Build Confidence, Build Careers

Student Spotlight

Joshua Cho, 2L

Joshua Cho (2L), a U.S. Army veteran, carried his commitment to service into law school. This past summer, he gained invaluable experience with The Honorable Richard T. Sules of the NJ Superior Court, Civil Division, and with the Veteran Advocacy Project. Read on to learn about his journey and insights.

What inspired you to transition from military service to pursuing a legal career?

While I deeply valued my time in the Army, I felt a new calling as my service drew to a close. My years in uniform placed me in demanding leadership roles that tested my resolve and taught me the importance of relying on both the guidance of others and the structure of military regulations. The moment that first sparked my interest in the law came when I was tasked with assisting a soldier in the midst of a mental health crisis. As a young lieutenant, I initially felt uncertain, but I turned to the regulations and found the framework that enabled me to connect this soldier with the care he needed. That experience revealed how rules and structure, when properly understood and applied, can make a profound difference in people’s lives. By the time my service was ending, I knew that my commitment to serving others was far from complete. Pursuing a legal career became the natural next step—a way to continue serving my community by advocating for individuals facing difficult circumstances and helping them navigate complex systems to secure the support and justice they deserve.

Wendy Xia, 3L

Wendy Xia (3L) combines her pharmacy background with a passion for health law and intellectual property. She interned at Fox Rothschild LLP during her 1L summer and at Kirkland & Ellis LLP (NY office) during her 2L summer, gaining hands-on experience that bridges healthcare and law while preparing for a dynamic legal career.

Can you share a bit about your background and the path that led you to law school?

I began my journey at the Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, where I first discovered my passion for pharmacy law. After taking a pharmacy law course, I asked my professor—who was both a pharmacist and an attorney—if I could shadow him to better understand his day-to-day work. That experience eventually led to an internship in his office during one of my pharmacy rotations. I spent my final year of pharmacy school working there while preparing for the LSAT, which ultimately set me on the path to law school.

Christopher Van Haight, 2L

Meet Christopher Van Haight (2L), a non-traditional student whose path to law began after more than twenty years as a Franciscan Friar and ordained Roman Catholic priest. This summer, he interned with the American Friends Service Committee’s Immigrant Rights Program in Newark, pursuing his passion for immigration law.

Can you share a bit about your journey from religious life to law school and what inspired this career transition?

I have been a Franciscan friar for over twenty years, working mostly in bilingual parishes. At a friar gathering a couple of years ago, we were challenged to look at the signs of the times and respond in new and bold ways to the needs of God’s people. Because of that call to action, I realized I could do even more to live out the Gospel: “I was a stranger, and you welcomed me.” (Matthew 25:35). I began discerning with my province’s leadership whether law school was the right direction, and together we decided it was.

Shanelle Tate, 2L

Shanelle Tate (2L) brings a unique perspective to Seton Hall Law as a LEO Fellow. This past summer, she interned at Archer & Greiner, P.C., gaining hands-on experience across multiple practice areas. Shanelle draws on her advocacy background and leadership roles to amplify voices and make a meaningful impact.

How has being a LEO Fellow shaped your experience here at Seton Hall Law?

Being a LEO Fellow has fundamentally transformed my law school experience. The foundation that LEO provided through the Summer Institute gave me not only the skills, but also the confidence and support network that were crucial to my first-year success. The LEO program is the embodiment of education and opportunity—without the educational tips for success and the avenues of opportunity it provided, I am not sure where I would be today.

Jennifer Loeb, 3LW

Jennifer Loeb (3LW) brings a wealth of community organizing and public interest experience to Seton Hall Law. She has interned with Legal Services of the Hudson Valley and Essex-Newark Legal Services, assisted Professor Jonathan Hafetz as a research assistant, and is now pursuing both judicial and clinical experiences this fall.

Can you share a standout experience from your internships or public interest work that has stayed with you?

During my 2L summer, I interned with Legal Services of the Hudson Valley, working primarily in landlord-tenant law. It was my first time working full time in a legal job, and I was given a robust opportunity to see firsthand what practice is like. I maintained my own caseload—from initial interviews to representation in court. Because landlord-tenant cases are handled as summary proceedings, I was able to see a few cases through from inception to resolution in one summer. Getting the opportunity to negotiate with opposing counsel and represent clients before a judge as a law student were thrilling experiences that really built my confidence.

**1Ls and 1LWs will have access to Symplicity soon!**

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 

STAY CONNECTED

Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.