By Chris Estrada

Michael Trudeau reckons his co-op experience at Northeastern University gave him an edge for the real world when he graduated in 1983 with a political science degree.

“Obviously, it was a great experience to combine academic exchange as well as work experience,” Trudeau said. “It gave you a real flavor for what the real world was all about and an opportunity to learn from the academic standpoint, then letting you go into the real world to see how the college experience applies to work experience.”

On March 30, Trudeau, first assistant district attorney in the Cape and Islands District, was announced as the Prosecutor of the Year by the Massachusetts District Attorneys’ Association during their annual conference in Boston.

Nominated by Cape and Islands District Attorney Michael O’Keefe, Trudeau began his time with the DA’s office in 1988. After advancing through several positions including chief prosecutor in the Cape and Islands’ District Courts and a two-year stint on the Southeast Regional Committee of the Judicial Nominating Council, he earned his current title in 2002.

“It’s a terrific honor,” Trudeau said of his achievement. “I’m very happy to be recognized by my peers for the accomplishments I’ve made. But it is also a tribute to the Cape and Islands DA office. A prosecutor is only as good as the office around him.”