Office of Career Services

Build Confidence, Build Careers

Message from the Assistant Dean of Career Services

One more month, just one more month…you’re almost there!  We are running on fumes, just trying to summon the last bit of energy to finish up the semester.  Some of us are still looking for summer or post-graduation jobs (we are here to help!!).  And, many of us are gearing up to apply for positions like Big Law jobs and clerkships that won’t even start for another year. 

You might ask…does it ever end?  In the legal profession, you are always on your toes and always juggling way too many things at one time.  So, this constant go-go-go with the job search is good practice; but, unlike in the real world, you have OCS to support your efforts and to be on the lookout for positions when you are engrossed in studying or writing papers.  Please reach out to us whenever we can help and also to let us know when you have a job.  It helps us to know who is still looking, as well as the number and type of positions we need to try to source.

This newsletter will highlight students who have held government legal positions and are continuing to seek experiences in public service after graduation.  Government work is not only diverse in the kind of work attorneys experience, but also a wonderful way to give back to the community in which you live and work.  Make sure to take advantage of all the opportunities that the government and its agencies have to offer.  You never know if trying a government legal job could lead you down a different path you never would have expected.

Dean Pirone

JD Student Spotlight

Labiba Salim

Labiba Salim is a 3L day student at Seton Hall Law.  During her tenure at the Law School, she worked for the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the Association of Prosecuting Attorneys (“APA”), and the White House in its Office of National Drug Control Policy (“ONDCP”).  Labiba is a member of the Seton Hall Legislative Journal, Muslim Law Students Association, the SBA, and APALSA.

When you envisioned going to law school, what did you expect your law school journey to be like?  Was it what you expected?  How was it different?

I was excited to start law school, and I think it was a nice change of pace for me after working full-time for a few years. I entered law school with an open mind, and with an eagerness to get involved with things that I am interested in and care about. I don’t think I was expecting to get involved in as many extracurriculars as I did, or end up at the various internships and externships that I applied to, but looking back, I’m glad I came into law school with an open mind and no preconceived notions. The open mindset has helped get me to where I am today. I’ve also met a ton of brilliant and passionate people (both classmates and faculty) along the way, some of who I am lucky enough to call my friend!

Read Labiba's's full spotlight here.

The LEO Corner

Kiyannah Joyner

Kiyannah Joyner, a 2L Weekend Student, shares her inspiring journey to pursuing law. With a profound passion for diversity in law, she excels in scholarship and self-exploration. Now, securing a Summer Associate position at McGuireWoods, she's poised to make her mark in corporate law, driven by resilience and dedication.

How has your experience been in law school? 

My experience in law school has been a constant journey of scholarship and self- exploration. Before starting law school, I prepared by reading some books written about law student experiences and watching the fun movie, Paper Chase. From the very first day of law school, I was impressed by the caliber of the students and the discourse around the material. Each semester I am faced with new challenges and complicated subject matter taught by passionate professors who are experts in their fields. I expected law school to be difficult, however, I knew that I would do my best. Therefore, if I was unsuccessful, I would know it was not due to a lack of trying. I have found the law school experience to be incredibly demanding and deeply rewarding.

Get to know more about Kiyannah! Read her full interview here.

Weekend Warriors

Tanya Panossian-Lesser

Tanya Panossian-Lesser, a former educator turned legal enthusiast, reflects on her journey from teaching to law school. Inspired by her teaching experience, she ventured into test prep tutoring before diving into the legal world during the pandemic. Now a 2L, she thrives in internships, competitions, and eagerly anticipates a fulfilling legal career.

I would like to tell you about my journey to law school and beyond. When I graduated from Rutgers as a history major, I was thinking either of taking the LSAT for law school or the GRE for graduate work in education. I had taught for the Princeton Review while in undergrad and liked the experience, so I attended Teachers College at Columbia U. and earned a graduate degree in Teaching Social Studies. I loved the time with the middle and high school kids: they were inspiring in their curiosity, creativity and earnestness to make the world a better place.  I taught and led discussions, which developed my skills as a public speaker. I also learned how to fake confidence when I needed it. Teaching U.S. history to teenagers was a way to learn to handle impromptu, challenging questions about justice. How could I have known back then that I was getting litigation training? 

Get to know more about Tanya! Read her full interview here.

Mathew Mazer

Mathew Mazer, a 3L, shares insights from his summer internship at the NYC Law Department's Tort Division. From pre-trial litigation to leading depositions, he gained invaluable experience. Excited to return post-graduation, Mathew looks forward to his job's responsibilities and exploring new travel adventures with his wife.

What types of law were you exposed to at the NYC Law Department?

Throughout my internship, I was primarily exposed to tort law, municipal law, and local civil procedure. Working in the Tort Division was a great primer for the New York Law exam, which you will need to take if you are taking the bar exam in New York. Even a matter as simple as a slip and fall on a sidewalk can be procedurally complex given the nature of New York City’s municipal liability laws. Every case was an interesting puzzle to solve.

Get to know more about Mathew! Read his full interview here.

From March 5th to 7th, JD Advantage Career Week showcased the growing appeal of JD Advantage jobs to law students and recent graduates. Featuring three enlightening panels, this event offered insights into diverse career sectors and industries. Attendees delved into the realms of Sports/Entertainment/Contract Management, Healthcare/Pharma, and Risk Management/Emerging Tech/AI, gaining valuable perspectives from experienced professionals.

Missed the sessions? Not to worry! Recordings are available for viewing, ensuring you don't miss out on the wealth of knowledge shared during this dynamic event. Use the button below to access the JD Advantage Career Week recordings on the NALP website. 

Why should I network? If you want to improve your chances of securing a suitable, meaningful job, networking is a crucial skill to have. There is a hidden job market. Often companies may be looking to hire someone but have yet to post the position.  If you know someone at the company, they may let you know about the position. Even if you apply for a job through the normal submission process, having someone at the company that can recommend you will give you an advantage over other candidates.

Step 1. Make a Plan

Before you begin networking, ask yourself a few questions. Whom do I want to speak to? What am I trying to accomplish? Am I looking for a job? Do I want to learn about a field?

Networking can include:

Writing a friend, family member or neighbor for professional purposes

Attending events that center on your area of interest

Connecting with someone on LinkedIn.

Once you have identified who you want to meet, contact them. If you are writing to them, keep your note brief and respectful. Be sure to explain your interest and include your contact information.

If you are at an event, prepare a list of questions beforehand, and research who this person is before speaking to them. Keep the focus of the conversation on the other person and if they ask you about yourself, be prepared with your “elevator pitch” and tell them about yourself and your goals.

Step 2. Network with Those Around You

If getting a job is your goal, let your contacts (friends, family, etc.) know what role you are seeking. They may be able to connect you with an individual they know at a company.

Step 3. Meet People You are Interested in and Keep an Open Mind

Sometimes when you meet someone at an event, they will suggest others in addition or instead of themselves that you should meet due to common interests in a field or industry. Keep track of their suggestions. Ask for business cards. You can put a note about the person and the date of the event you met them at on the back of the card for future reference.

Step 4. Ask Yourself What You Can Offer Someone Else

Ask yourself:

What do I have to offer someone else?

In a networking relationship, what can I contribute to another person?

What strengths of mine are unique, and how can I best make use of them?

Networking is like any other relationship. The more you develop a professional relationship that involves some degree of reciprocity, instead of solely focusing on what you can receive, the better the relationship will become.

Step 5. Brainstorm New Goals and Maintain Relationships

Maintaining relationships long-term can be challenging but is an important aspect of networking. Check in with your contacts throughout the year to see how they are doing. If you only contact them when you have a favor to ask, they may not be willing to help you.

Networking is very important for your career, so get out there and start getting connected!

Are you seeking valuable insights into internships and entry-level positions in public service? Look no further than the Government Honors & Internship Handbook and the Public Policy Handbook, two essential resources brought to you by Arizona Handbooks, L.L.C. in collaboration with the University of Arizona Rogers College of Law.

Unlock Your Path to Success: The Government Honors & Internship Handbook (2023-2024) offers a comprehensive overview of federal, state, and local government hiring programs. Whether you're eyeing internships or entry-level attorney roles, this guide provides detailed information on opportunities and application procedures. Access this treasure trove of career possibilities by logging into Symplicity.

Similarly, the Public Policy Handbook (2023-2024) serves as your gateway to public policy jobs nationwide. From internship openings to entry-level attorney positions, this handbook covers it all, offering insights and guidance to help you navigate your career path with confidence.

How to Access: Ready to dive into these invaluable resources? Simply log into Symplicity and visit the Document Library, select the Arizona Manual Government Honors & Internship Handbook and the Public Policy Handbook. There, you will find hyperlinks and the password that provides you with access to the Arizona Manual website. 

Don't miss out on this fantastic chance to supercharge your career in public service. Explore the Arizona Manuals today and take the first step towards a fulfilling and impactful legal career!

Mark Your Calendars

Annual Judicial Reception

On February 29, OCS held our annual Judicial Reception. We had over 50 Federal and State judges attend the Reception. Supreme Court Justices, Appellate Court Judges and Superior Court Judges from the New Jersey State Court were in attendance, along with both District and Magistrate Court judges for the District of New Jersey. This was an amazing networking opportunity for 2Ls seeking post graduate clerkships and 1Ls seeking summer internships. Over 150 students were in attendance. It was a lovely evening for Seton Hall Law!

Office of Career Services' Annual Employer Preview Event Sponsored by Venable LLP

On March 20th, the Office of Career Services hosted its annual Employer Preview, sponsored by Venable LLP, with over 30 employers in attendance. The event drew an impressive student turnout, offering invaluable opportunities for networking and career exploration. Stay tuned for future events from the Office of Career Services to further your professional journey, supported by partners like Venable LLP!

Fall Recruitment Information Session 

On April 10, Megan Clancy, Director of Career Services & Employment Outreach, held an information session for the rising 2L class to discuss how to apply for Big Law legal jobs during Pre-Cruitment and Fall Recruitment and how to successfully land those positions.  If you missed the session, please find the Powerpoint on Symplicity’s Document Library and/or reach out to Megan.

Students are welcome to stop by the CS Boutique to get professional attire. All items are free, and you are welcome to take as many items as you like. Donations are also welcome. We accept gently worn or new suits, blouses, shirts, ties, etc. If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Blackwood at monique.blackwood@shu.edu. 

STAY CONNECTED

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Monday - Friday: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.