Farewell to Retiring Faculty Kimberly Ambrose and John Clynch
Two long-time faculty members, Kimberly Ambrose, J.D. ‘89, and John Clynch, J.D. ‘89 and LL.M. ‘08, will retire by this summer from the University of Washington School of Law. They recently reflected on their careers, colleagues and students, and shared their plans for the future.
Kimberly Ambrose
Since 2011, Teaching Professor Ambrose has served as Director of the Tools for Social Change: Race and Justice Clinic. In 2007, she was the Founding Director of the former Children and Youth Legislative Advocacy Clinic. Ambrose will retire in July.
UW Law: What part of your role at UW has been the most fulfilling?
Kimberly Ambrose (KA): As a clinical law professor, I have had the joy of watching law students become lawyers right before my eyes. I get to see them take their legal knowledge and skills to the next level as they use these tools to help clients get relief in oppressive and confusing systems. It has been so fulfilling to see my students grow and to see how their clients play a huge role in that growth. Also, I have been “passing the baton” for many years so I love staying in touch with my former students and seeing the incredible work they are doing in the community.
UW Law: What was your driving motivation throughout your career? How did you stay inspired even during tough times?
KA: I grew up knowing that many of the institutions that we count on to protect us will not. My Japanese American mother, as a teenager, survived years of incarceration at the hands of the U.S. government during World War II. That was just the beginning of many difficult challenges she faced and overcame throughout her life, which inspired me and taught me that even the strongest people need someone to advocate for them. The law is by no means a perfect tool for protecting us or holding the government, other institutions or individuals accountable. But I have committed my career to using it, particularly to advocate and teach others how to fight for young people who have been marginalized because of where they come from or what they look like.
My students also have inspired me as they grapple with and learn how the imperfect law, together with community-led strategies, can be used to advocate for people stuck in violent systems. Finally, during challenging times like the ones we are now experiencing, I am inspired by the clients we have had the privilege of representing who have been freed from lengthy prison terms and have emerged hopeful, resilient and compassionate partners in the fight.
UW Law: Looking back, is there a particular moment or experience that made you feel most proud of your work or your students’ achievements?
KA: Over the years, I have had so many opportunities to see my students just nail it. It might be in a written brief that strikes the exact right tone; or when they explain to me how a complicated law applies to messy facts that they have worked to untangle; or when they argue in front of a judge or panel of judges outperforming experienced opposing counsel; or when they speak the truth to power about how our clients have been treated unjustly because of the color of their skin. I have not held back on taking difficult cases in the clinic, and I have been so proud of how my students, again and again, have stepped up to the challenge.
UW Law: What advice would you give to students who are just starting their legal careers, especially those interested in making an impact in social justice and law reform?
KA: Remember it’s a marathon, not a sprint! Be curious and flexible, knowing that all the experiences that you have will contribute to the lawyer that you will become. Get lots of rest– because creativity will be critical to address the challenges ahead and it cannot thrive when you are exhausted. Finally, stay in community with those who are doing the work. Change will only happen when we work together and hold each other close. And this is very important: Try to live below your means and start saving for retirement early!
UW Law: As you prepare for retirement, how do you envision this next chapter of your life? Are there any projects or passions you're excited to explore?
KA: I intend to spend as much time outside as possible--hiking, biking and skiing in the middle of the week wherever and whenever I can. My family is spread out through California and I look forward to packing up the car and heading south to spend time with little ones who are growing up quickly. Agility training is in the future with Sugar Ray the dog. I’d like to get better at piano and poker. I’m excited to keep building a multi-generational community through hosting people and sharing food. I am not giving up my bar card, so I won’t rule out using it again if the right thing comes up. After a break, I may jump back in and get some people free.
John Clynch
Clynch is Staff Attorney for the Federal Tax Clinic and served as Managing Director of the clinic from 2012 to 2021. He will retire on March 31.
UW Law: Looking back at your time at UW Law, what are some of the highlights that stand out to you?
John Clynch (JC): My number one highlight is getting to work with the students. They are such wonderful human beings, and so willing to give of their time and talents. I began my time with UW Law back in 1985 as a 1L. Some memorable highlights: I had a great group of friends as a J.D. and LL.M. student; came out to my class as gay my 2L year; worked with [UW Law professor emeritus] Dick Kummert as a J.D. student; was accepted to the LL.M. Tax Program in 2005; worked with [UW Law dean emeritus] Ron Hjorth during my LL.M. years (I attended part-time); came back to the law school in 2009 as the staff attorney for the Tax Clinic; worked with Scott Schumacher, Kelly Ruhlig, Robin Gianatasio and Ramón Ortiz-Vélez in the clinic; became the clinic’s managing director; became a faculty member; taught Criminal Law and Evidence, and got to help many deserving taxpayers for 16 years.
UW Law: Can you share a memorable experience or accomplishment during your career that had a significant impact on you?
JC: My most memorable experience is getting to sit down one-on-one each week with the students in the tax clinic to go over cases. The students are so compassionate and creative. To get to know them in this setting is such a blessing.
UW Law: What was one of the most rewarding aspects of your role at the law school?
JC: Helping the students network so they could land jobs was very rewarding. I have so many attorney friends who were more than happy to meet with my students and talk to them about their work.
UW Law: Looking ahead to retirement, what are you most excited about, and do you have any plans for the next chapter of your life?
JC: I had major back surgery in January. Starting in April, I progress from just walking to physical therapy. I am so excited to start working on this. I will focus more time with my guitar, and when I am ready, return to working out, running, playing tennis, and tennis’ evil twin pickleball. I am looking forward to getting to spend time with my cats, my siblings, my nieces and nephews and my great nieces and nephews. My husband will retire at the end of 2026, so he will have to see me at the dining room table finishing breakfast as he walks out the door to work.We will vacation in Maui in September, and enjoy our retirement.
UW Law: What will you miss the most about being at UW Law, and what are you looking forward to as you retire?
JC: I will miss all of my friends here! And definitely the students! However, I plan to volunteer a couple hours a week in the clinic, so if you thought I was out the door for good you would be mistaken. And I will be able to park for free on campus!