Robert C. Boruchowitz

Robert C. Boruchowitz is a Professor from Practice and Director of the Defender Initiative at Seattle University School of Law. He holds a B.A. from Kenyon College (1970) and a J.D. from Northwestern University (1973). His expertise spans Criminal Procedure, Right to Counsel, Youth Advocacy, and Law and the Holocaust. He has led efforts to reform indigent defense systems nationally, advocating for standards endorsed by the American Bar Association.

Key roles include 33 years at The Defender Association, directing the WSBA Council on Public Defense, and co-chairing the National Association for Public Defense's Workloads Committee. Awards include the 2021 Innovation in Criminal Justice Education Award. His work includes grants from the DOJ and Open Society Foundations to improve public defense systems.

Publications focus on public defense crises, judicial responsibilities, and systemic reforms. The Defender Initiative drives projects like the National Misdemeanor Study and conferences on public defense challenges. Boruchowitz has provided expert testimony in landmark cases, including Hurrell-Harring (NY) and Louisiana Public Defender litigation.