Ruth Rosenthal

Ruth Rosenthal directs state and local court policy and research for The Pew Charitable Trusts. She focuses on the profound impact that the civil and criminal legal systems have on people’s lives. The project helps these courts examine current practices and implement new procedures to improve how these institutions interact with and serve their communities.

Rosenthal previously led the youth justice policy work for Pew’s public safety performance project. In this role, she and her team collaborated with state leaders and key stakeholders to advance data-driven, research-based, and fiscally sound policies in the juvenile justice system. 

Before joining Pew, Rosenthal worked as a trial attorney for the Office of the Colorado State Public Defender, where she represented individuals facing criminal or juvenile charges who could not afford to retain counsel. 

Rosenthal holds a bachelor’s degree in social thought & analysis and international studies from Washington University in St. Louis and a Juris Doctor from The University of Texas at Austin School of Law.