On October 17, 2022, Catholic Law's Office of Career and Professional Development (OCPD), The DC Modern Prosecution Clinic, Black Law Students' Association (BLSA) and The Criminal Law Society presented a talk by U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, Matthew Graves. Graves discussed the role of the prosecutor in the criminal justice system and shared information about interning and pursuing a career in his office.

Mr. Graves was welcomed and introduced by Nicole Rocha (3L), the President of the Criminal Law Society. Graves and his colleagues Bridget Fitzpatrick, Principal Assistant United States Attorney, and Wendy Polhaus, Assistant United States Attorney and the director of the Community Engagement Section shared their collective experience, provided advice, and encouraged students to apply for the Student Volunteer Intern Program. The United States Attorney's Office has several student intern programs offered in the fall, spring or summer offering both volunteer and academic credit opportunities.

Also showcased were the four- and seven-month detail Special Assistant U.S. Attorney (SAUSA) programs for licensed attorneys which includes a basic training course and involves handling a caseload; drafting and arguing motions; handling plea negotiations; conducting plea hearings; meeting with and preparing victims and witnesses; serving as first-chair at bench trials; advocating at sentencings; and more.

For attorneys interested in a career in prosecution, Graves provided the following three pieces of advice:

1. Clerkships, clerkships, clerkships! Graves explained that clerkships are a great way to experience an entire litigation project through the eye of a judge and where invaluable mentoring relationships are formed.
2. Consider seeking legal experience in both the public and private sectors. The benefits of exposure to both sectors could include developing greater insight into how law firms strategize their cases and can therefore sharpen the prosecutor's trial preparation skills.
3. Consider taking on a litigation case pro bono. According to Graves, pro bono work is an excellent way to develop your litigation skills! For more information on pro bono and public interest law, please contact Maria Ott, Assistant Director of Pro Bono and Public Interest Career Development at ottm@cua.edu and x5599.