Learning Criminal Law

Prosecution Clinic Experience Offers Real-World Glimpse into Law

Touro Law’s Prosecution Clinic bridges the gap between academic study and real-world application. This hands-on course exposes students to criminal law through prosecutorial practice. Students take on the role of prosecutors at the Kings County District Attorney’s Office, one of the nation’s most recognized and respected offices.

Working alongside Adjunct Professor Michael Boykin, clinic students learn from and assist on high-profile cases. Students analyze and discuss the application, procedure, and principles surrounding criminal litigation through participation in actual cases. Under the guidance and supervision of managing Assistant District Attorneys, primarily in the trial division, Prosecution Clinic students handle their own small caseloads; interview witnesses; compile discovery; conduct legal research; assist with motion practice; screen appropriate level cases at Early Case Assessment Bureau; and may participate in misdemeanor arraignments, observe court proceedings, and appear on the record in open court.

The experience provides not only the development of practical skills but also a deep understanding of the ethical dimensions and human impact of prosecution work and the mission to uphold justice.

Professor Boykin reflects, “Throughout this clinic, and through their fieldwork, these students accomplished quite a lot this semester. Case assignments, observations, and conversations empowered them to discuss, analyze, review, and most importantly, practice – in one way or another – a myriad of legal, factual, substantive, practical, and philosophical facets of criminal law. It was a fast-paced course with many discussion points and a lot of court experience and exposure. It was an ambitious agenda, and to that extent, the course goals were completed – even exceeded.” 

As you'll read in their own words, this clinic doesn't merely supplement a student’s legal education—it fundamentally reshapes their approach to law and their vision of themselves as advocates for justice.

Suzana Abraham
The Prosecution Clinic offers an unforgettable, real-world glimpse into the life of a prosecutor. When I started the prosecution clinic, I knew it would be a new experience for me, as I have never worked in a criminal field before, especially on the prosecutor’s side. My experience with prosecution was limited to news, movies and suspense TV shows. Now, at the end of this clinic, I realized that I gained an amazing experience that changed my perception of prosecutor’s work in general. Throughout the semester, students are immersed in actual courtroom experiences, from observing emotional trials like homicides and assaults to seeing critical processes such as jury selection. Under the incredible guidance of Professor Michael Boykin, we gained invaluable knowledge, hands-on experience, and a new perspective on the vital role prosecutors play in seeking justice. For many of us, including myself, this clinic opened the door to a career path we had not considered before. It is an intense, eye-opening journey that brings real lawyering to life and shows the profound impact prosecutors have on victims and their families.

Martin Bumagin:

This semester provided an invaluable and transformative "high-speed" educational experience, profoundly enhancing my understanding of criminal prosecution, courtroom practice, and the nuanced responsibilities inherent in the role of a prosecutor. From the very outset, the clinic immersed us into active courtroom practice, seamlessly integrating theoretical legal principles with practical application in real-time proceedings. Early in the semester, I began drafting memoranda of law, rigorously researching and carefully crafting persuasive arguments grounded in controlling statutes, case law, and procedural rules.

Olivia Fichera
When I first joined this clinic, I honestly had no interest in criminal law, but my experience at the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office completely changed that. I had the opportunity to speak on the record in court, observe various stages of cases involving robbery, assault, murder, and high-profile matters, and witness everything from preliminary hearings and jury selections to opening statements and closings. Meeting experienced prosecutors and learning about their courtroom strategies was invaluable.  

All in all, the trial exposure has truly been a pivotal moment on my path toward becoming a lawyer. The courtroom is no longer a scary place; instead, it's exactly where I want to be.

Benedetto Faulisi
It was an honor to participate under the guidance of Professor Boykin in the Criminal Prosecution Clinic at the Kings County District Attorney’s Office. From going on the record for The People in open court several times to engaging with high-profile cases involving serious incidents like shootings, subway violence, and vehicular crashes, I had the opportunity to apply classroom knowledge to the real world. I also had the chance to meet with victims, gaining a better understanding of how The People’s work as public servants has a real impact on the community at large.

Throughout the semester, I also saw how lessons from my previous Touro Law classes, such as evidence, criminal law, and expert witness simulation, directly applied in the courtroom. I began to understand the commonly raised motions and the legal strategies behind the scenes. Professor Boykin consistently requested our input and offered real-time explanations and lessons, helping make the clinic a unique experience.

I highly recommend this clinic to all law students and thank Professor Boykin and Touro Law for making such an experience possible.

Kenneth Sambuco
This clinic provided a unique opportunity to peek behind the scenes of headline-grabbing cases and see the hard work prosecutors do daily to provide justice for victims.  We were assigned cases to work on and observed them being prosecuted in the Supreme Court. The prosecution clinic provides insight into the Brooklyn District Attorney's progressive prosecution and is one of the few clinics that deal with people of all economic backgrounds. We reviewed police reports, body cam footage, evidence collected, witness interviews, photos, drafted motions to compel, and spent significant time in court.

This was a unique opportunity to find out how criminal cases  work in court and how assistant district attorneys prepare for court. It is not like an episode of Law and Order or any other TV show. The class lecture or discussion each week really lined up with what I was seeing in court. Learning about hearings in class is helpful, but seeing them in person leaves a lasting impression. Coming from a background in office and corporate jobs, being in a courtroom is the elevated form of practicing law. I can truly say that not one day spent at the district attorney’s office felt boring.

Alaina Troiso
These last 13 weeks have been the most insightful and impactful of my law school career. I gained invaluable knowledge and experience, both in the courtroom and in an office setting. I learned about discovery, bail, digital evidence, and different court proceedings. I got to see cases first-hand, as well as how the greater justice system works, and the role outside sources play in the system. While I believe the system has a long way to go in many facets, this experience has shown me what happens in our justice system and the role prosecutors play in it.

Mkaba Williams:

My experience at the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office, through the legal clinic program, was one of the most rewarding and eye-opening experiences of my academic and professional journey. As a trial attorney intern, I had the unique opportunity to gain real courtroom experience and apply legal theories to active cases, bridging the gap between classroom learning and real-world practice. I developed a broader understanding about criminal justice, prosecution, and reform.

From the outset, this clinic immersed me in the daily realities of criminal prosecution. I observed and participated in a range of legal procedures, from arraignments and hearings to pretrial motions and trial proceedings. The combination of hands-on work and classroom lectures helped me refine my ability to analyze case facts, apply relevant legal standards, and construct persuasive arguments.

PHOTO CAPTION: (From l to r): Seen here are Prosecution Clinic students Kenneth Sambuco, Mkaba Williams, Olivia Fichera, and Alaina Troiso.