Introduction

First, an introduction:

I'm Ericka Fowler. I am a third-year law student at New York Law School, participating in the Criminal Law Clinic as of 9am this very morning. This is my last year of law school - and I intend to wring as much learning and experience out of it as I possibly can before returning to the world of employment.

Sooner than is probably advisable, I will be working the Legal Aid Society in Manhattan as a public defender under a student practice order. That means that, although I'm not yet a "real attorney," I will represent clients who can't afford a lawyer in the criminal court. I'm told I will be able to handle my own misdemeanor cases and will be able to "second chair" Legal Aid mentor with their felony cases.

This blog is intended to serve as a touchstone and guidepost; a way to track my experience with the Clinic and serve as a launching pad for discussions on issues related to law and the "System." Confidentiality must be respected, but I intend to be candid about the overall experience.