Julie Ellen McConnell

Julie E. McConnell is a Professor of Law, Legal Practice and Director of the Children’s Defense Clinic. In addition, she teaches Advanced Clinical Practice and has taught Juvenile Delinquency Law and Procedure and the Science of False Confessions. She has worked in youth justice for more than 25 years and is a frequent speaker, writer, and trainer on best practices in holistic representation, trauma-informed, client-centered practice, the impact of child abuse on children, child mental health, and clinical education. She and her students primarily represent indigent youth on a pro bono basis, handling motions, trials, sentencings, custody proceedings, school-based proceedings, and post-conviction hearings. Clinic students have avoided felonies for almost all their trial clients and gained early release for many adults sentenced as children who have rehabilitated themselves during their incarceration.