California Western School of Law Hires Amy Kimpel as Associate Professor and Executive Director of the California Innocence Project

California Western School of Law (CWSL) and its California Innocence Project (CIP) will welcome Amy Kimpel, J.D. as Associate Professor of Law and Director of the California Innocence Project beginning July 1, 2024. 

Professor Kimpel is currently Associate Professor of Clinical Legal Instruction and Director of the Criminal Defense Clinic at the University of Alabama, positions she will serve in through the end of this academic year. In her role as director of the criminal defense clinic she has engaged in post-conviction work including engineering the release of prisoners on federal and state habeas petitions. 

“We are delighted that our national search led us to such a qualified individual,” said CWSL President and Dean Sean Scott. “She will be a wonderful addition to our faculty, as well as a highly qualified and experienced Director of the CIP.”

Earlier in her career, Professor Kimpel worked at the Judicial Council of California in its Criminal Justice Services Office, and as a public defender for both the Federal Defenders of San Diego, Inc. and the Santa Clara County Office of the Public Defender in San Jose. As a public defender, Professor Kimpel tried twenty-five cases in federal and state court, and argued before the Ninth Circuit twice.

She earned her J.D., magna cum laude, from New York University School of Law where she was a Hays Fellow and Vanderbilt Medal recipient. She also holds a B.A. in English, magna cum laude, from Columbia University and a M.A. in Education from Teachers College, where she was part of the first cohort of Columbia Urban Educator fellows. Professor Kimpel’s scholarship focuses on criminal law and the intersection of criminal and immigration law.

She will succeed CIP’s Interim Director Alissa Bjerkhoel, who was appointed as a judge in the Nevada County (California) Superior Court by Governor Gavin Newsom. Alissa’s term began on November 27, 2023, with the retirement of her predecessor.

“We wish Alissa all the best as she assumes her new responsibilities,” said Dean Scott, “and we extend our appreciation for her 15 years of service to the law school.”

Pending Professor Kimpel’s arrival, CWSL has paused all CIP activities. We have ensured that all clients formally represented by CIP have obtained alternative legal counsel, ensuring that they will continue to receive legal representation to protect their interests. CWSL’s CIP Clinic will be resumed after Professor Kimpel’s arrival.

“We are excited to anticipate Professor Kimpel’s arrival and having her write the next chapter for the California Innocence Project at California Western School of Law,” concluded Dean Scott.