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Student Spotlight

Omar Serrano, 3L 

Omar Serrano’s journey through law school has been shaped by hands-on experience in employment and immigration law, leadership in student organizations, and a commitment to mentorship. In this interview, he shares insights on his clerkships, pro bono work, and the challenges and triumphs that have defined his legal education.

How did your experience at Jackson Lewis during your 2L summer shape your understanding of labor and employment law, and what were some key projects you worked on?

At Jackson Lewis, I got to see employment law in action—I prepared research memos for cases in litigation, drafted workplace policies, visited client workplaces, and sat in on a deposition. In addition, I helped with a pro bono immigration case. Through my assignments, I familiarized myself with both New Jersey and federal law on employment discrimination.

Graeme Rieser, 2L

Graeme Rieser spent his summer gaining hands-on experience in commercial ethics and compliance at Otsuka Pharmaceuticals. From drafting policies to advising sales and marketing teams, he navigated complex regulatory frameworks and explored the intersection of law and healthcare. Read on to learn about his experience and how it shaped his career path!

Can you talk briefly about what you did last summer?

Last summer, I worked in the Commercial Ethics and Compliance Counsel at Otsuka Pharmaceuticals in Princeton, NJ. My job functions generally entailed drafting company policies, maintaining various compendiums, and performing legal research to aid in advising the Sales and Marketing teams on promoting and selling products in ways that align with federal, state, and local regulations.

Victoria Jewula, 2L

This month’s Adventures in Employment spotlight features Victoria Jewula, who spent her summer as a legal intern in the Legal Affairs Division at Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey. Gaining hands-on experience across litigation, government programs, and regulatory compliance, Victoria shares key insights from her internship and how it shaped her career interests.

Can you talk briefly about what you did last summer?

During the summer, I had the privilege of serving as a legal intern in the Legal Affairs Division of Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey. The internship featured rotations across three of their key departments: Litigation, Government Programs, and Regulatory Compliance, providing a comprehensive view of in-house legal operations.

Priscilla Febus, 2L

Meet Priscilla Febus, a 2L law student featured in this month’s LEO Corner spotlight. From gaining hands-on experience in private practice and corporate law to serving as a Student Ambassador and Events Coordinator, Priscilla shares insights on law school, leadership, and even her unique hobby—baking cakes for dogs!

As a Chiesa Shahinian & Giantomasi PC Scholarship Recipient and a Legal Education Opportunity Program Fellow, how have these opportunities shaped your law school experience and career aspirations?

These opportunities have provided me with invaluable support and guidance throughout my law school experience. As a LEO Fellow, I was able to navigate my first year with the support of the LEO Program Director, Professor Perez Vellios, and 2L and 3L LEO Fellows. When I think about my career aspirations, I look forward to giving back as an alum because I feel inspired by LEO alumni and firms like Chiesa Shahinian & Giantomasi PC that continuously give back to the Seton Hall Law community.

Bernard Robert, 3LW

Bernard Robert’s dedication to health law is evident through his hands-on experience in regulatory compliance, litigation, and policy. From competing in national health law competitions to investigating Medicaid fraud, Bernard shares insights on navigating the complexities of healthcare law, balancing leadership roles, and his vision for making a lasting impact.

As a part-time law student balancing a rigorous legal education with an accomplished career, how do you manage your time effectively, and what strategies have helped you succeed?

Time is my most valuable resource, and managing it effectively can be challenging. For me, action has always been the antithesis of anxiety. I rely heavily on my calendar to stay busy, organized, and ensure nothing falls through the cracks. Setting alerts, breaking tasks into smaller, achievable goals, and using strategic time-blocking have been instrumental in balancing my legal studies with my professional responsibilities. These strategies help me stay focused, maximize productivity, and maintain a structured approach to both work and academics.

Seton Hall Law had the incredible opportunity to be featured on Nasdaq TradeTalks, where students and alumni engaged in a thought-provoking discussion on the legal landscape of data privacy and cybersecurity. Hosted by Jill Malandrino, current Masters in Legal Studies student and creator and host of Nasdaq TradeTalks, the panel brought together esteemed Seton Hall Law alumni—Adetola Popoola, Esq. (Data Privacy Counsel, Apple Bank), Jonathan Samon, Esq. (Chief Privacy Officer, Apple Bank), and Benjamin Pearl, MLS, CPA (Manager, Privacy Program Management, Prudential Financial)—to discuss emerging challenges, sustainable strategies, and career paths in the field.

In addition to the live discussion at Nasdaq MarketSite, students had the exclusive opportunity to witness a live Nasdaq broadcast and participate in the Nasdaq Closing Bell ceremony. This experience provided invaluable networking opportunities and real-world insight into the intersection of law, finance, and compliance.

For those who missed it, the recorded panel is available below.

Stay tuned for more exciting opportunities as we continue to expand career pipelines for Seton Hall Law students in compliance and beyond!

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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