The UConn Law Class of 2021 has chosen Professor Julia Simon-Kerr to receive the Perry Zirkel ’76 Distinguished Teaching Award.

Simon-Kerr teaches Evidence, Civil Procedure and Law and Lying. She is a leading evidence scholar whose research focuses on credibility in the law, and her recent work includes research into the perceived credibility of witnesses who wear masks in the courtroom.

“Teaching our students is a privilege,” Simon-Kerr said. “I am honored that they chose me for this award.”

The teaching award was established in 2016 through the generosity of Perry Zirkel, who graduated from the UConn School of Law in 1976. He became a professor of education and law at Lehigh University and served as dean of the university’s College of Education.

Alumni and current students are invited to nominate faculty members for the award and a committee of graduating students chooses three to five finalists. The entire graduating class is invited to vote to choose the winner.

Past winners are Professor Jessica Rubin in 2020, Professor Alexandra Lahav in 2019, Associate Dean Paul Chill in 2018, Professor Richard Pomp in 2017 and Professor Jeremy McClane in 2016.