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.

As you wrap up finals, the last thing you probably want to think about is another writing assignment. Well, here it is: the Journal Write-On Competition. And while it might not be the most fun way to start the summer, you absolutely should do it.

It might be tempting to dismiss the Competition as optional or something you’ll do “next year.” But if you are even considering participating on a Journal, you should complete the Write-On. You can always turn down an invitation. That said, you should not turn down the opportunity to join the Law Review or Journal of Legislation and Public Policy.

As a 1L, the summer job search can feel overwhelming. With limited experience and a lot to learn, it may be hard to know where to focus your efforts. But understanding your options and developing a strategy for the summer can set you up for success. Here’s a guide to help you navigate the 1L and 2L job search, with a particular focus on building your skills and connections as you prepare for the next step in your legal journey.

Why should I network? If you want to improve your chances of securing a suitable, meaningful job, networking is a crucial skill to have. There is a hidden job market. Often companies may be looking to hire someone but have yet to post the position. If you know someone at the company, they may let you know about the position. Even if you apply for a job through the normal submission process, having someone at the company that can recommend you will give you an advantage over other candidates.

For students, the end of one semester and anticipation about the next bring highs and lows. Anxiety becomes compounded this time of year. This is an opportune moment to remind the students and children in our lives that no matter the circumstances beyond our control, we remain in charge of two things: our focus and how we treat other people. In that regard, I shared with my children and students these five resolutions to consider for the new semester and the New Year.

A reminder for all of us fortunate enough to have work to do. 

Continue to be grateful for the work. It will always be your safe harbor against the heartbreaks and sorrows of this life. Keep in mind that you do it not so much for your own sake but on behalf of the countless people and constituencies, most still nameless and unknown to you, who nonetheless are waiting for you to use your emerging expertise to make their lives better. And you will.

Updated September 9, 2020.

Every year, the Office of Career Services (“OCS”) works closely with our students to obtain internships and externships in New York City, where there are a plethora of job opportunities. Specifically, Seton Hall Law students have worked with Federal or State judges, government and non-profit organizations, law firms, and in-house counsel or compliance positions.

Seton Hall Law's Office of Career Services (OCS) is dedicated to providing comprehensive support and guidance for our Masters in Legal Studies (MLS) students and alumni. Whether you're looking to pivot into new career paths like compliance, data privacy, regulatory compliance, or risk management, or aiming to elevate your existing career, we are here to assist you. Our services are designed to meet the unique challenges MLS students face, including balancing full-time work with academic commitments. Counseling is offered both virtually and in-person, giving you the flexibility to access support on your schedule. To schedule an appointment, contact us at lawcareer@shu.edu.

Attorneys and law students across the country will be joining the National Pro Bono Celebration from October 20-26, 2024. The ABA Standing Committee on Pro Bono and Public Service launched this important initiative because of the increasing need for vital pro bono services to help low-income individuals and non-profit groups.

As a law student, you can be involved in many activities and take a variety of classes. Here’s why volunteer legal work should be part of your law school experience:

Over the summer months, Seton Hall Law students sharpen their legal skills as interns in a variety of diverse settings, including federal and state agencies, compliance departments in large corporations, offices of the prosecutor and public defender, public interest groups providing social services, law firms, and sports and entertainment agencies to name a few. Read on to see what each student learned during their experience.  (Content originally posted weekly on Instagram)