Katie Steefel

Katie Steefel joined the University of Kansas School of Law as an associate professor of law in 2026. Her research focuses on state courts and criminal law. In particular, she studies procedures and practices common in state courts that undermine criminal defendants’ constitutional rights. Her research has appeared in the Cornell Law Review, Denver Law Review, Clinical Law Review (peer-reviewed law journal of NYU Law), and Washington and Lee Journal of Civil Rights and Social Justice.

Prior to joining the University of Kansas, Steefel was an assistant professor of the practice at the University of Denver Sturm College of Law, where she taught courses in the externship program and appellate criminal law. Before teaching, Steefel worked as a public defender in the appellate division of the Office of the Colorado State Public Defender. She represented indigent defendants convicted of felonies. Steefel also worked as an associate attorney at a criminal defense and civil rights firm, representing clients in federal and state court in trial and appellate proceedings. She began her career serving as a law clerk for Colorado Supreme Court Justice William Hood.

Steefel teaches criminal law, sentencing law, and post-conviction remedies.