Press Release

June 17, 2004

Contact: William J. Smith (718) 556-7150

District Attorney Donovan Announces Appointment of 2 New Assistant District Attorneys

STATEN ISLAND, NY- Richmond County District Attorney Daniel M. Donovan, Jr. today announced the appointment of two new Assistant District Attorneys who will be assigned to the Criminal Court Bureau. Carol Villegas, 27, of Brooklyn, and Lauren-Brooke “L.B.” Eisen, 30, of Manhattan, began work on June 7th and June 9th, respectively. In a ceremony held in the Office of the District Attorney, Ms. Eisen and Ms. Villegas were formally sworn-in to their positions as Richmond County Assistant District Attorneys. The oath was administered by District Attorney Daniel M. Donovan, Jr. These are the first two hires Mr. Donovan has made to the legal staff since taking office on January 1, 2004.

“I am delighted to have these two talented young attorneys, Carol and L.B., join the outstanding group of lawyers at Criminal Court,” stated District Attorney Donovan. “Their academic and professional records speak volumes of the abilities they will bring to what is an already professional and accomplished staff.”

Carol Villegas earned B.A.’s in English Literature and in Politics, both with honors, at New York University before

receiving her Juris Doctorate from New York University School of Law in May 2002. Carol received her two bachelor's degrees on full scholarship from NYU, along with receiving other numerous and prestigious scholarships, awards, and honors throughout her academic career. Following her graduation from law school, Ms. Villegas worked as an associate at the prestigious law firm of King and Spalding in New York. She also worked as an attorney for inMotion, Inc. a New York City based non-profit providing free legal services to low-income, under-served, or abused women. Ms. Villegas is fluent in Spanish and conversant in Italian. She has been admitted to the bar in both New York and New Jersey.

"I am proud to have the opportunity to work with the fine men and women of the Richmond County District Attorney's Office,” stated Ms. Villegas. “ I look forward to joining them in their service to the Staten Island community."

Lauren-Brooke Eisen received her B.A. in English Literature from Princeton University and her Juris Doctorate from Georgetown University Law Center in May 2002. She is joining the District Attorney’s office from Vivaldi Partners where she was an Associate Consultant; prior to this she was an associate at the Maryland law firm of Albright and Rhodes. She worked in two internships in Washington D.C., one at the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the second at the office of U.S. District Judge Gladys Kessler. Ms. Eisen also brings a background in journalism, having worked as an investigative reporter for the Laredo Morning Times. Ms. Eisen is also fluent in Spanish. She was admitted to the bar in New York and Maryland in 2003.

“I have always dreamt of becoming a prosecutor and I am excited about the opportunity,” stated Ms. Eisen. “I will always be grateful to District Attorney Donovan for giving me the opportunity to serve the people of Staten Island.”

Ms. Villegas and Ms. Eisen will each make $42,500 in their positions.