On Wednesday, Dec. 3, AABANY’s Pro Bono & Community Service Committee Co-Chair Samuel Lui moderated the New York City Bar Association’s program: How to Become an Assistant District Attorney. Sam also serves on NYCBA’s Committee on Minorities in the Courts as Program Co-Chair. 

Panelists shared information, experiences, tips and best practices for those seeking to become Assistant District Attorneys. The panel consisted of: Bonnie Sard, Administrative Assistant District Attorney and Director of Legal Hiring, Office of the Manhattan District Attorney; Susanne Bettis, Assistant District Attorney, Queens; Maritza Ming, Chief, Immigration Fraud Unit, Office of the Kings County District Attorney; and Maria T. Rivero, Executive Assistant District Attorney, Office of the Bronx County District Attorney. Two audience members, Jesse Sligh (Executive ADA, Queens) and Nancy Pascal (Chief of Legal Hiring Unit, Kings County), also shared their insights.

The panelists began the evening by telling their stories: how they ended up working for the DA’s office, and whether the job was what they expected. Obviously, they were very excited about their careers in the DA’s office and talked a lot about the benefits of working there. Panelists then talked about the general structure of each of the offices and where new ADA’s would work, followed by discussion on the qualifications they seek in a job candidate and Q&A. Main tip: you have to be genuinely passionate about why you want to work for the DA’s office and be able to show it!

The audience seemed very engaged and interested in the discussion. All of the panelists stayed after to answer individuals’ questions. Registration was at full capacity and the event was attended by around 60 people.

Photos courtesy of Sam Lui.