Carmela Simoncini

Carmela Simoncini is an Adjunct Professor at Thomas Jefferson School of Law, where she has taught for over two decades. Her roles include instructing courses like Legal Writing, Juvenile Dependency Law, and Appellate Advocacy. She is also a Lead Appellate Court Attorney for California's Fourth District Court of Appeal, Division Two, focusing on training attorneys and handling appellate decisions. Her practice spans over a hundred jury trials, hundreds of appeals, and six California Supreme Court arguments.

Education: LL.M. (University of San Diego), J.D. (Thomas Jefferson School of Law), B.F.A. (Arizona State University).

Research interests emphasize appellate law, criminal law, juvenile dependency, and legal ethics. She frequently speaks at legal seminars and authored materials like the Judicial Council’s 'Writs in Criminal Appeals' guide. Awards include 2016 Adjunct Professor of the Year and recognition for exonerating Frederick Daye.

Volunteer work includes leading self-help appellate workshops for San Diego and Riverside County Bar Associations, and roles in the San Diego Appellate Inn of Court. Personal interests include art quilting and Italian language/citizenship since 2019.