Michael Cassidy

R. Michael Cassidy is a Professor and Dean’s Distinguished Scholar at Boston College Law School. He specializes in criminal law, evidence, and legal ethics, with expertise in prosecutorial ethics. Appointed by the Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts, he chairs the Board of Bar Overseers, overseeing attorney conduct. Cassidy holds a B.A. magna cum laude from the University of Notre Dame and a J.D. magna cum laude from Harvard University. His career includes roles as Chief of the Criminal Bureau at the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office, and multiple deanship positions at BC Law.

His research focuses on legal ethics, prosecutorial responsibility, and criminal justice reform. He has authored/co-authored three legal ethics casebooks and published in journals such as the Northwestern Law Review and Georgetown Journal of Legal Ethics. Cassidy frequently advises policymakers and is quoted in major media outlets like the New York Times and Boston Globe.

• Professional Roles: Editor-in-Chief of Massachusetts Law Review, Member of Massachusetts State Ethics Commission, and Advisor to U.S. Department of Justice.
• Awards: Multiple Emil Slizewski Teaching Awards and American Law Institute Membership.

Cassidy’s service includes leadership in BC Law’s Rappaport Center for Law & Public Policy and teaching courses like Prosecutorial Ethics. He balances academia with public service, advocating for judicial integrity and the rule of law.