Feature Stories UMass Law: Timothy Trocchio JD '25: Practical experience

Timothy Trocchio JD '25 had just wrapped up five and a half years of active-duty service and a nine-month deployment to Afghanistan and was looking forward to starting law school when he learned he might have to deploy to Poland to be on standby as Russia's invasion of Ukraine began.

Concerned that his military deployment might overlap with the start of the fall semester, Trocchio called each law school where he'd been accepted to ask if they would hold his spot. He found the most understanding and personal response came from UMass Law.

"UMass Law Admissions Director Melissa Costa didn't just tell me I'd be okay—she held my spot, and my fellowship, and made it clear UMass Law wanted me here," Trocchio said. "Everyone at UMass Law went above and beyond to reassure me that no matter what happened, there would be a home for me here."

This human connection taught Trocchio that the community of people would make the biggest impact on his law school experience. Now after three years leveraging connections, building work experience, and learning the law, he's set to begin working as an Assistant District Attorney for Suffolk County in Massachusetts (Boston).

"I really liked the personality of the group I first interfaced with, and the gut feeling I had when I talked to anyone at UMass Law. So many law schools promote their average LSAT, GPA, and other metrics. UMass Law wanted to know my 'why.' They saw I wanted to serve—that I wanted to pursue justice."

Why go to law school? 

A third-generation service member and first-generation college student, Trocchio had long been drawn to the law, policy, and governance. His time in Afghanistan showed him how deeply legal systems affect people's lives. 

"As a military officer, you're entrusted with enormous responsibility to support and lead people through difficult moments," he said. "Becoming an attorney felt like the closest civilian counterpart to that. Working in public interest law felt like a natural continuation of my service."

Public Interest Law Fellow

Supported by UMass Law's Public Interest Law Fellowship (PILF) and his GI Bill benefits, UMass Law was Trocchio's most affordable option for a legal degree, but the school's community and mission are what sold him.

"I really liked the personality of the group I first interfaced with, and the gut feeling I had when I talked to anyone at UMass Law," he said. "So many law schools promote their average LSAT, GPA, and other metrics. UMass Law wanted to know my 'why.' They saw I wanted to serve—that I wanted to pursue justice."

The PILF program not only made law school affordable, but also connected Trocchio to values-driven experiences. The fellowship provides a 50% tuition discount in exchange for 200 hours of public service and a commitment to four years of post-grad public interest work.

"Between the remainder of my GI Bill and the PILF, I got to go to law school for free and graduated with no debt," said Trocchio. "The commitment wasn't all that different from the Army's, and I was already comfortable working in government—it was a perfect fit."

Practical experience

Outside the classroom, Trocchio interned with the Massachusetts Laborers' Legal Services Fund in Burlington and with Hagstrom Law Group in New Bedford, where he worked under UMass Law alumnus Kurt Hagstrom '14.

"Through my 3:03 certification, I got to assist Kurt in his role as a court-appointed defense attorney," said Trocchio. "I met with clients, helped prepare motions, and drafted bail arguments. It gave me an up-close, hands-on view of how the court system truly functions."

Trocchio also poured energy into supporting fellow veterans. As president of the Veterans Law Association (VLA), he helped expand the organization and built connections through Student Veterans of America, even visiting the White House in the process.

"The VLA is a place where student veterans can meet, connect with resources, and find mentorship," he said. "Many of us are first-generation law students. We don't always know where to turn, so building that community really matters."

Assistant District Attorney

Covering the region's largest metropolitan area, Suffolk County is home to New England's highest-volume and most competitive district attorney's office. Trocchio was recruited by Suffolk County's Narcotics Unit Chief, Assistant District Attorney John Mooney—a fellow Army Captain and Iraq War veteran.

"Suffolk County works with both the Boston Police and the Massachusetts State Police," said Trocchio. "That, plus operating across nine courts, means I'll get exposure to a broad range of cases and courtroom procedures. It's an ideal place to start a legal career."

Trocchio will serve as a line prosecutor in Trial Court Monday through Thursday. On Fridays, he's especially excited to work in Suffolk County's Veterans Treatment Court—a diversionary program for veterans whose offenses are tied to service-related issues like PTSD, TBI, or substance use.

"The reason I chose law was to help people," he said. "If I can do that for fellow service members—help them access support instead of being punished—I'll feel like I'm exactly where I'm meant to be."

Timothy Trocchio JD '25: Practical experience

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