QULAW•BRIEFS Opposing counsel dedicated to justice, fair hearings
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arc Durso ’03 and Nicole Donzello ’03 may have sat in the same School of Law Commencement ceremony, but today they sit on opposite sides of the GA2 courtroom in Bridgeport, Conn. Durso is the assistant state’s attorney, and Donzello is a senior assistant public defender. In October, they went tête-àtête at the School of Law, each describing his or her role in the courtroom, and specifically at arraignment hearings. The discussion was part of the “Arrest to Arraignment” program organized by the Criminal Law Society and the criminal law and advocacy concentration program. In a conversation filled with friendly banter, the two lawyers explained that they don’t always agree on the charges filed or the bail set in any given case, but they each work to ensure that the hearing is fair. They described a typical day,
from reviewing arrest reports to tackling the fast-paced flow of cases during arraignment hearings. They emphasized the importance of making the most of the time they have. In court, the lawyers often are writing notes from one case even as a court officer begins reading the charges for the next one. “In our field, you really need to learn how to read and talk at the same time,” says Durso. Donzello has a specific amount of time to meet with the accused. Durso explained that he makes time to talk to the victims. Both lawyers work with law enforcement to ensure information in police reports is accurate. They emphasized to students the importance of following court procedures. “It takes forever to build your reputation and a second to ruin it all,” Durso says.
Criminal Law Society member Brian Young, left, with Nicole Donzello ’03, senior assistant public defender, and Marc Durso ’03, assistant state’s attorney, both in Bridgeport. 2
QUINNIPIAC LAW • SPRING 2012
Christina Colla, above left, a 1L, gets a lick from new puppy, Copper, at the auction. With her are 1L Alma Nunley, center, and Randale Nunley. Below, Professor Robert Farrell auctions a signed ESPN banner displayed by 2L Desmond Ryan, PILP president.
PILP AUCTION RAISES GREEN Embracing an Irish theme, members of the School of Law community raised more than $17,000 at the 19th annual Public Interest Law Project Auction in March. Both students and alumni bid on items, from activities with professors to gift cards donated by the community. In the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day, the attendees donned green to raise green. This year some of the items up for auction included a one-of-a-kind package to Belmont Park Race Track in New York, with preferred seating in an owner’s box and a gourmet lunch; vacation rental homes in both Montana and Florida; and a baseball signed by Red Sox infielder Kevin Youkilis. Faculty and staff donations to the auction included yoga and a meal with Professor Jennifer Brown and homemade pizza for six at Dean Brad Saxton’s house (won by 1Ls Christina Colla and Alma Nunley). The auction raises money for PILP grants, which support students in unpaid public interest internships.