Professor Pell's research and writing interests focus on criminal law and criminal procedure. He speaks and writes about the application of traditional search-and-seizure practices and other investigatory techniques to new technologies in the digital era. Prior to entering academia, Professor Pell spent the bulk of his practicing career as a prosecutor, most recently as an Assistant District Attorney specializing in appeals and post-conviction matters with the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office in Massachusetts. Professor Pell also served as an Assistant District Attorney with the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office and has held positions in the private sector as well.
Professor Pell earned his JD, cum laude, from Harvard Law School and his AB, magna cum laude, from Princeton University. Following his graduation from law school, Professor Pell clerked for the Honorable F. Dennis Saylor IV of the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts. Later in his career, Professor Pell clerked for the Honorable Gary S. Katzmann at the Massachusetts Appeals Court.