Vanessa Buch

Vanessa Buch is a Clinical Professor of Law and Director of the University of Arizona Innocence Project at the James E. Rogers College of Law. She has held progressive roles since 2013, including Assistant Clinical Professor and Director of the Wrongful Conviction Clinic. Her work focuses on criminal justice reform, wrongful conviction appeals, and legal advocacy.

Education:

• B.A., University of Virginia, 1999
• J.D., Harvard Law School, 2003

Research Interests: Dr. Buch’s expertise lies in criminal justice system accountability, forensic science critique, and innocence project advocacy. She emphasizes ethical legal practice and systemic reforms to prevent wrongful convictions. Her work often intersects with interdisciplinary approaches to address systemic biases in law enforcement and adjudication.

Affiliations & Service: She previously served as a Fellow at Neufeld Scheck & Brustin LLP, a judicial clerk for federal courts, and a Staff Attorney at the Southern Center for Human Rights. These roles underscore her commitment to marginalized populations and systemic legal equity.

Labs/Teams: Directs the University of Arizona Innocence Project, a clinical program providing legal support to individuals claiming wrongful conviction. Leads the Wrongful Conviction Clinic, training students in investigative and appellate advocacy.