2025 Summer Public Interest Fellow

Madelyn McCormack wearing blue and white striped jacket.

Volunteer Organization
Monroe County District Attorney's Office, Rochester, NY

Madelyn McCormack’27

Buffalo Public Interest Law Program (BPILP) Fellowship

How would you describe your experience?

Working at the Monroe County DA's office this summer has been a very informative, interesting, and rewarding experience. Getting to see how criminal cases are prosecuted by such knowledgeable and brilliant attorneys has been extremely formative, and I have learned a lot from them. I gained valuable hands-on experience with criminal prosecution, as I assisted in preparing case files for trial, conducted legal research, drafted various types of motions, and observed various types of court proceedings.

What impacted you the most?

What impacted me the most during my internship this summer is seeing firsthand how each case affected all of the parties involved. This gave me a deeper understanding and appreciation of the importance and weight of the decisions made every day by prosecutors. It was interesting to learn how small details in various cases can have big consequences, and about the massive responsibility held by prosecutors to find and balance  justice and fairness. This internship reinforced my commitment to pursuing a legal career rooted in empathy, integrity, and public service.

What would you like to share with our donors?

I would like to sincerely thank all of the donors to the Buffalo Public Interest Law Program (BPILP) who made this internship possible for me. Being able to work at the DA's Office this summer was an incredibly meaningful experience that I will carry with me for the rest of my career. It deepened my understanding of the justice system and affirmed my commitment to pursuing a career in public service. I'm especially grateful for the chance to contribute to real criminal cases and learn from dedicated prosecutors. Your support made this experience accessible, and I'm truly appreciative of the investment you've made in my education and future.