Julie L. Simpson

Biography

Professor Julie L. Simpson is an Assistant Professor of Legal Analysis, Writing, and Research at Ave Maria School of Law, where she teaches foundational legal writing, analysis, research, and advocacy courses.

Professor Simpson earned her Juris Doctor, magna cum laude, from DePaul University College of Law in 2002. While at DePaul, she was awarded membership in the Order of the Coif, served as a member of the Law Review, and participated on the Moot Court team. She also holds a Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Illinois and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Bradley University.

Before pursuing a legal career, Professor Simpson worked extensively in nursing and hospital administration. Her clinical background included treating and managing critically ill hospitalized patients, while her administrative experience involved overseeing the daily operations of critical care units.

Following law school, Professor Simpson practiced law for more than sixteen years in Illinois, litigating matters in both state and federal courts. Her legal practice included personal injury litigation, insurance coverage disputes, contracts, toxic torts, real estate law, trusts and estates, and probate matters.

Professor Simpson also developed extensive teaching experience before joining Ave Maria School of Law. She served as an adjunct professor for upper-level legal writing and analysis courses at DePaul University College of Law for six years and additionally taught legal studies, research, and writing courses through online undergraduate and graduate programs for nearly a decade.

Her scholarship and professional presentations have focused on legal writing pedagogy, insurance law, estate planning, and litigation-related issues. Professor Simpson’s interdisciplinary experience in nursing, administration, litigation, and legal education provides students with a practical and analytically rigorous approach to legal writing and advocacy.

Education

• J.D., DePaul University College of Law, 2002, magna cum laude
• M.S. in Nursing, University of Illinois, 1984
• B.S. in Nursing, Bradley University, 1979

Professional Experience

Professor Julie L. Simpson serves as an Assistant Professor of Legal Analysis, Writing, and Research at Ave Maria School of Law, where she teaches LAWR I, LAWR II, and LAWR III.

Before entering the legal profession, Professor Simpson worked in nursing and hospital administration, treating and managing critically ill hospitalized patients and later overseeing the day-to-day operations of critical care units.

Following her transition into law, Professor Simpson practiced for more than sixteen years in Illinois state and federal courts. Her practice areas included personal injury litigation, insurance coverage disputes, contracts, toxic torts, real estate matters, trusts and estates, and probate litigation.

Prior to joining Ave Maria School of Law, Professor Simpson also taught legal writing and analysis as an adjunct professor at DePaul University College of Law for six years. In addition, she has extensive experience conducting online instruction in legal studies, research, and writing for undergraduate and graduate students.

Honors & Professional Affiliations

• Member, Illinois Bar
• Graduated magna cum laude, DePaul University College of Law
• Order of the Coif, DePaul University College of Law
• Member, DePaul University College of Law Law Review
• Member, DePaul University College of Law Moot Court Team
• Licensed Registered Nurse, Illinois

Courses Taught

• LAWR I
• LAWR II
• LAWR III
• Legal Analysis
• Legal Writing
• Legal Research
• Advocacy

Publications

• Julie L. Simpson, “Walking with Tradition v. Riding into the Future: Olinger v. United States Golf Assn.,” 51 DePaul Law Review 1 (2002).

Presentations:

• “The Impact of Policy Type on the Obligations of Insureds and Insurers: Issues that May Create Disagreement Between the Insurer and the Insured” (Panelist).
• “Emerging Claim Issues” (Panelist).
• “Estate Planning Overview.”
• “Creative Baby Steps: Striding Toward Legal Writing Competence” (Co-presenter), Legal Writing Institute Conference (2020).