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Student Spotlight

Alex Kingsley, 3L

Alex Kingsley, a 3L whose path reflects both grit and curiosity, shares insights shaped by summers with the Federal Public Defender’s Office and Trenk Isabel Siddiqi & Shahdanian, P.C., as well as a judicial externship with Magistrate Judge Jessica Allen. He now looks ahead to clerking for Judge Michael A. Toto after graduation.

Looking back to your first year, what were some of the biggest lessons you learned that shaped your law school journey?

As any reader can probably imagine—whether you are a 1L, 2L, or 3L—there are too many lessons to mention. The learning curve from work or school before law school to 1L could be the steepest of anyone’s life. Looking back, I’m still not sure of the best way to prepare for that first year.

One of the biggest lessons I learned was figuring out what study habits worked best for me. The first year, the first semester—really the first month—students scramble to find the best ways to absorb the seemingly impossible-to-understand concepts of introductory courses. Even without knowing the horrors of The Paper Chase or classes at other schools, students will try to impress one another with their (apparent) mastery of the material, copy notes from peers, stay up all night highlighting every single word of a textbook, etc.

In the end, law school prepares students to become lawyers, but there are so many other takeaways. Law school teaches students how to teach themselves, and often that’s what it takes to fully understand certain concepts. Students need to trust the process, but also be cognizant of what works for them.

If someone feels that after typing 23 pages of notes for a 15-page reading, they don’t understand a lecture any better than the guy who hasn’t opened his textbook since orientation, it might be time to try something new. If a student is completely lost during a cold call because their gray-and-white textbook is now completely yellow from all the highlighting they did the Sunday before class, it might be time to try something new.

Students need to give themselves time for trial and error, but also pay attention to what works and what doesn’t so they can be better prepared for class and exams.

Andrew Micillo, 2L

2L Andrew Micillo brings together a business foundation from Rutgers, frontline client experience from TD Bank, and a formative judicial internship with Judge Rukhsanah Singh. Now active in the Corporate Law Society and SBA, he’s preparing for his upcoming summer at Ropes & Gray and shares insights on growth, balance, and purpose in law.

How has your summer internship with The Honorable Rukhsanah L. Singh shaped your perspective on federal litigation?

Observing proceedings under Judge Singh in the District of New Jersey gave me a clearer sense of the pace, complexity, and precision that federal litigation demands. I saw how even routine disputes in federal court lead to significant questions of law and procedure.

Being able to work on real cases deepened my appreciation for the role of law clerks and interns in contributing to the Court’s decision-making process. I learned how to analyze issues efficiently, write with clarity, and ensure that memos provided the Judge with a well-grounded framework for resolving disputes.

Much of my work focused on pre-trial matters, including discovery and jurisdictional issues. One of the most important takeaways was realizing how central Civil Procedure is to federal litigation. What initially felt like abstract classroom doctrine came alive in chambers, where the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure often determined the outcome of a case.

Jason Galak, 2L

2L Jason Galak brings a blend of business insight, leadership, and hands-on legal experience to SHU Law. A former paralegal and recent judicial intern for Judge Papalia, he now serves as SBA Treasurer and is active in the Real Estate Law Society. His interview highlights his drive, values, and growing expertise.

How has your summer internship with The Honorable Vincent F. Papalia shaped your perspective on bankruptcy proceedings and judicial decision-making?

People often think bankruptcy law is narrow and technical, but my internship showed me it’s actually the best of all worlds. Bankruptcy cases can touch nearly every area of law—from breach of contract to tort matters like sexual assault claims. I appreciated seeing just how wide-ranging the issues can be in a single courtroom.

I especially valued watching Judge Papalia (and Judge Sherwood, when I observed him) make difficult decisions. Some matters are straightforward, but others require real-time judgment and careful balancing. And because the bankruptcy bar is such a tight-knit community, attorneys consistently showed a deep command of the law. It was rare to see anyone walk into chambers without knowing their field inside and out.

Cohere Elliston, 2L

Cohere Elliston (2L) brings a unique perspective to law school, shaped by his experience as a Teach for America Corps Member, wrestling coach, and summer judicial intern with The Honorable Michael A. Shipp. He also served as a research assistant, exploring employment law, and is committed to advocacy and community impact.

What inspired you to pursue a law degree, and how did your experiences as a teacher and wrestling coach influence that decision?

I was inspired by how few Black men go into the profession, the power of advocacy, and the ability to advocate for my community. When I started teaching, I already had an idea that I wanted to go into law, but the experience gave me a much clearer understanding of strong leadership and how systems affect the underserved.

Elliott Liebling, 3LW

Elliott Liebling (3LW) brings his public health expertise and leadership as a Director at RWJBarnabas Health into his legal studies with a deep commitment to health justice. This summer, he’s advancing that mission as a research assistant for Professor Jacob Elberg, exploring emerging issues in healthcare fraud.

Can you share a memorable moment or lesson learned from your work as a Director at RWJBarnabas Health?

Last summer, I joined a group of Institute for Prevention and Recovery staff to assemble 15,000 harm reduction kits. Peer recovery specialists distribute these kits—with naloxone and drawstring backpacks containing personal care products—to patients across the health system. Assembly week marked the end of a months-long purchasing project that I helped coordinate, and it was incredibly rewarding to put together kits knowing that they will save lives.

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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