Office of Career Services

Build Confidence, Build Careers

Message from the Assistant Dean of Career Services

Happy Summer!  Hopefully, everyone is settling into their summer jobs and taking every opportunity to pick up new skills, network with colleagues, and learn more about the practice of law.  In this newsletter, we provide some tips on how to succeed during your summer placement; we hope our tips help you grow professionally in your workplace and build a strong web of legal connections.  OCS remains open during the summer (except Fridays) for counseling and questions about your current employment and future placements.  For the Class of 2026 (weekday and weekend), please reach out to Megan Clancy and, for the Class of 2025 (weekday and weekend), I am your counselor for the remainder of your time at Seton Hall Law.  Please schedule a virtual meeting this summer.

To the graduating Class of 2024, CONGRATULATIONS!  You are the biggest class Seton Hall Law has seen in a long time and you have certainly made a demonstrable impression on the faculty and administration here.  We at OCS are so proud of how hard you have worked not just in your studies, but also in finding job placements that excite you and/or will put you on the path toward becoming the lawyer you had hoped to be when you began law school three or four years ago. 

Remember, success is not measured by how much money you are making, the amount of trials or depositions you’ve done, the business deals you have helped close, or the courts you have appeared before; rather, it is in finding happiness in the work that you are doing.  Enjoy your life and work, find time for everything and everyone that is important to you, and don’t forget to give back.  You are a Seton Hall lawyer now, joining a large community of alumni who have come before you.  Be that Seton Hall lawyer that mentors law students, provides them mock interviews, or helps them to find jobs….or, coach a moot court team or judge the Gressman Competition.  Point is: stay connected!  As I sit in my office celebrating 20 years since my own Seton Hall Law graduation, I know that even though you may be graduating, you will always be a part of Seton Hall Law.  And, it makes me so happy not only to have served as your Assistant Dean of Career Services, but also to be among the first to welcome you to our distinguished circle of alumni.  Best of luck to you all and please stay in touch! 

Dean Pirone

JD Student Spotlight

Katherine Considine

Katherine Considine, a 3L, has accepted a clerkship with Justice Fasciale on the New Jersey Supreme Court post-graduation. Driven by her passion for public interest law, particularly in gender justice, Katherine pursued diverse experiences from studying abroad in the Netherlands in The Hague and in Nuremberg, Germany to interning at WomanKind in New York City. Her decision to clerk stems from a desire for continued learning and practical legal education. Excited to work with Justice Fasciale, Katherine looks forward to honing her skills and exploring opportunities in non-profit organizations post-clerkship.

Why did you choose Seton Hall?

Seton Hall was a natural fit for me - I’ve lived in New Jersey my whole life and grew up hearing about my dad’s wonderful SHU memories from both undergrad and law school. He is still close friends with many of his law school classmates, so I knew I would be part of a close-knit and supportive community. On top of that, I had also heard about Seton Hall’s renowned alumni network and after going to Fordham University for undergrad, I was excited to remain close to New York City. 

Read Katherine's full spotlight here.

The LEO Corner

Camille Taylor

Camille Taylor, a rising 3L, is spending her 2L summer interning at Potter Anderson. A former Teach For America Corps Member in Philadelphia, Camille's experiences as a Special Education teacher inspired her to pursue a career in law to address systemic injustices. At law school, she has thrived academically and built strong professional connections, preparing her for a career focused on advocacy and social justice.

What have you enjoyed most about your law school experience thus far?

One of the most enjoyable aspects of my law school experience thus far has been the opportunity to immerse myself in the study of the law. I have always had a genuine love for learning, and delving into the intricacies of legal principles and how they apply to real-world situations has been incredibly fascinating to me. Especially the black letter law which I can use in so many contexts.

Additionally, what has truly enriched my law school experience is the meaningful connections I've made within the legal community. Whether it's through networking events, classroom interactions, or extracurricular activities, I have had the privilege of connecting with fellow students, professors, and legal professionals who have become a great support system for me. These connections have not only enhanced my understanding of the law but have also provided invaluable support, mentorship, and friendship along the way.

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

Weekend Warriors

Joel Chapman

Joel Chapman, a rising 3LW, has been accepted into the prestigious LatinoJustice Corporate/Law Firm Alliance Summer Program (CLASP). With a background in public administration and prior roles in New Jersey state government, Joel brings a wealth of experience to his legal education. His dedication to his legal journey is evident in his pursuit of opportunities like CLASP, where he will gain corporate legal department experience with T-Mobile. Looking forward to mentorship and learning, Joel aims to pursue corporate law post-graduation.

Why did you decide to attend law school?

Let me first thank the Office of Career Services (OCS) for spotlighting me as a Weekend Warrior for the upcoming OCS Bulletin. I decided to attend law school, specifically Seton Hall Law School, because attending Seton Hall allowed me the opportunity to work a full-time job that I really enjoyed doing, and it fulfilled my lifelong goal of being a lawyer. I knew I wanted to be a lawyer since I was a high school student. I have always enjoyed helping others and it was during high school that I realized becoming a lawyer would provide me with this opportunity. This dream was further strengthened when I attended the 2012 Law School Admission Council Plus Summer Program and got the chance to meet brilliant, future lawyers of color. Although I decided to take some time off from my educational pursuits to work full-time, eventually obtaining my master’s from NYU in Public Administration, I knew attending law school was something I would pursue. When I learned about Seton Hall’s Weekend Law School program, I immediately knew that this was the right opportunity for me.

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

Mathew Mazer

Agatha Louis, a Master's in Legal Studies graduate from Seton Hall, now serves as a Contract Manager at Brookdale University Hospital in Brooklyn, NY. Leveraging her specialized education in health law and previous paralegal experience, she skillfully navigated her career transition. Agatha’s dedication and expertise in legal studies have empowered her to oversee vendor and physician contracts, showcasing her commitment to excellence and professional growth in the healthcare field.

What motivated you to pursue a master's degree in legal studies, and how do you envision this academic pursuit shaping your career trajectory?

Self-doubt and the birth of my beautiful daughter are the two main factors that motivated me to pursue my master’s degree. To further elaborate, I took the LSAT in 2019 and scored horribly, I thought that was the end of it all, I was discouraged and told myself I would never take it again and was over it. I have always dreamed of becoming an attorney, but now it was a question of “now what?” A bachelor’s degree did not suffice for me, so I researched and explored other options. After several inquiries and school tours later, I applied for the MLS program with Seton Hall because of the Hospital/Health law concentration, I thought it was the perfect program for the direction in which I was trying to take my career and I was intrigued. Fast forward, I found out I was pregnant before the program commenced, but I was not worried. I had to push my start date back for school due to some unforeseen complications, but that only fueled me to want to complete this program for my daughter. The will, drive, and motivation that I gained after the birth of my daughter was indescribable, I could not have done this without her. She was my late-night study partner, my ear when I needed to vent aloud, my audience when I needed feedback on papers, so she is who I do this for. I want her to look at me and be proud of me just as I am proud of her. 

I can confidently say that this degree has gotten me noticed for this current position that I am in as well as my last position as an arbitration specialist, during both interviews I have been told this and have been asked more in-depth questions on what my degree entails and what I have learned. This degree has opened doors for me and will continue to do so. 

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

1. Treat the other summer clerks as your colleagues, not your competition

Employers frown upon this type of competition. While you do need to put in the hours and produce high quality work product, do not overlook the importance of personality. Being too competitive is a turn-off and can hurt your chances of landing an offer for permanent post-graduation employment.

2. Treat the support staff like partners

Remember that administrative assistants and other office staff often wield much influence in the office and can also be great allies during your summer clerkship. You should treat support staff with respect, not only because it is the right thing to do, but because they can be a lifeline at a firm. You can learn valuable information from support staff that will not only assist you in your substantive work but can help you fit in and learn more about the organization's culture.

3. Treat associates like partners

Whether you are working for a first-year associate or a name partner, treat each lawyer the same way. Above all, do not "better-deal" a lawyer on assignments. Trying to determine whether one lawyer's project is more important than another project will likely offend someone. If you have trouble managing your docket, speak with a mentor or the recruiting coordinator to help sort out the conflict. Remember, everyone you work for can have a direct impact on whether you receive an offer.

4. Maintain a professional online reputation

Be aware that more and more employers are using the internet to learn more about their applicants. Your webpage on social networking sites can be accessed by recruiters, partners and clients of the firm, and can have a direct effect on how you are perceived.

5. Be professional during social functions

Social events give employers the opportunity to get to know you better and to assess your people skills. Show you can enjoy yourself and time spent with colleagues, but do not go overboard, especially where alcohol is involved. Never let your image or reputation be compromised. 

6. Get to know as many people as possible

Remember that you are evaluating the employer just as you are being evaluated. Another reason to make an effort to get to know as many people as possible is to minimize the effect of any one sub-par experience with one attorney.

For more tips on How to Succeed as a Summer Associate, click on the link below! 

Summer Associates & Interns Reception

Summer Series 2024

Careers in Labor and Employment Law
Tuesday, June 25th, 2024 | 6:30-8:30PM
#NYCBarSummerSeries

Format: Hybrid

As technology reshapes the way we work and the global economy undergoes profound transformations, the field of Labor and Employment Law has never been more relevant or vital. From addressing the challenges of remote work to ensuring fair treatment in the workplace, this program offers invaluable insights into the legal issues shaping the future of work, while exploring how recent shifts in work patterns and business models are reshaping the legal landscape. Attorneys who work in this space must be prepared to address myriad issues. Whether you’re interested in workers' rights, advising businesses on compliance issues, or shaping future labor policies, this program will help you chart a course for success in a dynamic and ever-changing field. Our experienced panelists will discuss their practices from different perspectives and share how they got started in their careers as well as recommendations for aspiring Labor and Employment lawyers.

 
Careers in Cybersecurity
Tuesday, August 6th, 2024 | 6:30-8:30PM
#NYCBarSummerSeries

Format: Hybrid

Cybersecurity and data privacy concerns continue to escalate, making this a hot legal market to enter. International, federal, state, and local laws and regulations in cybersecurity and data privacy are rapidly evolving in response to emerging issues that seem to change almost daily. In response, organizations are working hard to comply and protect the information they hold, paving the way for law firm, in-house, and public sector opportunities for new lawyers, or lawyers in transition. Program panelists will discuss how they got started in these areas, as well as what they recommend for breaking into this growing and exciting area of the law.

NLI Unlocking Opportunities: Navigating Careers in New York State Government

Are you intrigued by the prospect of serving the public through New York State Government? 

Below, is the link to an enlightening talk with professionals who illuminate the diverse career paths available within New York State agencies. Entry-level attorney positions are available throughout New York State.

In this conversation, panelists share their firsthand experiences and insights about the many career avenues within New York State government, and particular entry-points , including the Excelsior Fellowship program. 

Speakers:
Kendra Sena, Deputy General Counsel, Office of Children and Family Services
Eugene Sarfoh, General Counsel, New York State Department of Civil Service
Haldan Blecher, Senior Attorney, New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities

Click Here to Watch! 

Use Password: nz+vR2qL

Mark Your Calendars

Big Law New Jersey and New York

On May 14th and May 22nd, OCS held our annual New York and New Jersey Big Law Dinners. The dinners were held in the Rodino Law Library, with Dean Cornwell, Associate Dean St. Romain, and distinguished Seton Hall Law alumni who are partners and associates in Big Law New York and New Jersey. Our alumni attendees provided first-hand information on standing out in the Big Law hiring process, deciding on the best firm for your professional interests, and excelling as a Summer Associate and beyond.

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

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