About me
Chelsea Clem is a 2019 graduate of the University of Kentucky College of Law. While in law school, she was selected to participate in the KIP externship. This experience led her to join DPA's Post-Conviction Branch upon graduation, where she spent nearly six years litigating claims of ineffective assistance of counsel, new evidence supporting claims of innocence, and parole revocation cases. During her time as a PC attorney, Chelsea collaborated with KIP to successfully vacate the conviction of one of her clients based on claims of ineffective assistance of counsel. This case, involving an allegation of Shaken Baby Syndrome/Abusive Head Trauma, highlighted trial counsel's failure to consult a medical expert prior to trial, which was crucial to the client's defense. Working collaboratively with attorneys and investigators across different DPA branches, Chelsea remained on the case during the re-trial, which resulted in a mistrial due to the jury being hung on the lesser-included misdemeanor charge. In April of 2025, Chelsea transitioned to KIP, where she continues to advocate for those who have been wrongfully convicted. Originally from Harlan, Kentucky, Chelsea now lives in Richmond with her husband, Justin.
