past Academy of Legal Studies in Business, Section of International Law (2018 - 2019)
  • Officer, Vice President Academy of Legal Studies in Business, Section of International Law (2017 - 2018)
  • Officer, President/Elect/Past North Atlantic Regional Business Law Association (2017 - 2018)
  • Reviewer, Ad Hoc Reviewer Oxford University Press (2017 - 2017)
  • Officer, Secretary Academy of Legal Studies in Business, Section of International Law (2016 - 2017)
  • Officer, Other Officer North Atlantic Regional Business Law Association (2016 - 2017)

Professional Memberships

  • Society of Business Ethics (2021 - Present)
  • North Atlantic Regional Business Law Association (2016 - Present)
  • Academy of Legal Studies in Business (2015 - Present)
  • Working Group, UN PRME Working Group on Business and Human Rights (2016 - 2019)
  • American Society of International Law (2000 - 2018)

Department & College Wide Services

  • Faculty Senate (Fall 2018 - Fall 2023)
  • Faculty Senate (Spring 2020 - Summer 2020)
  • Senate Executive Committee (Fall 2018 - Summer 2019)
  • Faculty Lead, Babson PRME (Principles on Responsible Management Education Initiatives (Spring 2016 - Spring 2019)
  • Coauthored Babson Law Faculty White Paper on AACSB Law Faculty Qualification and Legal Publications (Fall 2018 - Fall 2018)
  • SEERS Task Force (Spring 2017 - Fall 2018)
  • External Relations Subcommittee - SEERS Task Force (Fall 2017 - Spring 2018)
  • Faculty Senate (Fall 2017 - Spring 2018)
  • Babson College Pre-Law Advisor (Fall 2016 - Spring 2018)
  • Planning Committee, Babson 2nd Annual Research Day 2018 (Fall 2017 - Winter 2018)
  • Planning Committee, Babson Inaugural Research Day 2017 (Fall 2016 - Winter 2017)
  • Faculty Senate (Fall 2016 - Fall 2016)
  • Planning Committee, Babson Learn & Share Day (Spring 2016 - Summer 2016)