Christopher Northrop

Christopher Northrop is a leading authority in the area of juvenile law. In 2006, he launched the Juvenile Justice Clinic at Maine Law, under the umbrella of the school’s Cumberland Legal Aid Clinic. In 2022 he helped transition the Juvenile Justice Clinic to the Youth Justice Clinic, then Professor Northrop shifted his focus to general and rural practice. He was instrumental in the creation of Maine Law’s Rural Practice Clinic, and currently serves as the Supervising Professor in Fort Kent. Starting in September 2024 Professor Northrop retired from his fulltime duties at Maine Law and was conferred Emeritus status.

In 2018, Professor Northrop was awarded the prestigious Robert E. Shepherd Jr. Leadership Award for Excellence in Juvenile Defense. This national award is presented annually for outstanding advocacy and dedication in the field of juvenile defense. In 2017, he was awarded the “Unsung Hero Award” during the annual meeting of the Maine Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. This award is presented annually to one criminal defense attorney who best exemplifies the highest level of commitment, passion, and the tireless pursuit of justice in the representation of indigent defendants.

Prior to joining Maine Law, Professor Northrop spent many years in private practice concentrating on youth defense work. He has been involved with the Gault Center since its inception and has served as a consultant for Gault Center assessments of statewide defender systems in twelve states, including New Hampshire and Kansas in 2019. The Gault Center recognized Professor Northrop in 2013 as one of their first Youth Defender Advocacy Program (YDAP) certified trainers. He teaches YDAP protocols to public defenders throughout the state and around the country.