Hunter Krienke ’24 spends his days reading complex case law, briefing decisions, attending lectures, and refining the analytical skills required to succeed at Albany Law School.
“I am most interested in pursuing a career in criminal law, specifically as a prosecutor in Monroe County,” Krienke said. “The biggest adjustment has been the shift from primarily writing papers during undergraduate studies to engaging in intensive reading and interpreting complex case law.”
Krienke credits his undergraduate experience at SUNY Brockport with giving him the tools he needed to succeed in law school, including analytical thinking, high quality writing, and professional experiences.
“My coursework required me to critically analyze complex issues and present clear, well-supported arguments, skills that directly translate to law school,” said Krienke. “These experiences have made the transition into legal studies much smoother.”
For Krienke, law school has required discipline, adaptability, and strong time management. Preparation is constant, especially in an environment where students are expected to be ready to discuss cases at any moment.
“Professors will randomly call on students to discuss cases in depth, which means that your preparation outside of class is crucial,” Krienke said. “Time management is essential to getting through law school, as the workload is demanding and requires consistent effort every day.”
As a double major in political science and criminal justice, Krienke immersed himself in both academic and experiential learning opportunities offered at SUNY Brockport.
“My internship experiences not only strengthened my resume but also confirmed my desire to pursue a career in law,” said Krienke.
“The internship opportunities and faculty support at Brockport provided me with a clear and direct pathway toward law school.”
Hunter Krienke
His first internship was part of the SUNY Washington Internship Program, where he wrote news stories covering homicide and non-fatal shooting cases. Later, he interned with the Monroe County District Attorney’s Office, gaining direct insight into legal work and courtroom proceedings.
“The internship opportunities and faculty support at Brockport provided me with a clear and direct pathway toward law school while also allowing me to become professionally connected within my community,” said Krienke.
Krienke also credits the faculty in the Department of Criminal Justice as some of his strongest mentors and a key reason he was able to apply to law school.
“Professor Neissl helped me develop a strong foundational understanding of the criminal justice system and served as a valuable mentor,” said Krienke.
He also credits Professor Cochran for guidance during the law school application process and Professor Bunch for helping solidify his interest in criminal law through challenging coursework.
For students who are considering law school, Krienke encourages other students interested in law school to take advantage of every opportunity available during their undergraduate years.
“Build strong relationships with your professors, as they are invaluable resources and mentors.”
Hunter Krienke
“Build strong relationships with your professors, as they are invaluable resources and mentors,” said Krienke. “Most importantly, stay disciplined and committed to your goals, law school is challenging, but with the right preparation and mindset, it is absolutely achievable.”