Seton Hall University - School of Law

Seton Hall University School of Law is a private, mid-size bastion of legal education, where you’ll get an excellent foundation in both the theoretical and the practical aspects of law. Concentrations are available in health law and intellectual property. The Center for Social Justice is “a great resource” that provides “ample opportunities to get hands-on legal experience.” It consists of five clinics, and it’s among the most comprehensive clinical and pro bono programs in the region, which is quite impressive considering the competition. Opportunities to participate begin during first year. “Very cool study abroad trips” in places such as Cairo, Zanzibar, and Geneva are another nice perk.
The classroom environment at Seton Hall Law is “very conducive to discussion.” “There aren’t many horrible professors,” and “Most rave about their professors.” Students say the faculty is full of some of “the wittiest, most passionate, brilliant, best-looking legal minds in the country.” “Each of the first-year professors I’ve had has been really impressive,” reports a 1L. “Some of them are pretty idiosyncratic, which provides for some good entertainment outside the classroom, and behind their backs.” The faculty is “very accessible,” as well. Many students also find the administration “generally helpful.” The support staff goes out of its way to accommodate and even anticipate student needs,” says a 2L. “It is reliable and makes few mistakes.” Other students charge, “The administration at this school is a tsunami of disorganization.” We also hear a number of complaints about the legal writing program, which a 3L calls “abhorrent.”
“There’s very much an on-your-own-feel to finding a job,” and some students with middling grades feel “left out in the cold.” Nevertheless, most students are pretty satisfied with their job prospects. State and federal court houses “are very close,” and “the school has a strong connection to the New Jersey judiciary, so a lot of students get judicial clerkships at graduation.” The alumni network is notably loyal, and “Seton Hall Law has a good networking system set in place.” “We have the run of New Jersey,” boasts a 2L. However, students who want to work in Manhattan have only moderate success. “You can see the city from the library,” observes a 1L, “but it seems more like a beautiful dream than a reality for most students.” That’s not necessarily a drawback, though. “There are plenty of pretty great law firms right here in Newark.”
The facilities here are definitely above average. “There can be no debate about that.” Not everyone loves “the modern-esque style of the interior,” and “The classrooms are more functional than aesthetically pleasing,” but upgrades are “constant,” and students have few serious grievances. Technology is “particularly smooth.” “The library is fantastic,” declares a 3L. “It provides especially good electronic resources, even in obscure areas.” “I love how everything is in one place,” adds a 2L.

The population of future attorneys at Seton Hall Law is reasonably diverse in pretty much every respect except geography. Students report that they have “serious drive, ambition, and talent.” While the curve is “severe” and “things get a little competitive during finals time,” the academic atmosphere is generally “friendly, fun, and helpful.” “Student life at Seton Hall Law delicately balances that line between competition and teamwork,” explains a 1L.
Outside of class, there are frequent seminars and tons of organizations and activities. Attitudes concerning the surrounding city of Newark are seriously mixed. Detractors call it “a notoriously terrible city” that’s “lacking in sophistication and charm.” “Newark may be the least desirable place to go to law school in the country,” reckons a 2L. Other students insist that the Brick City’s reputation is unwarranted. “Just because Newark looks crappy doesn’t mean it’s dangerous,” they say. “I feel like a lot of the kids from New Jersey just hate Newark because they bring their prejudices with them,” claims a 2L. “Downtown Newark is as safe—if not safer—than any block in NYC. It is a professionally developed area” full of courts and multiple government offices. Whatever the case, the school is “about two blocks from Penn Station, so it’s easy enough to commute from a nice area.” Despite the commuter ambience, students tell us that there’s “a very vibrant social community” at Seton Hall Law. Events sponsored by the student bar association are “pretty awesome,” and students “regularly” go out en masse in Hoboken or New York City.