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Along the lines of the incoming litigation/corporate associate threads, I wanted to ask any prosecutors who might be reading this forum if they would be willing to share words of wisdom for those starting as incoming prosecutors this fall. Thanks in advance for any tips.

Anonymous User wrote:Along the lines of the incoming litigation/corporate associate threads, I wanted to ask any prosecutors who might be reading this forum if they would be willing to share words of wisdom for those starting as incoming prosecutors this fall. Thanks in advance for any tips.

interested in this as well, are you in a big city office?

Be as cordial as possible with members of the defense bar without getting taken advantage of. Life is a lot easier when the defense bar likes you.

Same goes with officers--they are your colleagues so you need to treat them with respect and value their input and opinion, but also do not let them drive the ship.

Ronan wrote:Be as cordial as possible with members of the defense bar without getting taken advantage of. Life is a lot easier when the defense bar likes you.

Same goes with officers--they are your colleagues so you need to treat them with respect and value their input and opinion, but also do not let them drive the ship.

Totally agree with the above.

Unfortunately there are some defense counsel who will try to get things past you when you're new (i.e. "I've never heard of an offer like this for this kind of case!" when it's a completely typical offer). If it happens don't let it bother you but it's worth checking in with more experienced folks to the extent you can if someone tries this. Also some judges will give you a hard time when you're new just to see how you handle it - don't let this bother you, either.

Anonymous User wrote:

Ronan wrote:Be as cordial as possible with members of the defense bar without getting taken advantage of. Life is a lot easier when the defense bar likes you.

Same goes with officers--they are your colleagues so you need to treat them with respect and value their input and opinion, but also do not let them drive the ship.

Totally agree with the above.

Unfortunately there are some defense counsel who will try to get things past you when you're new (i.e. "I've never heard of an offer like this for this kind of case!" when it's a completely typical offer). If it happens don't let it bother you but it's worth checking in with more experienced folks to the extent you can if someone tries this. Also some judges will give you a hard time when you're new just to see how you handle it - don't let this bother you, either.

Yeah OP all of this is true. Always check with a higher up if you're unsure.

Another piece of advice, try to figure out what the "unwritten policies" of your office are, especially in regards to offers.

A defense attorney once told me after I messed up in court: "Don't stress too much, everything you do in here can be reversed." Good advice.

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