The Law School Magazine The New York University School of Law

Applying Classroom Concepts to Crime-Fighting

Steven Solow ’85 credits Professors James Jacobs and Harry First with setting him on the path to becoming a prosecutor: “Through both of them, I developed an interest in how government could use its enforcement powers to regulate and change business activities.” Solow’s career as a prosecutor got off to a quick start because of his experience working with Jacobs and Adjunct Professor Ronald Goldstock on their study of New York City corruption and racketeering in the construction industry for the New York State Organized Crime Task Force. Also formative was his work with Professor Anthony Amsterdam on death penalty matters and in the clinical program. Solow attributes to his clinical training his ability to function as a prosecutor right out of law school: “The clinic taught me to self-educate and to reflect on my own work and learn from experience.” Describing Amsterdam’s catechism of “plan, do, reflect, integrate,” Solow says, “It ingrained in me one of the most valuable tools I have gained from my entire education.”