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Henry Lewis: Italy and Law Make for a Unique Combination [By Mahsa Khalilifar] Third-year law student Henry Lewis just got back from studying abroad in Italy. “I always wanted to do it as an undergraduate, but I never took the initiative,” 25-year-old Lewis said of his final decision to take classes overseas.
“I was in Italy once for two days and thought
summer before he entered his senior year
“I like learning the intricacies of the legal
it was so beautiful that when I saw that my
at Columbia. Although it was not the easiest
system, especially since the American
school offered a program there, it struck
experience, he was thankful for what he had
system is so grounded in history, which is
my eye from the get-go,” Lewis said. After
to go through.
a topic I enjoy,” Lewis said. “I also like the idea that the system can be changed and
debating whether to go and study in Parma,
developed.”
Italy, Lewis, a Seton Hall University School
“It was a good job, but it was unpaid, and I
of Law student, said he knew choosing to go
had to commute over an hour from uptown
was the right decision.
Manhattan to get there,” said Lewis. “I would
Lewis attributes much of his success so far
get in at 8:00 a.m. and get out at 3:30, then
to the help of his girlfriend and the people
“I was planning on taking summer classes
go right to my other job as a mortgage-
who have influenced him in the legal field.
anyway, and this way I could take them in
broker cold caller. It was good experience,
less time in Italy than in Newark,” explained
though, and I feel that it made me stronger.”
“I am influenced a lot by the attorneys I work for. They show me what life is like as
Lewis. He also saw the chance to travel there as a great getaway, as well as a chance to
The study of law is one that really piques
a lawyer and how to deal with problems and
get out of Newark, NJ, for a bit, which is
Lewis’s curiosity.
time management,” Lewis said. “They also show me that it is not all work and that there
where Seton Hall is located. His employer was also supportive of the chance to study abroad. “My work encouraged it when I presented the idea of me going, which really made the difference,” he said. “The credits were actually cheaper than they would have been if I had taken them at [Seton Hall].” Lewis studied political science at Columbia University in New York as an undergraduate and then entered the world of law. “I was always one to stick up for people when they were in trouble or needed help,” explained Lewis regarding his decision to enter law school. “I also like politics and thought if I ever wanted to get involved, I should go to law school.” Lewis interned at the Kings County District Attorney’s office in Brooklyn, NY, during the
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Q. What do you do for fun? A. I like hanging out with my girl, my friends, my family. I enjoy hitting up Lake George, NY, in the summer, where I wakeboard, cliff jump, and drink mojitos. I like going to and watching Yankees games. When I do not have to study, I like playing video games. Q. What CD is in your CD player right now? A. Stephen Marley, Mind Control. Q. What is the last magazine you read? A. Men’s Health. Q. What is your favorite TV show? A. Right now, The Bronx is Burning. Q. Who is your role model? A. My father. Q. What is something most people probably don’t know about you? A. My second and third toes are webbed.
is time for fun.” Lewis is the evening division president of the Real Estate Law Society at his school, and he is a member of the Environmental Law Society. He said that future students should look into organizations because of the benefits. “It is good to get involved in an organization that is based on an area of law that you are interested in,” he said. “You learn more about the field and can meet your classmates and network. The meetings usually have free food, too, which is great when you have class until 10:00 p.m.” Looking into real estate law, Lewis is still not too sure what the future holds. “I would like to work in a big city, preferably in a real estate field...I have to think about
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LAWCROSSING
THE LARGEST COLLECTION OF LEGAL JOBS ON EARTH
STUDENT PROFILE
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what type of law I am going to concentrate
doing something such as studying abroad,
on. I have a year left after this semester
even if it is through your law school.
where I plan to narrow my scope,” he said.
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“My father is a custom-home builder, and I
“I earned six credits for two classes and
have always watched him buying and selling
had the time of my life,” he said of his Italy
property. Also, I am a real estate licensee,
experience. “I will never forget that trip.
Seton Hall University School of Law
and I have done my own investments, so I
I traveled all over [Europe], and it was an
law.shu.edu
have dealt with attorneys in that field.” Lewis
amazing experience. I recommend that
said he also enjoys studying criminal and
anyone who can study abroad does so
constitutional law.
because it is a fantastic way to learn.”
Lewis is planning to graduate from Seton
Lewis also said that law students should not
in December of 2008. His words of wisdom
forget to enjoy the time they spend learning
to future law students are to branch out by
or “to have fun and be happy.”
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