Professor Ann England, a clinical law professor at the University of Colorado Law School, has received the Chase Faculty Community Service Award for her extensive contributions to Colorado’s legal community. England, who holds the Schaden Chair for Experiential Learning and directs the Criminal Defense Clinic at Colorado Law, is recognized for her work with wrongfully convicted individuals, mentoring future lawyers, and offering pro bono defense services.
In 2015, England established the Korey Wise Innocence Project (KWIP) at Colorado Law. The program was made possible by a donation from Korey Wise, a member of the Central Park Five who was exonerated. Under England’s leadership, KWIP has grown into a nationally recognized organization staffed by attorneys and student advocates. The project provides free legal assistance to incarcerated people in Colorado with credible innocence claims and works on policy reform and educational initiatives related to wrongful convictions.
England also co-leads the National College of Capital Voir Dire, an organization that trains death penalty defense attorneys in jury selection techniques. She organizes an annual conference at CU Boulder focused on teaching the “Colorado Method,” which is widely used in capital cases across the country. Her efforts have contributed to a decline in death sentences over the past decade.
Before joining CU’s faculty, England worked as a public defender for nearly ten years. She continues to represent low-income clients during academic breaks and supports attorneys working in municipal courts throughout Colorado. Judges and colleagues have noted her commitment to improving legal representation for disadvantaged communities.
Outside of her professional responsibilities, England serves on the board of ACLU Colorado and coaches high school mock trial teams. She has also participated in fundraising events for local nonprofits.
“Professor Ann England’s unwavering commitment to justice and tireless advocacy for the wrongfully convicted have transformed Colorado’s legal landscape, making her so deserving of the Chase Faculty Community Service Award,” said Joe Coleman, JPMorgan Chase business banking market manager. “Through founding the Korey Wise Innocence Project and leading national efforts in death penalty defense, she has inspired generations of lawyers and elevated the quality of representation for those most in need. JPMorgan Chase is proud to sponsor this award, celebrating extraordinary service and leadership that strengthens our communities and advances the cause of justice.”
The Chase Faculty Community Service Award was created in 1991 through a $100,000 donation from JPMorgan Chase Foundation via the CU Foundation. It offers an annual $10,000 prize to a full-time University of Colorado faculty member who demonstrates exceptional community service.
