2025 Summer Public Interest Fellow

How would you describe your experience?

I have been so grateful for my professional development experience at the DA's office. As a summer intern, I have worked on reviewing evidence for pending cases. This has included watching Body Worn Camera footage on police officers, listening to jail calls, and transcribing suspect interviews. I have also been tasked with writing legal memos outlining the potential liability of certain defendants. The subjects of these memos have ranged from witness tampering to accomplice liability to firearm regulations. My favorite part of this experience has been watching the trials. I was able to witness the trials of individuals charged with rape, homicide, and attempted homicide. The DA's in each of these trials were excellent trial attorneys, and I appreciated the opportunity to ask them questions after their arguments had concluded for the day. Finally, our program director has arranged for us to hear presentations on Wednesdays. Our intern cohort has heard presentations from the crime lab, the medical examiner, the grand jury coordinator, the homicide bureau chief, and many more. Hearing from these professionals and seeking their advice has been an invaluable experience.

What impacted you the most?

What has impacted me the most has been attending the trials. It has been really interesting to apply the knowledge I learned in class this semester to the trials this summer. Also, many of the objections I've watched play out have dealt with evidentiary rules, which has been a great introduction to the Evidence class I will take this fall. Watching the skill and excellence of the ADAs as they conduct their trials has also served as a great example for me when I take Trial Technique this fall. Above all, I found the ability to ask ADAs about their trial strategy at the end of the day to be the best part of this experience. It has been fascinating to discuss the strategic decisions of the trials lawyers as they work to convince the jury beyond reasonable doubt. Asking questions about jury selection, cross-examining defendants, and summations has been nothing short of fascinating.

What would you like to share with our donors?

I thank the donors of the Hodgson Russ Summer Fellowship for their generosity and support of the Buffalo Public Interest Law Program. This opportunity would not have been possible for me without your financial support. Because of this experience, I have been able to narrow my career focus to that of a litigator and will be able to expand the scope of my legal employment as a result. I have also appreciated the relationships I've developed with the ADAs, and the chance to witness the criminal justice system firsthand. I've been able to hone my research and writing skills which will support me in the upcoming semester and further employment opportunities.