Prosecution Clinic
What We Do
Offered in partnership with the Bronx, Nassau, Queens, and Suffolk District Attorneys' Offices, the full-year Prosecution Clinic allows students to experience the criminal justice system at work – not just by observing, but by prosecuting real cases. Working under the supervision of assistant district attorneys, clinic students handle all aspects of criminal prosecutions, from arraignments to motion hearings and trials.
Offered in partnership with the Bronx, Nassau, Queens, and Suffolk District Attorneys' Offices, the full-year Prosecution Clinic allows students to experience the criminal justice system at work – not just by observing, but by prosecuting real cases. Working under the supervision of assistant district attorneys, clinic students handle all aspects of criminal prosecutions, from arraignments to motion hearings and trials.
Students work 12-15 hours each week at a district attorney's office, prosecuting misdemeanor cases. Students who are placed in the Queens District Attorney's Office work in the Domestic Violence Bureau, while students in other counties prosecute a variety of cases.
Students also meet for a weekly seminar class at the Law School, which covers a number of topics, including:
- The role of the prosecutor
- Prosecutorial ethics
- Plea bargaining
- Motions and hearings
- Discovery
- Jury selection
- Examination of witnesses
- Appeals
During the seminar sessions, students also gain practical experience writing briefs, conducting hearings, giving oral arguments, and examining witnesses. The seminar also provides students with the opportunity to reflect on their work in the district attorney's office.
Video
Our Clinic
How to Apply as a Candidate
Students can apply for the Prosecution Clinic during the spring semester for the following school year.
Attend a Virtual Clinical Information Session which is held for All Clinics for one day in April.
- Next Date: April 1, 2022, 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Submit an online application
- Application URL: https://tinyurl.com/FallClinics2022
Upload the following within the online application:
- Cover Letter stating interest in the clinic
- Current Resume
- Unofficial Transcript printed from the Academic Record screen in UIS
After submitting all required documents, an interview will be scheduled.
Director
Pishoy Yacoub, Executive Assistant District Attorney, Queens County
Co-Directors and Site Supervisors
Tara Coughlin, Assistant District Attorney, Nassau County
Catherine Loeffler, Assistant District Attorney, Suffolk County
Mary Kate Quinn, Assistant District Attorney, Queens County
The Prosecution Clinic is a two-semester, eight-credit clinic open to second-year and third-year students. Students must have successfully completed Criminal Law. Prior or concurrent enrollment in Criminal Procedure: Investigation is also required. Evidence and Trial Advocacy are both strongly recommended, although they can be taken concurrently with the clinic.