People v. Christou

OPINION OF THE COURT

Memorandum.

Judgments of conviction unanimously reversed on the law and facts and accusatory instruments dismissed.

In the case at bar defendant was represented at the pretrial hearings and the trial by a recent law graduate, who had not been admitted to the Bar, under the auspices and direction of the Legal Aid Society of Nassau County. Such representation is permitted as an exception from the general prohibition of the unlicensed practice of law (see, Judiciary Law §§ 478, 484) provided such a program is approved by the Appellate Division of Supreme Court of the Department…