Michael Russo

Michael Russo is a Visiting Professor/Practitioner in Residence at the Seattle University School of Law. Prior to academia, he served as a Deputy Public Defender in Los Angeles for 23 years, focusing on homicide cases and death penalty litigation. He transitioned to academia in 2011, specializing in criminal law, evidence, and forensics. He also trained attorneys in capital defense and mentored experienced practitioners.

Education:

• B.A., cum laude, University of California, Los Angeles, 1981
• J.D., Order of the Coif, University of California, Los Angeles School of Law, 1981

Research & Expertise: Russo’s work centers on criminal procedure, forensics, and systemic issues in criminal justice, including racial bias in death penalty cases. He has presented widely on capital trials and expert witness utilization in litigation.

Awards:

• Outstanding Faculty Award (2016, 2017, 2019, 2020, 2023)
• Outstanding Adjunct Faculty Award (2015)

Background: Before law, Russo worked in corporate finance and marketing at Bank of America, aiding firms in scaling operations. He is licensed in California, Washington, and D.C. bars.