OFF THE RECORD - Seton Hall Law

Five Things I Wish I Knew When I Started Law School

Posted by John J. Zefutie, Jr. on 9/24/18 8:04 AM

I loved law school.  I had great teachers, I made great friends, I was challenged daily with the material we learned in class, and (most importantly) I met my wife.  It was a glorious time.  And to all of the 1Ls, you’re in for the time of your life. 

To help you through your journey over the next three or four years, I’d like to share some tips and words of wisdom that I wish I had when I was I was a law student.

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Topics: Internships/Jobs, Advice and Tips, Student Life, Alumni

How Joining the Student Bar Association Changed My Law School Experience

Posted by Darran St. Ange on 9/13/18 2:05 PM

Every great law school fosters an environment where students are allowed to pick a side and argue their position. However, one thing that remains constant in the minds of every law student is that the rigor of law school can be a lot to balance. Whether it be juggling class readings, moot court, work, family, or other commitments, the load can often times feel insurmountable. 

So why would I suggest adding the SBA to the mix? The answer is simple.

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Topics: Advice and Tips, Student Life

Use Office Hours as a Bonus Learning Opportunity

Posted by Amy Newcombe on 8/31/18 11:15 AM

I encourage my law students to notice what successful law students do and to adopt these behaviors. Savvy learners realize that professors want you to succeed. Professors use a class syllabus and class policies to guide you toward success. Early on in each course, note the professor’s office hours and best contact method. Why? The professor is inviting you to engage with the material outside of class time—take advantage of this invitation.  

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Topics: Advice and Tips, Classes and Courses, Student Life, Faculty

A Professor's Guide to Law School Class Preparation and Participation

Posted by Solangel Maldonado on 8/18/18 7:30 AM

Imagine this scenario.  You read all of the assigned cases for Contracts, highlighted the parts that seem important in different colors, and even skimmed the notes and questions following the cases.  That means you are prepared to effectively participate in class, right?  Not quite. 

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Topics: Advice and Tips, Classes and Courses, Student Life

Tips for Successfully Navigating a Difficult conversation

Posted by Deborah Edwards on 1/24/18 8:30 AM

Celebrating diversity in the legal profession and in our lives in general is something we should all strive to do. As a result of this endeavor, we will eventually find ourselves in a discussion about a sensitive subject that we may find uncomfortable. When that happens, try not to let the uncomfortableness sideline the discussion! Below are some strategies you can use to make a conversation about an important or difficult topic a little bit easier.

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Topics: Advice and Tips, Student Life

How Do You Find The Best Law School For You? 

Posted by Isabel DiSciullo on 1/10/18 10:19 AM

(Updated October 2, 2019) Now that your admissions decisions are rolling in, it is time to get down to the business of selecting your law school.  One of the most important things that you can do to make this important choice is to spend time and visit law schools you are seriously considering.  At most law schools, the opportunities for visitation come in a variety of formats. 

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Topics: Advice and Tips, Admissions

Resolutions for a New Year and a New Semester

Posted by Paula Franzese on 12/31/17 1:09 PM

The start of a new year and a new semester gives you a do-over – the opportunity for a fresh start. Here are five resolutions to consider for the year ahead:

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Topics: Advice and Tips, Student Life

Keeping Law School Exams and Grades in Perspective

Posted by Paula Franzese on 12/1/17 10:36 AM

Law school exams present a unique set of stressors, inducing fear even in the most confident people. When the parade of horribles comes marching in - "I can't do this," "I'll never get all this done," "Everyone is so much more prepared than me," "I don't understand any of this" - stop that procession in its tracks and declare out loud: FEELINGS ARE NOT FACTS. 

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Topics: Advice and Tips, Classes and Courses

Highlighting Professional Experience on Your Law School Application

Posted by Peter Eraca on 10/26/17 8:01 AM



Students of all ages and experience levels often wonder how to appropriately express their professional credentials on their law school application. Whether you have college jobs, an internship, or twenty years of professional experience under your belt, there are a few overall guidelines you can follow to get the biggest application bang from your experience buck.

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Topics: Graduate Programs, Advice and Tips, Admissions, Writing

Professor Review: A Short & Happy Guide to Being a Law Student

Posted by Amy Newcombe on 10/3/17 11:15 AM

When I started law school, I loved it. But I also worried that law school would be too hard. I worried that I would not be smart enough, that I would not be up to the challenge, and that I didn’t belong. I read my assignments too late into the evening and then had trouble falling asleep. What I needed was a little wisdom, some reassurance, and encouragement from someone wise—I needed a book that had not been written yet: A Short & Happy Guide to Being a Law Student by Paula Franzese.

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Topics: Advice and Tips, Student Life

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OFF THE RECORD

Seton Hall Law professors, students, administrators and alumni share advice and experiences about law school and life beyond the bar exam.

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