At Drake Law School, students gain more than a foundation in criminal law – they learn what justice looks like in practice from faculty who have lived it. With deep experience as prosecutors and defense attorneys, these professors bring real-world insight to the classroom, helping students understand both the power and responsibility that come with the role of an advocate.
Criminal law is a field that demands clarity, compassion, and courage. Faculty members such as Dean Roscoe Jones, Jr., Professors Steve Foritano, Alexa Perez, and Ellen Yee draw from years of prosecutorial experience seeking justice for victims and protecting the public. Meanwhile, Professors Allison McCarthy, Colleen Cullen, Dean Strang, and Erica Nichols-Cook offer students the defense perspective, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding constitutional rights and standing with individuals at their most vulnerable moments. Together, they help students see how both sides of the courtroom contribute to a fair and functioning legal system.
Professor Dean Strang decided to attend law school late in his college years and initially had no clear sense of what legal career he wanted to pursue. His interest in criminal law developed after graduation through friendships with public defenders and early exposure to criminal practice. After a brief period as a federal prosecutor, he realized that prosecution was not the right fit for him. He later shifted into criminal defense, where he found work that better aligned with his values and professional interests.
“Defending criminal cases means working for people in real distress,” Strang explained. “It’s an opportunity to stand beside someone at their lowest point and to be the one ally they may have. Much of defending relates to something visceral—an affinity for the underdog, an anti-authoritarian streak, or a belief that the status quo needs to change.” While acknowledging that pay in early criminal law careers can be modest, Strang emphasized that the deeper rewards are immeasurable. “If you can live on what you make, criminal defense offers rewards to psyche and spirit—a sense of purpose that money alone never can.”
Professor Ellen Yee’s calling took shape from a different angle but with the same core motivation: to help people and ensure that justice is served with integrity. Prosecution provided a way to stand up for victims, support community safety, and pursue fairness through public service. “Prosecution allowed me to protect communities and uphold the integrity of the legal system,” Yee said. “It combined my commitment to public service with the pursuit of justice in a practical and human way.”
Their experiences highlight how Drake Law’s faculty bring practical, real-world insight to the study of criminal law. Through coursework, discussions, and hands-on opportunities, professors help students understand the demands of both prosecution and defense and consider which path best fits their interests and skills.
Strang encourages students interested in criminal practice to gain hands-on exposure early, while also understanding the realities of the job market. “Seek a clinical experience or an internship,” he advised. “In many cities, you almost have to choose a side during law school to be competitive. Make your best guess about where you fit and give it a try. And remember, switching sides later in your career happens more often than you’d think.”
By learning from faculty who have stood in both roles, Drake Law students are empowered to enter the profession with perspective, empathy, and a commitment to justice – no matter which side of the courtroom they choose.