Amanda Tringl, DNA Project Attorney

Amanda Tringl is originally from St. Louis, MO. She graduated in the top of her class from the University of Missouri- Columbia (Mizzou) in 2008 with a major in Political Science and a minor in Sociology.

Amanda moved to Michigan in 2008 when she received a 75% scholarship to Thomas M. Cooley Law School. While enrolled at Cooley, Amanda was very active student in organizations, and served as Senator and Social Director of the Student Bar Association, a Cooley Ambassador, a member of the American Inns of Court, and a member of the Women’s Law Association. Amanda was also on the Assistant Board of Editors of the Cooley Law Review. In recognition of her contributions to the student body, Amanda was awarded Cooley’s most prestigious student award, the Leadership Achievement Award.

Also while at Cooley, Amanda obtained valuable practical experience while interning with the Cooley Innocence Project and Washtenaw Public Defender’s Office. While interning at the Cooley Innocence Project, Amanda evaluated post-conviction cases under Michigan's DNA statue, MCL§ 770.16, for inmates claiming actual innocence. Amanda had the opportunity to write an Application for Leave to Appeal for the Michigan Court of Appeals, which explained the definition and scientific process of DNA testing. The Michigan Court of Appeals granted leave to appeal and ultimately issued an Opinion in favor of her client and granting DNA testing. Amanda graduated Cum Laude from Thomas M. Cooley Law School in January 2012. She has been licensed to practice law in Michigan since April 2012.

Upon admittance to the Michigan Bar, Amanda was a solo practitioner practicing primarily criminal law. During this time, she was on the Ingham County felony court- appointed attorney list, and a part-time grant staff attorney at Cooley Innocence Project. In September 2013, she accepted a law clerk/bailiff position with Lansing 54A District Court Judge, Honorable Hugh B. Clarke, Jr.

In June 2015, Amanda began the important work of DNA Project Attorney at the State Appellate Defender Office. As SADO’s DNA Project Attorney, Amanda screens previously adjudicated Wayne County convictions associated with the approximately 11,000 abandoned sexual assault kits for potential wrongful convictions. Amanda investigates and identifies cases for DNA testing, interviews and counsels previously adjudicated individuals about benefits and potential consequences of DNA testing, works with DNA experts and independent labs to implement the testing process, and litigates post-conviction motions. Additionally, Amanda is currently a volunteer supervisor at the WMU-Cooley Innocence Project, and she is a volunteer member of the Kit Backlog Auditing Committee of the Sexual Assault Evidence Kit Commission.