Matt Dugan

Matt Dugan is an experienced criminal defense attorney and educator with nearly two decades of service in indigent defense. He served as the Chief Public Defender of Allegheny County, where he led an office of 135 employees and launched innovative projects to expand access to justice, including initiatives that significantly increased early representation at arraignment and streamlined the expungement process. 

As an Adjunct Professor at the University of Pittsburgh School of Law, he developed and taught the State Criminal Defense Practicum, integrating practical litigation skills with hands-on casework. In addition, he was appointed by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court to the Criminal Procedural Rules Committee, where he contributed to the development of statewide policies ensuring fairness and consistency in criminal proceedings. Most recently, he served as the Statewide Director of the Pardon Project at Philadelphia Lawyers for Social Equity, where he led training, advocacy, and community engagement to expand access to clemency across Pennsylvania. Matt lives in Moon Twp with his wife and three sons. He enjoys coaching basketball and spending time with his family and friends.