Build Confidence, Build Careers

Welcome back for Spring semester!  Hope you are getting back in the swing of things and enjoying your classes.

Spring semester is THE semester for jobs.  Every student in every class year, day or weekend student, can find their summer job during Spring semester if they are looking for one.  Please strategize with your OCS counselor about the best job for you and the most effective way to obtain it. 

Spring Recruitment will begin with the first phase of employers next week, so keep an eye out for Maria Capra’s email with the list of employers.  Make sure that you read her instructions on how to apply via Symplicity very carefully and DO NOT blow the deadline; it is firm.  Every few weeks another phase will come out with more employers, and OCS will keep going with phrases through May.  Spring Recruitment is one of several ways to obtain a job this summer.  If unsure how to find a job outside of Spring Recruitment, please reach out to your OCS counselor; they can help!

OCS will also be holding several events this semester for students to network, including the Judicial Reception on February 27.  This is a must-attend event for all class years, as we are expecting over 60 judges interested in hiring students for internships and post-graduation clerkships.  We will also hold information sessions for clerkship recruitment and Fall Recruitment, which we also highly recommend.  You can reserve your spot for all events on Symplicity under “Events.”

We look forward to another great semester of recruitment.  And, as always, please let us know when you have obtained a position!

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

Student Spotlight

Georgia Macedo Cardoso, 3L 

Meet Georgia Macedo Cardoso, a driven 3L at Seton Hall Law, whose journey as a first-generation law student has been marked by resilience and excellence. From judicial internships to her role as a Summer Associate at Riker Danzig, Georgia shares her insights on balancing law school, embracing diverse experiences, and pursuing her passion for commercial litigation.

Tell us about your experience as a Summer Associate at Riker Danzig LLP. What assignments did you work on? Tell us how you got this summer internship. What was the interview process like?

My experience at Riker Danzig was outstanding, to say the least. I worked on various areas of the law, and got to witness court proceedings, write internal office memos on different issues, and network with extremely experienced attorneys in New Jersey. The interview process brought nerves and anxiety at first, but in the end, I believe I and everyone ended up where we belonged! I also believe engaging in OCI, as opposed to applying on my own, made the process easier to manage and less stressful overall due to the guidance and support I received from the OCS staff.

Natalie Greenspan, 3L

Meet Natalie Greenspan, a 3L law student whose diverse legal experiences include an IRS summer internship and clerking at Rupp Pfalzgraf, LLC. From excelling in tax law to winning Best Appellee Brief, Natalie balances academic success, extracurricular involvement, and creative hobbies, showcasing her adaptability and passion for the legal profession.

What inspired you to pursue a summer position in tax law with the IRS, and what was the most rewarding aspect of your experience there?

I applied for the IRS Internship through the Fall 2023 OCI Recruitment Program. At the time, I had no experience with tax law, but I thought it might be something I would enjoy based on my work with the banking and creditors’ rights practice area in my first law clerk position. After I was offered the position at the IRS, I took Federal Income Taxation with Professor Kaye and thoroughly enjoyed the course. Over my first two years of law school, I discovered that I am particularly drawn to areas of law that involve statutes and rules (my favorite 1L class was Civil Procedure with Professor Hartnett). Tax law is rooted firmly in the Internal Revenue Code, and I find it engaging because it allows me to navigate statutory frameworks—the type of legal analysis I enjoy most. Tax law is known for being challenging, which makes it especially rewarding to work in. I enjoy tackling complex issues and finding solutions in such a tough area of law. Plus, working in government allows me to make a positive impact by helping to ensure that the law is applied fairly.

Peter Shah, 3L

Meet Peter Shah, a focused 3L law student with a passion for tax law, finance, and client advocacy. From tackling impactful family law projects to exploring innovative solutions in tax law at KPMG, Peter’s diverse experiences highlight his adaptability, teamwork, and pursuit of excellence. Discover how his unique journey shaped his legal aspirations.

What drew you to pursue a summer internship in tax law at KPMG, and what did you find most interesting about working in this area?

When I started law school, I did not consider working anywhere other than a law firm. My mind was closed to other possibilities because I did not know they existed. I discovered that places like KPMG, an accounting firm, hire lawyers through an email from OCS. After reading about the legal opportunities at KPMG in tax law, I quickly identified the role as something I would be interested in because of my background studying business. Once I started working, I found it fascinating how an accounting firm utilizes both lawyers and CPAs to collaborate on tax work. Instead of being separated from other team members without legal backgrounds, I was encouraged to work with them so that our unique expertise could collectively influence solutions to clients' problems.

The LEO Corner

Esther Larios, 3L

Meet Esther Larios, a dedicated 3L at Seton Hall Law and this month's LEO Corner spotlight. Esther shares her inspiring journey from overcoming imposter syndrome to excelling in corporate law internships through the LatinoJustice CLASP program. With a passion for advocacy and a drive to support her community, she’s poised for success at Dechert LLP.

Tell us about your experience interning with Dechert this summer and 400 Capital Management last summer.

Interning with Dechert this summer was a great experience. I was able to work on important deals and pro bono matters while learning from very experienced lawyers who were eager to teach. My internship with 400 Capital Management last summer gave me a sense of what it's like to work in-house at an investment firm. Because I don't have a finance background, this experience introduced me to new concepts and gave me a better understanding of financial regulations and compliance, which came in handy this year.

Lylian Pagan, MLS

Meet Lylian Pagan, an accomplished Masters in Legal Studies (MLS) student at Seton Hall Law with a diverse background in diplomacy, compliance, and legislative work. From Capitol Hill to presidential campaigns, Lylian shares insights on navigating complex legal landscapes, fostering bipartisan collaboration, and her aspirations in compliance and political leadership.

What inspired you to pursue a Masters in Legal Studies at Seton Hall University School of Law, and how does it complement your background in Diplomacy and International Relations?

I have always wanted to learn about law, particularly how it can help people and its role in government. While attending law school may be ideal for some, it is a significant financial commitment. For me, pursuing an MLS was a more practical choice both financially and time-wise. The MLS program allows me to take courses online and at my own pace. After completing my master's in diplomacy, I needed a break from the intensity of traditional academic study. The MLS program also gives me the opportunity to explore the field of law to determine if pursuing an LLM or JD in the future aligns with my goals.

The Office of Career Services hosted a Diversity Dinner, bringing together firms, companies, and judges dedicated to hiring and supporting diverse law students. Attendees had the opportunity to network and learn about the organizations’ diversity initiatives and their ongoing commitments to fostering and sustaining diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace.

 In November, OCS hosted a Careers in Public Interest event, drawing over 35 government and non-profit employers to the Law School to meet with students interested in pursuing internships and post-graduation jobs at their organizations.

Cover Letters are business-style letters that introduce you to prospective employers. Think of it like a first impression of who you are as a candidate. Most importantly, it shows the employer your writing ability. It should be free of any grammatical or typographical errors. You should convey your interest in the position and how your skills fit the position. You can also mention how you heard about the position and anything specific about the position or employer that interests you. You should not summarize your entire resume in your cover letter; highlighting relevant positions is okay. Your cover letter should be three to four paragraphs long.

Do not use the same cover letter for all your employment applications. It is best if you customize each cover letter for each employer. The Resume & Cover Letter Guide in the Document Library in Symplicity can give you more information on how to write cover letters.  It also provides examples of cover letters for different employers and students of various class years.  In addition, your Career Counselor in OCS would be happy to review your draft cover letter and assist you further.

Monique Blackwood, Esq.

Executive Director, Career Services

1L & 1LW Career Counselor

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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