Matt Ampleman

Matt Ampleman is a Justice Catalyst Fellow devoted to revitalizing neighborhoods in St. Louis.

Matt graduated from Yale Law School in 2017 and clerked for the Honorable Rodney W. Sippel in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri. In 2015, Matt helped the Ferguson Commission respond to, support, and improve Senate Bill 5, an act that set minimum standards for municipalities, capped the fines and fees that municipalities can collect from minor traffic violations, and required police departments to attain accreditation. Matt grew up in Florissant, Missouri, swimming on the nearby Ferguson swim team. His interest in clean water led him to the Environmental Protection Agency, where he helped regulate hydraulic fracturing as a recent graduate. In law school, Matt pivoted to issues of housing and economic development to help his native St. Louis. He co-wrote a merits brief in Brainchild Holdings v. Cameron, a Missouri Supreme Court case that preserved the right to a jury trial for residents facing eviction in rent and possession cases. He co-chairs the Anti-Displacement Working Group of the Vacancy Collaborative. Matt is excited to work with the excellent team of lawyers and advocates at LSEM, in addition to the committed residents and organizations building their neighborhoods, one block and home at a time.

Fellowship type: Justice Catalyst

Organization: Legal Services of Eastern Missouri

Project name: Eliminating Legal Barriers to Vacant Property Revitalization in St. Louis, Missouri