Events

Whether or not you are able to attend the event in person, please consider submitting a short note (with an image, if available) through this link: https://www.kudoboard.com/boards/9GUiGziW.  We will display the notes from this board on a looping slideshow during the event.

RSVP here: https://events.seattleu.edu/event/tribute-to-david-boerners-legacy#

An excerpt from Dave's obituary:

On March 9, 2025, the legal profession lost an icon when former King County Chief Deputy Criminal Prosecutor and Professor David Boerner, 85, passed away peacefully in Mercer Island, Washington. David followed his beloved wife, Barbara, who passed just three months before him.

A distinguished prosecutor, professor, legal scholar, and champion of social justice, Dave was a mentor, educator, advocate, father, grandfather, and loving husband whose impact will be felt for generations.

As a prosecutor, Dave helped modernize Washington's legal system, played a key role on the Norm Maleng-led taskforce that shaped the Community Protection Act and the Sexually Violent Predators Statute, spearheaded the Sentencing Guidelines Commission, and advised the state Supreme Court, Bar Association, and other judicial bodies. His contributions earned widespread state and national recognition, cementing his legacy as a leader in criminal justice reform.

As a professor, Dave was deeply committed to professional integrity, teaching courses in criminal law, criminal procedure, evidence, and professional responsibility. One of his most enduring contributions was co-founding the Academic Resource Center's Access Admission Program, where he helped more than 1,000 aspiring lawyers overcome barriers to legal education, fostering a more diverse and just profession. His students didn't just gain legal knowledge — they carried forward his unwavering commitment to ethics, equity, and justice.

Dave Boerner exemplified the highest values of his profession — humanity, humility, excellence, ethics, integrity, and advocacy. His unwavering passion for justice and education left an indelible mark on the legal community and on the careers of so many who have reached out after his passing. He will be remembered by all for his dedication to making the criminal justice system more just.

He is survived by: his children Judy, Dan, and Rich, and their spouses; six grandchildren; colleagues; students; and a grateful legal profession that will carry forward his legacy. Dave's children deeply mourn the recent passing of both their parents but they take comfort in knowing that Dave and Barb are together again in their final Pleasant Valley resting place.

If you have any questions about the event, please reach out to Karsten Kohout: kohoutk@seattleu.edu.