Kelley Thompson

Assistant Professor of Law

Appellate Advocacy Business Law Civil Litigation Civil Procedure Ethics & Professional Responsibility Federal Courts Legal Scholarship Wills & Trusts

Professor Kelley Thompson teaches Civil Procedure at Ave Maria School of Law. A former business litigator and federal appellate law clerk, her scholarship focuses on civil procedure, legal ethics, professional responsibility, and legal education reform.

Phone: (239) 687-5434
Office: Administration Building

Biography

Professor Kelley Thompson is an Assistant Professor of Law at Ave Maria School of Law, where she teaches Civil Procedure and contributes scholarship in the areas of civil procedure, legal ethics, professional responsibility, legal education, and professional formation.

Professor Thompson earned her Bachelor of Arts from New College of Florida before receiving her Juris Doctor, magna cum laude, from Stetson University College of Law. She later earned a Master of Laws, cum laude, from Notre Dame Law School. She earned a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Leadership and Policy from Florida State University in 2026.

Before entering academia full time, Professor Thompson practiced business litigation in Florida, where she developed experience in civil litigation and procedural practice. She also served as a judicial law clerk to the Honorable Charles R. Wilson of the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit.

Professor Thompson previously taught at her alma mater, Stetson University College of Law, where she contributed to legal instruction and student development.

Her scholarly work focuses on civil procedure, legal ethics, professional responsibility, and improving legal education. Through both her teaching and research, Professor Thompson explores the relationship between procedural systems, professional formation, and the development of effective legal advocates.

Education

  • Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), Educational Leadership and Policy, Florida State University, 2026
  • LL.M., Notre Dame Law School, cum laude
  • J.D., Stetson University College of Law, magna cum laude
  • B.A., New College of Florida

Professional Experience

Professor Kelley Thompson serves as an Assistant Professor of Law at Ave Maria School of Law, where she teaches Civil Procedure.

Before entering academia full time, Professor Thompson practiced business litigation in Florida. She also served as a judicial law clerk to the Honorable Charles R. Wilson of the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit.

Professor Thompson previously taught at Stetson University College of Law, where she gained experience in legal instruction and academic development.

In addition to her legal teaching and scholarship, Professor Thompson earned a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Leadership and Policy from Florida State University. Her academic interests include legal education, professional development, and the formation of future legal professionals.

Honors & Professional Affiliations

  • Licensed to Practice Law, State of Florida
  • Judicial Law Clerk to the Honorable Charles R. Wilson, United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit
  • Graduated magna cum laude, Stetson University College of Law
  • Graduated cum laude, Notre Dame Law School

Courses Taught

  • Civil Procedure
  • Wills, Trusts, and Estates