Handling Cases in the Criminal Practice Clinic Prepares 3L Cammie Kimbrough to Advocate for Justice 

Cammie Kimbrough

Working at the San Mateo DA’s Office gave third-year law student Cammie Kimbrough the opportunity to advocate for victims in the criminal justice system. The experience affirmed her aspirations to become a prosecutor.

3L student Cammie Kimbrough shares her experience in the Criminal Practice Clinic, where students gain hands-on training in prosecution or defense by working on real cases under the guidance of seasoned attorneys. 

  • Gained hands-on experience with evidence rules and courtroom advocacy while working at the San Mateo DA’s Office through UC Law SF’s Criminal Practice Clinic. 
  • Handled three to five hearings per week, drafted key motions, and practiced courtroom etiquette while interacting with defense lawyers, witnesses, and judges. 
  • Plans to use her legal skills to advocate for victims through the criminal justice system while upholding ethical standards and pursuing fair outcomes. 

3L Cammie Kimbrough:

Through the Criminal Practice Clinic, I was placed with the San Mateo County District Attorney’s (DA’s) Office, working 32 hours per week during my 2L spring semester. My responsibilities included drafting motions—such as oppositions to motions to dismiss and motions to suppress—and conducting three to five preliminary and motion hearings each week. I learned a great deal about courtroom etiquette and gained hands-on experience applying evidence rules, making hearsay objections, and communicating with defense counsel, witnesses, and judges. 

This work is deeply personal to me. Advocating for my severely disabled sister from a young age instilled a passion for helping people. I’ve long wanted a career where I can make a daily impact, and prosecution allows me to advocate for victims while upholding justice with integrity. I believe our criminal justice system needs ethical prosecutors and public defenders, and I aspire to be part of that group.  

My ultimate goal is to become a prosecutor at the San Mateo DA’s Office. The Criminal Practice Clinic deepened my connection with the office and gave me direct experience with the types of work handled by first- and second-year deputy DAs, reaffirming that this is the kind of work I want to do and that I am on the right path.   

I highly recommend UC Law SF to anyone considering law school. Located in downtown San Francisco, it offers a vibrant city experience, a supportive faculty and student body, and unique experiential clinics that provide invaluable hands-on learning. The Criminal Practice Clinic is particularly beneficial for those interested in criminal law, offering real courtroom experience that makes the transition to clerkships and future roles much smoother. Thanks to the clinic, I entered my 2L summer clerkship at the DA’s Office with confidence, already familiar with the work expected of me. 

The Evidence of Success series highlights UC Law SF students as they share how the college’s opportunities equip them with the experience, skills, and confidence to excel in the legal profession.