Alumni Spotlight Brian Conaty

Brian Conaty is a 2018 Touro Law alum with a desire to affect positive change in his community. Brian chose Touro Law after visiting the campus and learning of the facilities, programs, and professors available at the institution, and was enticed by the curriculum offered, which aids students in successfully passing the bar examination and leading prosperous legal careers.

Brian’s legal career is an attestation of such. After graduating, Brian began work as an Assistant District Attorney for Sullivan County in Monticello, New York. Just six years later, Brian is now the District Attorney for Sullivan County!

Brian was inspired to pursue a law degree because he knows law is an engine for social change. But it was during law school that he ultimately made the decision to become a prosecutor. Brian shared that the summer of 2016 was his most memorable law school time, when he participated in an externship with the Honorable Judge Mark Cohen. Brian had the exclusive opportunity to work alongside Judge Cohen daily while he presided over criminal cases. Additionally, he enrolled in Criminal Law II, a course taught at night by Judge Cohen. Recalling this multifaceted experience, Brian shared that “engaging in judicial conferences and observing litigation during the day while deepening [his] understanding of the criminal law field at night, bolstered and guided [his] passion to enter the field.”

In addition to Judge Cohen, Brian’s favorite professor was Rena Seplowitz, whose “passion for the subject matter and success of the students engendered a positive environment” to learn the complex material being taught. His favorite classes were Evidence Law and Constitutional Law, which prepared him to enter the criminal justice field.

Brian stated, “My advice to current students is to find your passion and chase it relentlessly. The old adage remains true: If you love what you do, you will never work a day in your life.”