Career Paths: Emma Gilliam ’26L After graduation, Emma Gilliam will work in the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office in Brooklyn, New York.

Emma Gilliam ’26L

Emma Gilliam ‘26L is from Macon, Georgia, but grew up in a military family, so she has lived all over the U.S. and abroad. She attended Mercer University, where she received her B.A. and double majored in English and law and public policy. At W&L, she is the Lead Executive Editor of the German Law Journal and is in the Prosecution Externship, where she works in the Commonwealth Attorney’s Office in Lynchburg, Virginia. Outside of the Law School, Emma enjoys going to dinner in downtown Lexington with her friends. After graduation, she will work in the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office in Brooklyn, New York.

Did you know coming into law school that you wanted to be a prosecutor?

Yes, but I tried to keep an open mind. It is difficult to know what you truly want until you give it a try. I knew that I wanted to practice in public interest and that I wanted to live in a bigger city. The Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office ended up being a great fit for me.

Was there anything in your law school or summer job experience that confirmed this career choice?

My 1L summer at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia solidified my interest in criminal law. It was my first experience working with prosecutors, and I found every day in the Criminal Division to be interesting. I was inspired by the prosecutors I worked with, who all had a passion for justice, particularly my mentors Rick Blaylock and Sonia Mittal. From researching and drafting answers and memos, to preparing witnesses, assisting with appeals, and being in a courtroom nearly every day, I knew I wanted to be a prosecutor.

What classes/law school hands-on learning opportunities do you think are helpful to prepare for this job?

Take advantage of any practical experience you can. Classes like Evidence and Criminal Procedure are essential for understanding the law. However, courses such as the Trial Advocacy Practicum and Litigation Immersion at W&L helped me actually practice the law. I also honed my trial advocacy skills in the Prosecution Externship, where I was able to use my Third Year Practice certificate to apply what I learned at W&L to real cases. Because of these hands-on learning opportunities, I feel as though I have a solid foundation going into my first year at the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office.

Has there been a professor or alum who has helped prepare you for this position?

Professors Michael Gaches and Beth Belmont helped prepare me for this position through the Litigation Immersion. Whether it was writing briefs, arguing motions, or preparing closing arguments, they both gave me detailed feedback, challenged me, and helped me become a better litigator.

What was special about the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office that you believe has led many students in the past few years work here?

I think what is special about the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office is the people. Throughout the interview process it was clear that everyone I met was passionate about what they do. The experiences we get also drew me to the office. The Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office dedicates several weeks to orientation, coordinates mentorship, and allows for growth from misdemeanors to felonies in your first three years as an Assistant District Attorney.

Can you describe the job search process?

In my experience, most public interest jobs, including prosecutor positions, do not make return offers after a summer internship. Job applications for prosecutors usually open during 3L year, either in the fall or spring. The Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office, like the other boroughs in New York City, begins accepting applications for post-law school positions during 2L summer. I applied to the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office through the Office of Career Strategy at W&L after hearing only good things about the office. I went through four rounds of interviews before receiving an offer in September to be an Assistant District Attorney.

What are you most looking forward to about this job?

I am most looking forward to putting my passion into practice. My favorite parts of law school have been the practical experiences. I am excited to take my experiences at W&L and apply those skills to my own cases, as well as work with, be challenged by, and learn from the other prosecutors in the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office.