Build Confidence, Build Careers

Happy October!  With the commencement of my favorite month of the year comes OCS’s Fall event season.  In addition to the second installment of the 1L Bootcamp, during which will discuss how to market yourself to get that law job you desire, we will hold a tabling event on October 16 where all students will get the chance to meet and greet with bar associations from the tri-state area.

Additionally, our pinnacle Fall event, the Networking Reception, will take place on the evening of October 24 in the Atrium.  During this cocktail event, students of all class years will have the opportunity to network with attorney alums who practice in various fields of law.  This is a must-attend event; please sign up on Symplicity under the “Events” tab.

As Fall Recruitment is coming to a close, OCS is gearing up for Spring Recruitment.  Make sure your resume is updated to reflect your summer employment and, 1Ls, get that resume into OCS for its initial review.  And, don’t forget to make an appointment with your career counselor to discuss your goals for your 1L summer, 2L summer, or post-graduation employment.  Ms. Blackwood is the counselor for the Classes of 2027 and 2028, Megan Clancy is the Class of 2026 counselor, and I am the counselor for the graduating class – the Class of 2025! And, MLS students looking for career advice and JDs seeking some help marketing themselves through LinkedIn should consult with Gregory Gamble.

We remain excited and eager to work with you.

Jacqueline C. Pirone, Esq.
Assistant Dean of Career Services

Student Spotlight

Elika Mohebbi, 3L 

Discover how Elika Mohebbi’s diverse legal experiences—from interning with Judge Salas to winning moot court competitions—shaped her path as a 3L. Dive into her insights on judicial decision-making, case management, and leadership in this month's inspiring feature. Read more to uncover her journey and achievements!

How did your experience working as a Judicial Intern for The Honorable Lisa M. Adubato influence your understanding of chancery and probate matters?

Working with Judge Adubato was a wonderful experience. I learned about the detailed and complex nature of chancery matters, as well as the personal aspects of probate cases and common issues with contested wills. Additionally, I gained insight into how the Judge handles cases both on the bench and behind the scenes. The experience was very enlightening.

The LEO Corner

Stephanie Guzman, 3L

Stephanie Guzman, a 3L LEO Fellow, has navigated an impressive journey from JP Morgan Chase to law school, interning at Oracle and AIG along the way. Balancing family, internships, and academic challenges, she remains driven and passionate about her future in law. Read on to discover her inspiring story!

Prior to coming to law school, you worked as a Corporate Secretarial Analyst for JP Morgan Chase. What made you decide to attend law school?

I knew I wanted to go to law school since my first legal internship during my junior year of high school. However, I was set on majoring in finance because I was also passionate about it. When I got to work in the legal department at JP Morgan Chase, I felt it was the perfect chance to learn and grow my passion for business and legal.

Weekend Warriors

Grant Moryan 3LW

Balancing law school and a full-time career is no easy feat, but Grant Moryan, a 3LW at Seton Hall Law, is mastering both. From transitioning out of Rolling Stone Magazine’s finance department to excelling in a judicial internship, his journey is a testament to perseverance and adaptability. Keep reading for more!

As a 3LW, how have you been able to manage working full-time and being a law student?

Honestly, part of me thinks I must be a glutton for punishment. Signing up for law school in my mid-30s . . . what was I thinking?! But seriously, there are difficult times when I feel I am not managing everything as well as I would like. At work, I manage a team of salespeople who sell my firm’s services—designing advanced estate planning strategies for financial advisors’ high net worth clients. Each day is different from the last; heavy workloads ebb and flow. I never really know if I’ll be working late or able to shut the laptop at 5pm and read for class.

Bridget Knodel, 2L

Discover how Bridget Knodel, a 2L law student at Seton Hall, balances her legal studies, freelance music career, and leadership roles. From her summer internship at the NJ Attorney General’s Office to her passion for employment law, Bridget’s journey offers valuable insights into discipline, advocacy, and community service.

Can you describe your experience working as a Summer Intern for the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office in the Consumer Affairs Counseling Section?

What were some of your key responsibilities? My experience working for the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office was great! In the Consumer Affairs Counseling section, I was responsible for researching different issues facing the various professional licensing boards. I worked for the Board of Medical Examiners, the Board of Nursing, and the Board of Mortuary Science. Normally, I would write memos for whichever Deputy Attorney General was assigned to that Board, but I also had the opportunity to share some research directly with one of the Boards at one of their Committee meetings.

Charles "Chase" Newman, 2L

Charles “Chase” Newman shares insights into his legal journey, blending his passion for labor law and entertainment with experiences in compliance, journalism, and business development. Discover how his diverse background—from managing COVID compliance at NBCUniversal to researching employment law—shapes his approach to law school and future career.

Can you share some of your experiences working as a Legal Intern for the New Jersey Reentry Corporation, particularly in assisting with vacating fines and warrants?

My experience as a judicial intern for The Honorable Michael A. Shipp was extremely enjoyable and educational. The clerks were fantastic mentors, and I worked on writing assignments and observed trials. I really enjoyed watching different attorneys in court and observing their styles. The writing assignments were extremely helpful in terms of improving my research and writing skills and learning to grapple with different legal issues. I was faced with many tasks with which I was unfamiliar, which was intimidating at first, but this internship taught me that I will always be faced with projects that are unfamiliar to me, and as long as I have the necessary problem-solving skills, I can be successful with whatever comes my way.

Mekallah Thornton, MLS Candidate

Meet Mekallah Thornton, an MLS student balancing her studies with a full-time role as a Human Resource Coordinator at Seton Hall University. Discover how she’s leveraging her legal education to enhance her HR expertise, streamline processes, and prepare for future opportunities in compliance. Read more in this month’s MLS Spotlight!

What inspired you to pursue a Masters in Legal Studies, and how does it complement your role as a Human Resource Coordinator at Seton Hall University?

Getting my master’s degree is something I’ve considered for a while, but I struggled to decide what to focus on. Initially, I considered an MBA or MPA, but neither felt right for me. I didn’t realize compliance might interest me until I assisted at a new hire orientation and heard Toni Hindsman’s compliance presentation. After discussing my interest in compliance with her, she sent me the link to the SHU Law program. When I reviewed the curriculum, I saw courses like conducting internal investigations and managing legal issues in the workplace, which I felt would benefit my current role. Although I’m not directly involved in these areas now, they align with my future career goals, and I look forward to gaining knowledge that I can apply later.

Symplicity has an App for your IPhone or Android! 

Download the App in your app store. Choose Seton Hall Law School as your school and enter your credentials that you use to log into your Symplicity account on the computer. From there you have the ability to search for and apply for jobs, upload documents for review or submission and schedule a counseling session. Download the app to stay up to date on recent job postings and make sure that you’re getting your materials submitted before other students. Reach out to your OCS counselor for more information!

Help Us by Submitting Your Employment Survey – And Enter to Win SHU Law Swag!

A big thank you to everyone who has already completed the employment survey from your summer work—we truly appreciate your time and feedback!

However, we’re aiming for even broader participation, as this information is vital to benefiting the entire SHU Law community. So, here’s the exciting part: for every survey you submit, you’ll earn an entry into our raffle for exclusive Seton Hall Law swag! If you’ve already submitted a survey, you’re automatically entered into the raffle. And for our 3L and 4LW students, you can increase your chances by submitting additional surveys for previous summer jobs or current semester internships!

Don’t worry if you’ve submitted your survey anonymously—you’ll still be included in the raffle. The drawing will take place on October 15, and winners will be notified shortly after.

Your participation helps us support you and your fellow students—plus, who doesn’t love free swag? Get your entries in today!

Building a strong personal brand is essential for standing out in today’s competitive legal landscape. Your brand represents your professional identity and can set you apart from other candidates. Follow these best practices to develop and strengthen your personal brand throughout law school:

1. Identify Your Strengths and Values

Take time to reflect on what makes you unique. Whether it’s a passion for a specific area of law or strong legal writing skills, understanding your strengths and values will help you create a focused and authentic brand.

2. Define Your Career Goals

Know where you want to go in your legal career. Align your branding efforts with these goals— whether it’s corporate law, public interest, or litigation — so you can attract relevant opportunities and connections.

3. Build a Professional Online Presence

Your online presence is often the first impression potential employers have. Ensure your LinkedIn profile is professional, updated, and aligned with your career goals. Share relevant legal articles and engage in online legal discussions to demonstrate thought leadership.

4. Develop Thought Leadership

Position yourself as a knowledgeable law student by writing and sharing insights on legal trends or topics of interest. Consider publishing blog posts or articles on LinkedIn to showcase your expertise and stay engaged in the legal community.

5. Network Strategically

Your personal brand extends beyond your online presence. Be intentional about building relationships with peers, professors, and professionals. Attend events, join organizations, and engage with alumni who align with your interests and goals.

6. Be Consistent Across Platforms

Whether it’s your resume, LinkedIn, or personal website, ensure consistency in how you present yourself. Your personal brand should be cohesive across all platforms, showcasing your skills, interests, and professional goals.

7. Participate in Relevant Activities

Get involved in student organizations, internships, and pro bono work that align with your personal brand. These experiences will not only enhance your resume but also demonstrate your commitment to your field of interest.

8. Craft a Unique Elevator Pitch

Develop a concise and impactful way to introduce yourself. Your elevator pitch should include who you are, your skills, and what you aim to achieve. Use it when networking or meeting potential mentors and employers.

9. Stay Authentic

Your personal brand should be a true reflection of who you are. Highlight your real strengths and interests. Authenticity builds trust and helps you connect with people who share your values.

10. Seek Feedback and Continuously Improve

Ask mentors, professors, or peers for feedback on your professional presentation. Use their input to refine your personal brand and make adjustments as you grow in your legal career.

By following these steps, you can create a personal brand that highlights your strengths, builds credibility, and attracts opportunities in the legal field. Start building your brand today to shape your future success!

Below is the list of the bar associations that will join us on October 16, 2024

Women Lawyers in Bergen County

Garden State Bar Association

Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey

Association of Black Women Lawyers – NJ

New Jersey State Bar Association

Essex County Bar Association

New Jersey Association for Justice, Inc.

New Jersey Muslim Lawyers Association

NYC Bar Association

Bergen County Bar Association            

Asian Pacific American Lawyers Association of New Jersey

Students are welcome to stop by the Career Services Boutique to get professional attire. All items are free, and they are welcome to take as many items as they like. Donations are also welcome. We accept gently worn or new suits, blouses, shirts, ties, etc. If you’re interested in organizing a clothing drive/donation event, please contact Ms. Blackwood at monique.blackwood@shu.edu 

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