Elizabeth Frawley
Elizabeth Frawley is a dedicated legal professional serving as the Supervising Deputy Public Defender at Boulder County Public Defenders. With a strong commitment to justice and advocacy, Elizabeth has built her career representing vulnerable populations and ensuring that all individuals, regardless of circumstance, have access to high-quality legal representation. Prior to her current role, she worked as a Senior Deputy Public Defender in Arapahoe County and held positions in Mecklenburg County, where she honed her skills in criminal defense and client advocacy.
A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School, Elizabeth contributed to the Journal of Constitutional Law and participated in the Civil Practice Clinic, providing pro bono representation to low-income clients in Philadelphia. She also earned her Bachelor of Science in Political Science and Economics from Shepherd University, where she was active in academic honor societies such as Pi Sigma Alpha and Phi Kappa Phi. Her early work included supporting clients with SNAP benefits and civil legal matters, reflecting her longstanding dedication to public service.
Elizabeth’s expertise spans criminal defense, research, and constitutional law, with published works exploring topics such as wrongful arson convictions and the constitutional right to record police officers. Known for her meticulous approach, strong advocacy skills, and commitment to justice, she continues to guide her team at Boulder County, shaping the next generation of public defenders while protecting the rights of those most in need.
• Certified Legal Intern
• University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School- J.D.
• Shepherd University- B.S.
• Phi Kappa Phi
• Pi Sigma Alpha
• Journal of Constitutional Law
• Guild Food Stamp Clinic
• Juvenile Law Center
• Penn Law's Criminal Record Expungment Project
• National Legal Aid & Defender Association
• ACLU
• Stephen Skinner for WV
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the support, guidance, and encouragement of my family, who have always believed in me and motivated me to pursue my goals.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to trust my gut—just because something has always been done a certain way doesn’t mean it’s the best way forward.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this field is to remember that imposter syndrome is real, but you belong just as much as anyone else.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field right now is that the work can be emotionally taxing.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in my work and personal life are treating everyone with respect and dignity, while cherishing family time with my husband and three-year-old son—I love teaching him new things like skiing and enjoy reading, especially revisiting the books I loved as a child.