Amber Lee (JD '11) Presented the David McKibbin Excellence in Teaching Award 2024
Pepperdine Caruso Law adjunct professor Amber Lee (JD '11) was presented the 2024 David McKibbin Excellence in Teaching Award by dean Paul Caron. The award is given each year to a Pepperdine Caruso Law adjunct faculty member who exemplifies excellence in teaching and devotion to students. The award is named after one of the law school's former full-time tax professors, David McKibbin, who was beloved by students.
Lee received her bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Los Angeles in 2007. She earned her law degree as well as a certificate in Criminal Legal Practice from Pepperdine University School of Law in 2011. While at Pepperdine, she participated in national trial advocacy competitions, winning a national championship and two regional championships. Upon graduation, Lee earned membership to the Order of the Barristers, a national honor society.
In 2012, Lee joined the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office, where she is a
senior deputy district attorney. Since joining the office, she has successfully tried
dozens of jury trials, and handled cases involving murder, stalking, domestic violence
and sexual assault. During her time at the District Attorney’s Office, Lee has regularly
trained police academy cadets and prosecutors statewide in various topics such as
courtroom demeanor, domestic violence and trial advocacy. She is currently in the
Major Crimes – Homicide Unit. In recognition of her training and teamwork, in May
2022, Lee was awarded Ventura County’s People’s Choice Award. In recognition of her
trial work, in May 2023, Lee was awarded
Ventura County’s Prosecutor of the Year.
Lee has also served as an adjunct professor at Pepperdine Caruso Law since 2019, where she teaches Trial Advocacy to second and third-year students. In January 2025, she was awarded the David McKibbin Excellence in Teaching Award.