Build Confidence, Build Careers

While it may be frosty outside, OCS is blazing hot with jobs!  For this reason, there is no need to panic if you are still looking for a position for the summer or for post-graduation.  Spring Recruitment is proving to be one of our best in recent years with so many opportunities available, especially for the Classes of 2026 and 2027.  While two phases of Spring Recruitment have been released, there will be more throughout the semester.  Keep applying broadly, engage in a mock interview, and put your best foot forward.

A big part of our recruitment for summer and post-graduation jobs stems from our Judiciary, both New Jersey Courts and the District Court of New Jersey.  Please take advantage of the networking opportunities that OCS will offer over the next couple of months to learn more about interning or clerking with judges in these courts.  The first event is the Judicial Reception on February 27 in the Atrium.  If you haven’t already, please register through Symplicity no later than Friday, February 21.  Hope to see you there!

Your OCS counselors remain available to meet and counsel you every step of the way as you pursue opportunities in the legal field.  We will also be open during Spring Break for virtual appointments if that week would be a good time to speak.  Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have questions or concerns or if you just need a cheerleader!

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

Student Spotlight

Emely Betancourt Leon, 2L 

Emely Betancourt Leon shares her journey from securing a 1L summer position at Pfizer to her upcoming role as a Summer Associate at Seward & Kissel. In this interview, Emely discusses her experiences in compliance, her job search strategies, and what she looks forward to in her legal career.

Can you discuss your job search for your 1L summer? How did you find your job, when did you apply, and what made you decide to accept Pfizer over any other opportunities you may have had?

I began my 1L job search during winter break and continued applying until I secured an offer. My applications included law firms and various in-house positions, primarily through employers' direct websites and LinkedIn. I received two offers from Pfizer's 1L Summer Scholar program at the NY headquarters after applying to two different groups within their Legal department and ultimately chose the Biopharma group. I decided on Pfizer because I had a positive experience during the interviews and felt that the work culture and role aligned more closely with my interests than the other opportunities I was considering.

Dana Kit, 3L

Dana Kit’s diverse experiences—ranging from advocating for immigrants at Catholic Charities to researching international poverty at The Borgen Project—reflect her commitment to both social justice and global issues. In this interview, Dana shares insights into her work, memorable experiences, and the skills she’s developed throughout his journey.

How did your experience working with Catholic Charities influence your perspective on immigration law and the challenges faced by immigrants?

Working with Catholic Charities has helped me realize just how uncertain immigration law can be. I started my internship around the time the Biden administration unveiled a new border policy for asylum seekers. Navigating that uncertainty and consulting potential clients about its effects was a unique challenge. Whether it was a new border policy or a newly implemented dedicated docket in immigration courts, every week felt as if something new had been enacted that had to be addressed.

Simon Shapiro, 3L

Simon Shapiro’s dedication to advocacy and service is evident in his diverse experiences, from supporting survivors of gender-based violence to assisting returning citizens with reentry. In this interview, he shares insights on his legal journey, impactful cases, and the lessons that have shaped his approach to justice and community engagement.

How did your experience at Womankind during your 2L summer influence your perspective on legal advocacy for survivors of gender-based violence?

During my summer internship with Womankind, I gained profound insights into the complex dynamics of legal advocacy for survivors of gender-based violence. This experience was pivotal in shaping my understanding of the emotional, physical, and mental toll that severe abuse inflicts on individuals and their children. I observed firsthand how the cycle of abuse often leaves victims in a state of fear and uncertainty, making it challenging for them to acknowledge their victimization or seek help.

Salma Mohamed, 3L

Meet Salma Mohammed, a scholar in Seton Hall Law's Diverse Attorney Pipeline Program (DAPP) and a LEO Fellow. In this interview, Salma shares her experience as a 1L Summer Associate at Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath, her passion for legal writing, and insights into overcoming challenges on her path to success.

Tell us about your experience participating in the Pre-Legal Summer Program at Seton Hall University School of Law as a college freshman. Did attending this program make you want to attend this law school?

The Pre-Legal Summer Program solidified my decision to pursue a career in the legal profession. The program provided an immersive academic experience that helped me develop my legal reading and writing skills. Additionally, I had the opportunity to connect with Pre-Legal alumni who offered valuable insights from their professional and academic experiences. Pre-Legal set me up for success and provided me with knowledge I did not have as a first-generation college student.

Richard Gruters, 3LW

Meet Richard Gruters, a 3LW in Seton Hall Law’s Weekend Program and an Associate Editor for the Seton Hall Law Review. Balancing law school with work in municipal courts, he shares insights on legal writing, teamwork, and discipline—skills sharpened through his experience as a student-athlete and long-distance runner.

You serve as an Associate Editor for the Seton Hall Law Review. What has been your most rewarding experience working on the journal so far, and how has it shaped your legal writing and analytical skills?

Working as an Associate Editor for the Seton Hall Law Review has been deeply rewarding in two ways. First, the process of Comment writing forces you to refine your approach to legal research. Not only do you have to become efficient at finding, processing, and contextualizing sources, but you also have to determine what questions to ask to shape your topic. Learning how to better formulate the right questions has certainly helped make me a better scholar.

Second, collaborating with other students to create a published product is extremely exciting! It has been an excellent opportunity to learn from my peers about legal writing, editing, and research. I am incredibly grateful for all that my talented colleagues have taught me so far.

Join us for an exciting live panel discussion on Data Privacy & Cybersecurity, hosted by Jill Malandrino, Global Markets Reporter at Nasdaq and creator of Nasdaq TradeTalks. This event will feature esteemed industry experts—including Seton Hall Law alumni—as they discuss the latest trends, challenges, and innovations shaping cybersecurity and data protection.

📅 Date: Wednesday, March 5, 2025
📍 Location: Nasdaq MarketSite (4 Times Square, NYC)
🕑 Time: 2:15 PM – 4:05 PM (Panel goes live at 2:15 PM on @TradeTalks, YouTube @Nasdaq, and Nasdaq.com/TradeTalks)

Why Attend?

✅ Gain insights from leading privacy and cybersecurity professionals
✅ See Seton Hall Law alumni in action as they share their expertise
✅ Experience a live Nasdaq broadcast from inside MarketSite
✅ Network with professionals in the legal and financial sectors

How to RSVP

We have 10 spots available for JD students. Space is limited! To attend in person, RSVP by emailing Gregory Gamble at gregory.gamble@shu.edu no later than Monday, February 24th. A photo ID is required for entry.

Don't miss this chance to witness a live Nasdaq TradeTalks show and connect with top industry professionals—RSVP today!

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 

STAY CONNECTED

Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.