2025 Summer Public Interest Fellow

How would you describe your experience?

This summer I interned with the Erie County District Attorney's Office. The Erie County District Attorney's Office handles all criminal matters in Erie County on behalf of the state. The office has numerous bureaus, which specialize in different areas of criminal law. My placement was with the homicide bureau. I was involved in several projects, involving extensive legal research, argument drafting, and notation of body camera footage. Outside of the projects, the interns were heavily encouraged to observe trials and hearings conducted by the office's many bureaus. In my opinion, the trial observations were extremely beneficial and an excellent learning opportunity. The observations allowed me to identify the procedural requirements of a trial, including all the work that goes into selecting a jury. In addition, I was able to recognize various trial strategies used by both assistant district attorneys and defense counsel. After every observation, we had the opportunity to discuss what we observed with other interns, assistant district attorneys, defense counsel, and judges.

What impacted you the most?

Overall, what impacted me the most from my experience with the Erie County District Attorney's Office was seeing how the hard work of the attorneys affected the victims and their families. I had seen on numerous occasions the victims and their families being overcome with emotion and expressing their deepest gratitude to the assistant district attorneys presenting their case. Often the cases handled by the office involve extremely emotional circumstances, but with the expertise and support of the District Attorney's staff, hope, closure and security can be offered to the victims and their families. Witnessing the hard work and skill of the attorneys was so impactful and inspirational. The lasting impact of the office on members of the community has inspired me to pursue an area of law in which I can offer the same sense of peace and resolution to others.

What would you like to share with our donors?

This summer has provided a full learning experience within the field of criminal law. Without the generous support of the donors of the Class of 1979 1L Summer Public Interest Fellowship, I would not have had the immersive and meaningful summer that I did. The award provided me the assistance needed to pursue an area of law that I'm interested in. The lasting impact of the work, the mentorship of the office, and the intricacies of criminal law have had a profound impact on me and my future in the legal field. Thank you to the donors of the Class of 1979 1L Summer Public Interest Fellowship for your continuous generosity and your support of the lawyers of the future.