Why did you choose the Criminal Law Clinic?
I wanted practical experience in addition to the theoretical setting of the law school classroom. Everyone whom I have talked to at BU Law who ever did a clinic absolutely loved the experience. I signed up for the Criminal Law Clinic in particular because I was interested in prosecution work. I had worked at the U.S. Attorney's Office my 1L summer, and joining the clinic the second semester my 2L year was a natural extension.
What was the first time you had to speak in front of a court like, and how did you build confidence over time?
The first time I had to speak in court was my first semester 3L year and it was certainly an awesome experience! I was nervous heading into court, but once I stood up it was fine – plus I know Professor Breen was right behind me in the courtroom! After you do it a few times, you certainly build confidence.
Did you work as a defender or prosecutor? Why did you choose this role?
I worked as a prosecutor because I feel as though the prosecutor's job is the most important one in any criminal case. While the defense attorney's job is to represent his client, and the judge's role is to ensure a fair trial, it's the prosecutor's role to "do justice."
What was your most memorable case, and why?
I had a few Driving Under the Influence cases, which I was able to seek pleas on. I also had a few cases where I thought the defendant was guilty, but for a variety of reasons we were unable to prove the case.
What do you think the importance of representing cases pro bono is?
I think it's very important for lawyers in private practice to volunteer some time to represent indigent defendants. Under the Supreme Court decision Gideon v. Wainwright, every indigent defendant in a criminal proceeding is supposed to be guaranteed a lawyer. The problem across the country, however, is that most public defender offices are over-burdened with cases and understaffed. Lawyers in practice can assist by volunteering some of their time.
What did you gain from participating in the program?
I received a great deal of experience from the program and a sense of how difficult it often is to figure out the "just" disposition in any given case. A prosecutor may have an idealistic belief on how a case should be disposed of, but whether through plea-bargaining or defense-capped pleas (where the judge has the final say), it's often difficult to get your number one choice on disposition. You often settle for anything within reasonable bounds.
