Many have discussed district attorney candidate Michael Dougherty's strong track record as an assistant and appointed DA, but I know Michael from a different lens: dedicated and beloved professor. Since Michael moved to Boulder in 2009, he began working with students at Denver Law through the wrongful conviction project at the Colorado Attorney General's office. He allowed students to experience some of the most impactful and creative exoneration work being done at the state level. After transitioning to Jefferson County, Michael created our first ever prosecution field clinic, where he taught students the ins and outs of prosecution in a traditional classroom setting while they worked alongside his team in the field. The goal was to train the next generation of ethical, responsible, and informed prosecutors. Michael's teaching evaluations were the envy of any full-time faculty; they were simply flawless. Students called Michael the best professor at DU, an inspiration, and the most morally upstanding prosecutor. Many wished for more class time, perhaps the highest compliment possible, as law students never want to spend more time studying.
Why was Michael so successful? Each student knew he cared about their well-being, their goals, and their passions. His dedication to his students and his integrity for his profession were palpable. This is Michael at his core. It is how he approaches every individual he interacts with from students, to colleagues, to victims, to defendants, to opposing counsel, to his longtime neighbors in Boulder.
For years, Michael has been a leader in Colorado and the DA community with a proven track record for criminal justice reform and public safety. His vision for Boulder County will elevate it as one of the most fair systems nationally. There is no one better to train aspiring prosecutors or lead Boulder to this next phase of justice.
Alexi Freeman
Director of Externships & Public Interest Initiatives
Associate Professor of the Practice
University of Denver Sturm College of Law