Julia Simon-Kerr

Julia Simon-Kerr is the Evangeline Starr Professor of Law at the University of Connecticut School of Law, where she has established herself as a leading scholar in the fields of Evidence Law, Criminal Law, Law and Literature, and Law and Gender. She earned her Juris Doctor from Yale Law School and completed her undergraduate studies with a Bachelor of Arts from Wesleyan University. Her academic journey has been marked by a profound commitment to exploring the nuances of credibility and deception within the legal system. Professor Simon-Kerr's research has made significant impacts, with her work on credibility and lying in the law being cited by federal courts of appeal and state supreme courts. Her insights have also been featured in various media outlets, highlighting the relevance and applicability of her research in contemporary legal discourse. Her scholarly contributions extend beyond academia, as she actively participates in legal reform initiatives. In her role as co-chair of the Evidence Summer Workshop at Vanderbilt University, Professor Simon-Kerr collaborates with other legal scholars to advance understanding and reform in evidence law. She is also a key figure in the Prior Conviction Impeachment Reform Coalition, where she works towards meaningful changes in how prior convictions are used in legal proceedings. Her dedication to legal reform is further exemplified by her position as the academic advisor to the Connecticut Code of Evidence Committee. Professor Simon-Kerr's excellence in teaching and scholarship has been recognized through prestigious accolades, including her selection for the Harvard/Stanford/Yale Junior Faculty Forum. Additionally, she has been honored with the Perry Zirkel '76 Distinguished Teaching Award, reflecting her commitment to fostering a dynamic and engaging learning environment for her students. Her work continues to influence both the academic and practical realms of law, as she remains dedicated to exploring the intersections of law, gender, and literature. Through her research and teaching, Julia Simon-Kerr is shaping the future of legal scholarship and practice, inspiring a new generation of legal thinkers and practitioners.