In 1967, he received his Juris Doctor from the University of Utah College of Law, graduating Order of the Coif and second in his class.

From 1975 until his appointment as a United States District Judge in 1997, Kimball maintained a full-time legal practice, primarily in commercial litigation.

After twelve years as a full-time district court judge, Kimball took senior status on November 30, 2009.

After defendant Brian David Mitchell was declared incompetent to stand trial in Utah state court for the alleged kidnapping of Elizabeth Smart, he and co-defendant Wanda Barzee were indicted by a federal grand jury for kidnapping and unlawful transportation of a minor.

[6] After being declared competent to stand trial as a result of forced medication ordered by the state court, Wanda Barzee entered into a plea agreement with the federal government.

[10] Kimball graduated second in his class at the University of Utah College of Law and was elected to the Order of the Coif.

[3] Order of the Coif is an honorary scholastic society consisting of members graduating in the top ten percent of their class.

[3] In 2010, Kimball was honored by the Federal Bar Association, Salt Lake Chapter as the "Judge of the Year".