Deirdre Bowen

Deirdre Bowen is the Moccasin Lake Foundation Endowed Chair and Professor of Law at Seattle University School of Law. She directs the Family Law Center, co-leads the Law & Policy Study Abroad Program in Madrid, and serves as a principal investigator in firearm injury prevention research. Her expertise spans family law, domestic violence, reproductive justice, and constitutional law.

Education:

• B.A., cum laude, Boston University (Sociology & Philosophy)
• J.D., cum laude, University at Buffalo School of Law
• Ph.D., University of Washington (Sociology)

Research & Impact: Dr. Bowen’s work bridges legal practice and social science, addressing plea bargaining, consumer protection, and domestic violence policy. Her research has influenced Supreme Court amici briefs and textbook publications.

Awards:

• Norman S. Hayner Prize for Criminology
• Best Paper Award (National People of Color Conference)
• Four-time recipient of Outstanding Professor of the Year

Advising & Grants: Leads interdisciplinary research teams at Harborview Medical Center and coordinates international legal education programs. Previously practiced complex litigation and consumer fraud negotiation.

Labs & Teams: Family Law Center (advocacy/research), Firearm Injury Prevention Research Group, and Madrid Law & Policy Program.