Antonakakis worked with the Megan’s Law Unit overseeing sex offender registration, determining risk classification, handling court hearings and assisting in the prosecution of individuals who are not in compliance with registration obligations.
My mother and her family are refugees of the 1974 invasion of Cyprus. As the son and grandson of Cypriot refugees, I learned from a young age that justice is crucial for individuals, like refugees, who have been wronged but do not have the means to pursue justice alone. My decision to attend law school was fueled by my motivation to pursue justice for those who may not have the means to act without assistance.
This summer, I interned at the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office. The Office investigates and prosecutes all indictable crime in Camden County. Within the Office, I worked with the Megan’s Law Unit overseeing sex offender registration, determining risk classification, handling court hearings and assisting in the prosecution of individuals who are not in compliance with registration obligations.
At the Prosecutor’s Office, I had numerous opportunities to develop my skills by performing legal research and writing memos and briefs. I compiled a compendium of relevant Megan’s Law caselaw in New Jersey which required the application of my legal research and writing skills. The compendium is now shared across all Megan’s Law Units in New Jersey. Additionally, I wrote memos and briefs for the Assistant Prosecutor in the Megan’s Law Unit. Rutgers Law’s legal research and writing courses prepared me for the challenge of working in a legal setting by teaching accurate research and concise writing and analysis. My internship aligns with my goals to serve my community on a broad scale and ensure the safety of the communities in which I live and work.
Beyond typical research and writing tasks, the Prosecutor’s Office provides its interns with opportunities to observe various trials and hearings. During the course of my internship, I observed numerous trials including homicide, sex assault, and juvenile trials, among others.
The Megan’s Law Unit in Camden County performs vital work which ensures the safety of the community and the accurate detention and prosecution of individuals who violate their Megan’s Law obligation. The Megan’s Law Units across the State are a hard-working and dedicated team, freely communicating and sharing ideas on how to increase productivity and keep pace with the rapidly evolving field of Megan’s Law. Working with the Megan’s Law Unit was a rewarding experience. I am incredibly grateful to the Assistant Prosecutor for his continued guidance and mentorship throughout my internship.
Rutgers Law supplements students’ theoretical educations with practical experiences volunteering legal services for members of the community. Various pro bono initiatives provide students with valuable experience performing legal tasks and communicating face-to-face with clients. I participate in a number of pro bono projects including the immigration, mediation, and Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) pro bono initiatives. These initiatives cultivate the essential skills of communicating with clients and volunteering legal services for the community.
Working closely with attorneys, judges, and clients has given me a glimpse at the inner machinations of the criminal justice system. The legal research and writing skills I have cultivated at Rutgers Law, as well as my practical experiences at the Prosecutor’s Office and in pro bono initiatives, brings me closer to achieving my goals of pursuing justice and serving my community.
