Overview

Contact Details

Telephone

work +44 (0)1224 272436

Fax

fax +44 (0)1224 272442

Email

jborgbarthet@abdn.ac.uk

Address

The University of Aberdeen C50, Taylor Building

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Biography

Justin Borg-Barthet studied Law and European Studies at the University of Malta. After qualifying as an advocate in Malta, he pursued postgraduate studies at the University of Aberdeen. This was followed by a lectureship at the University of Dundee. He joined the School of Law as a lecturer in September 2012. He was promoted to Senior Lecturer in 2017.

Justin’s research and teaching address a wide range of subject matter, principally in European Union law and Private International Law.  The work includes analyses of the recognition of same-sex relationships, cross-border regulation of companies, Scottish independence and EU membership, and the treatment of migrants' rights in the EU.  The unifying theme in this body of work is an exploration of the allocation of decisional power as between individuals, States, and supranational regulators.

Justin is the author of a leading monograph on corporate mobility (The Governing Law of Companies in EU Law (Bloomsbury/Hart 2012).  The book was described as ‘a remarkable analysis of the complex issues resulting from the intersection of private international law of companies and companies' freedom of establishment under the TFEU’ (P Behrens (2013) CMLRev 1870).  Another review says: ‘The book, no doubt, will make an important contribution to the future development of corporate mobility in the European Union…it is highly recommended.’ (M Schillig (2014) ELR 151).  This book and his other publications are cited extensively in the literature.

Justin has acted as a consultant to the European Parliament on a review of the Brussels IIa Regulation, and as part of a steering committee advising the European Commission on the possible introduction of legislation concerning the cross-border mobility of companies.

Further information concerning research, postgraduate supervision, teaching, administrative contributions, and external responsibilities is available under other headings on this page.

Research

Research Interests

Justin's research explores several themes in private international law of the European Union, with particular reference to the principle of mutual recognition. He has published work on a range of topics, including European company law, online gambling and the recognition of same-sex relationships.  The work addresses the balance between individual freedoms and the residual rights of EU Member States to govern their socio-economic affairs.

Research Grants

• 2015-16: ‘The judicial application of EU family law’, Policy Department for Citizens’ Rights and Constitutional Affairs, European Parliament
• 2015-16: Member of the Steering Group and Country Reporter (Malta) for DG Justice contract JUST/2014/JCOO/PR/CIVI/0051: ‘Study on the law applicable to companies with the aim of a possible harmonisation of conflict of laws rules on the matter’
• 2014-17: Elphinstone Grant to support the award of a PhD scholarship on 'The Architecture of EU Company Law'

Teaching

Teaching Responsibilities

Course coordinator

• LS 2026 EU Institutions and Law
• LS 2531 Introduction to Spanish Law
• LS/LX 4020 Contemporary Legal Issues in European Integration
• LS 551B Choice of Law for Business

 

Lecturer/Tutor

• LS 1021 Legal System
• LS 4529 Family Law (Honours)

Further Info

External Responsibilities

• Advisory Board Member, Scottish Universities Legal Network on Europe (SULNE) 

Admin Responsibilities

• Convener, Undergraduate Policy Committee (Law)
• Member, University Cross-College Feedback and Assessment Task Force

Current Research Students

• Chukwudi Paschal Ojiegbe, 'The Interface between International Commercial Arbitration and the EU Judgments Regulation’ (PhD)
• Lela Mélon, ‘The Architecture of EU Company Law’ (PhD)

Publications

Publications 

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