Gary Lowenthal’s research focuses on criminal justice and procedure. Before retiring from active teaching, he spent a sabbatical year prosecuting gang-related felony cases and wrote a highly acclaimed book based on his experience. He is currently writing two books: one on criminal defendants who choose to represent themselves, and the other on the tragic consequences of vehicular manslaughter.
During his tenure at the College, Professor Lowenthal taught courses on substantive criminal law and sentencing and led workshops in which law students and trial judges discussed sentencing decisions. His articles on criminal defense lawyers’ conflicts of interest have appeared in such publications as the Yale Law Journal and the University of Virginia Law Review, and have been cited by the U.S. Supreme Court. Professor Lowenthal also served as the Director of Clinical Programs at the College from 1994-1997 and has been a visiting law professor at Stanford and the University of Virginia. Prior to joining the College in 1976, he practiced as a criminal defense lawyer in California for six years.
Professor Lowenthal has engaged in pro bono work for over 30 years, and currently represents a death row prisoner in post-conviction proceedings. He has also served as a judge pro tempore.