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Student Spotlight

Nikhil Sadaranganey, 2L

Nikhil Sadaranganey (2L) brings a wealth of leadership and policy experience to Seton Hall Law, from serving as Rutgers Student Body President to working on Capitol Hill and at Proskauer Rose. This summer, he interned at Lowenstein Sandler, sharpening his litigation skills and continuing to blend advocacy with law.

What inspired you to pursue a career in law, and how did your time at Rutgers shape that decision?

I was always interested in law and politics as a high school student, competing in activities like Model United Nations and the We the People constitutional law competition. At Rutgers, writing a thesis in the Gardner program, taking an undergraduate constitutional law class, and interning with the Rutgers Office of Federal Relations showed me that a career in law would be the perfect intersection of my interests and skills.

Amanda Martin, 2L

Amanda Martin (2L), originally from California, has built an impressive path at Seton Hall Law. This summer she interned with Judge Lisa Rose of the NJ Superior Court, Appellate Division, and also served as a graduate assistant for the Summer Institute for Pre-Legal Studies.

Can you tell us a bit about your path to law school and what inspired you to pursue a legal career?

I was first drawn to the legal world through an undergraduate internship with an attorney in my hometown. She was an estate planning attorney and one of only three Spanish-speaking lawyers serving a county of about 290,000 people. Many clients came from backgrounds similar to mine, and more than half of my client conversations were conducted in Spanish. It was incredibly meaningful to see the difference an attorney could make in their lives, and I wanted to continue this work.

Jillian Riedel, 3LW

Jillian Riedel (3LW), a school social worker with the Parsippany-Troy Hills School District, brings a unique perspective to Seton Hall Law. This summer, she interned with Judge Petrillo in the Complex Business Litigation Program, and next summer she will continue her journey in business law at Lowenstein Sandler LLP.

How has your background as a school social worker influenced your perspective as a law student?

Being a social worker has shifted my worldview in many ways, and I think that has helped me in law school to look at problems from a broader angle. This doesn’t necessarily help me on finals, but it has helped me recognize different aspects of a case that may not be written in a judgment or brief. I think it helps me read beyond the information and remember that there are people behind every case.

Stephen Ingersoll, 3L

Stephen Ingersoll (3L) is driven by a passion for public interest law and aspires to be a public defender. This summer, he interned at the NJ Office of the Public Defender. A Seton Hall Law Review Associate Editor, Stephen previously worked with the Housing Justice Project and as a research assistant.

How did your summer experience with the New Jersey Office of the Public Defender impact your career goals or perspective on the legal system?

I did both a spring externship and a summer internship with the NJ OPD, Hudson County region. This experience showed me concrete examples of the problems with the legal system. I saw how many aspects of the legal system, which are purportedly neutral, operate to hurt community members who are charged with crimes. I also learned how many of the concepts we learn about in school, such as evidence, operate very differently in practice, often in ways that prejudice community members who are being accused of crimes. This showed me how flawed the criminal legal system is and how great the need for reform is. On a more positive note, I was able to form many wonderful relationships with the people in the office and learn a lot about what goes on “behind the scenes” in criminal court. I got to research and write several interesting legal projects. I also had the opportunity to appear on the record and represent clients who were charged with various offenses. Overall, my time with the Hudson OPD deepened my desire to pursue a career as a public defender.

Michael Stile, 3L

Michael Stile (3L) combines perseverance and passion for tax law. After his IRS summer offer was rescinded, he secured a tax-focused firm position. Michael has interned with Judge Michael Hammer, assisted Professor Tracy Kaye, and serves on the Journal of Legislation and Public Policy and Tax Law Society, bringing dedication and expertise to every endeavor.

How has being involved with the Tax Law Society, Journal of Legislation and Public Policy, and other student organizations enriched your law school experience?

Being a part of the Tax Law Society has been a great experience. I have met so many practitioners working in tax law, and I've found that most people who work in tax are always so excited to talk to law students who are interested in tax. The Journal of Legislation and Public Policy has also been a great experience—my bluebooking and editing skills have greatly improved, and getting to work with my faculty advisor on my comment was a great experience. I am also looking forward to serving as a Comments Editor this year and helping all the new members on the Journal with the comment-writing process. I have also enjoyed serving as a mentor for the First Generation Law Student Association, helping new students navigate 1L. As a first-generation law student myself, I know how challenging 1L was, so I'll take any chance I get to give advice to new students.

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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