There is no doubt that writing your personal statement can feel a little daunting. After all, it is the one part of your law school application where you have full control, and a well-crafted personal statement can really help you stand out. Think of it as your interview on paper: a chance to share your story, your motivations, and what makes you unique.

So how do you get started? The key is to shift your mindset from dread to opportunity. Your personal statement is not just a requirement – it is an amazing tool to highlight who you are beyond your transcripts and test scores.

Now that you have written a superb personal statement, let’s focus on another aspect of your law school application – Letters of Recommendation (LORs). A strong LOR can be the factor that turns a solid application into a standout one.

Although you do not have control over what your letter writer(s) may write, you do control the process. Be intentional in selecting recommenders who know your strengths well and can speak to them with confidence. Provide them with the context and materials they need to write a letter that supports your candidacy and, if needed, helps explain any weaknesses in your application.

One of the most frequent questions I get is how Seton Hall Law handles law school applications with multiple LSAT or GRE scores. Applicants often want to know:

• Should I retake the test?
• Should I submit an addendum to explain a score increase or drop?
• Which test should I choose in the first place?

There are a lot of things to break down, and I'll start with the answer to the threshold question.

Each fall, law school admissions staff head out on the road to attend law school fairs, graduate school fairs, and LSAC Forums around the country. These events are invaluable for prospective students because they offer the best exposure to a wide range of schools in one place. You can begin building relationships with representatives from your top choices—no matter where you are in the application process. Coming prepared and asking the right questions will help you become a more informed and confident applicant.  

Not sure what to talk about once you get there? Use this opportunity to ask for specific information about the schools at the top of your list.

Here are some questions to ask law school admissions counselors when attending a law school fair or LSAC forum:

Pursuing the Master of Legal Studies (MLS) with a concentration in Sports Law and Compliance from Seton Hall University School of Law can be a valuable investment for individuals aiming to enter or progress in the highly competitive sports field, particularly those interested in compliance and regulatory roles.

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.