Joe DiVincenzo '26

This summer, Joe DiVincenzo benefited from working for two organizations. Joe describes his experiences at both organizations below.

Overall, I had a great experience in the 8th Judicial District's Internship program this summer!  Having the opportunity to work within the New York State court system was very engaging, and definitely resulted in many exciting insights.  During my experience in the NYS Supreme Court, specifically the Commercial Part, I had the opportunity to observe courtroom proceedings and improve my research and writing abilities.  I observed trials, mediations, settlement conferences, and motion practice, along with several in-chamber conversations.  On the other hand, I was allowed to work on a number of pending cases, where I researched discrete legal issues, and eventually wrote bench memos, which I presented to Judge Colaiacovo.  Within the 8th Judicial District's program itself, I also had the opportunity to take part in weekly presentations about different areas of law, which were very engaging as well!

While all of the different experiences I had in the 8th Judicial District's Internship program were engaging, the opportunity to observe courtroom proceedings had the biggest impact on me.  Having the chance to observe courtroom events in real time, and watching how others conducted themselves in the court itself, had a larger impact on me than I would have predicted.  I also found it helpful to relate what I was observing to pending cases that I was working on. These observational experiences cannot be distilled into one singular experience, but it was the combination of seeing the wide variety of different proceedings that I believe had the largest impact on me.

I would like to share that, with the benefit of this donation from Fran and Cindy Letro, I had the opportunity to volunteer at an organization that I would not otherwise have been able to afford. I am truly grateful for this opportunity. This fellowship provided a fantastic avenue for me to gain valuable legal skills.

How would you describe your experience?

Within the Niagara County District Attorney's Office, I had a fantastic experience overall.  As I was working this position in tandem with the position I held at the 8th judicial District, it was  interesting to be able to see, with first-hand experience, the differences between civil and criminal litigation.  I had a variety of different tasks and skill-building exercises at the DA's office, including research and writing, observing trials and arraignments, along with motion practice as well.  Moreover, I was provided a practice order this summer, which resulted in my having the chance to handle cases in a town court setting on a number of occasions.  My great experiences in both the Niagara County DA's Office and the 8th Judicial District have helped open my eyes to the legal world, and all of the opportunities that are present within.

What impacted you the most?

While there were numerous experiences in the DA's office that I feel as though had a large impact on me, having the chance to handle real cases in a town court setting was the aspect that has had the largest effect on me.  This opportunity was something completely different than anything I have done before, and I feel as though standing in front of a town judge, speaking into the record, and handling cases was a fantastic experience, and one in which I have gained a lot from!

What would you like to share with our donors?

I would like to share that, with the benefit of this donation from Fran and Cindy Letro, I had the opportunity to volunteer at an organization that I would not otherwise have been able to afford. I am truly grateful for this opportunity. This fellowship provided a fantastic avenue for me to gain valuable legal skills.