Kelli L. Ceraolo, J.D.

Kelli Ceraolo received her BA in English from Creighton University, and her JD with high honors from the University of Nebraska College of Law where she served as Editor-in-Chief of the Nebraska Law Review. Professor Ceraolo clerked for the Honorable Chief Justice Michael Heavican of the Nebraska Supreme Court before beginning her career as a state prosecutor, focusing primarily on child abuse, sexual assault, and domestic violence cases. She has since prosecuted at all levels of government, including serving as an Assistant United States Attorney for more than five years. In that role, Professor Ceraolo prosecuted a variety of cases, including bank robberies, violence on Native American reservations, white collar crime, child exploitation, and human trafficking. Currently, Professor Ceraolo works for the Nebraska Attorney General’s Office prosecuting child homicides and other serious cases across the state of Nebraska. Professor Ceraolo also serves as part of the capital case post-conviction litigation team.

Professor Ceraolo has been recognized by multiple agencies for her work, including being a 2024 “Kids First Award” recipient at Project Harmony’s Speaking of Children Conference and previously receiving a Director’s Award from the Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys in DC. Professor Ceraolo has taught as an adjunct professor at Mitchell Hamline School of Law (“Lawyering-Advice and Persuasion”) and at the University of Nebraska College of Law (“Legal Analysis, Writing, and Research”). She also gives continuing education presentations to law enforcement, social workers, attorneys, and others involved in the criminal justice system.