THE LEO MEMORANDUM: The Official Newsletter of The Legal Education Opportunity Program

R E D E S I G N I N G

O U R N A R R A T I V E

The LEO Program's Rebranding

to highlight LEO Fellows and the

mentors, potential employers,

a whole that there is strength in our tenacity,

to community.

to overcome any obstacles

economic, and

in

LEOMission

LEOVision

TheLegalEducationOpportunity(“LEO”)Program providesapathwayandtransitiontolawschoolfor students, including those from historically underrepresentedcommunities,whohaveovercome hardshipsandshowgreatpromiseasfuturelawyers. LEOFellowsbringtalent,determination,compassion, andleadershipskillstotheSetonHallLawSchool community.Theprogrampromotesemployment opportunitiesforLEOFellows,increasesaccessto professionalresources,andcultivatesrelationships thatachieveacademic,professional,andlegalsuccess. ToprepareandequipLEOFellowswiththelegal knowledge,skills,abilities,andvaluesnecessaryfor successfulcareersthroughoutthelegalprofession, whetherinlawpractice,thejudiciary,government, businessandindustry,orthenonprofitandpublic interestsectors.

LEOFELLOWS’COREVALUES

Seton Hall Law's LEO Director

Judge Zoila Cassanova

Background:

PassaicCountySurrogateJudge,ZoilaCassanova,Esq.,isanexperiencedattorneylicensedtopracticelawinNewJersey, NewYork,andtheUnitedStatesSupremeCourt.Priortoassuminghercurrentposition,SurrogateJudgeCassanova workedintheareasofMedicalMalpractice,LaborLaw,ElectionLaw,CriminalLaw,and"Crimimmigration"(thefusion ofcriminalandimmigrationlaw).

JudgeCassanovaholdsaBachelorofScienceinLaborRelations,aMasterofScienceinEducation,andwasalicensed provisionalNewYorkStateTeacher.ShereceivedherJuristDoctoratefromSetonHallUniversitySchoolofLaw,where shetaughtintheirAcademicSupportProgramandservedasamemberoftheDiversityCouncil.Heracademic achievementsincludebeingaSetonHallCentennialScholarandaNewJerseyHispanicBarAssociationScholarship recipient,aswellasbeinganinducteeoftheAcademicHonorSocieties:DeltaKappaPhiandKappaDeltaPi.Surrogate JudgeCassanovabelievesintheimportanceofmentorship,andseizeseveryopportunitytomentorandguideothers.

A Message from the Class of 2024 NANCY MOEMEN

2L, Class of 2024

For me, LEO is far more than a scholarship. It is an exceptional experience that I am grateful to have. Admission into the LEO program provides historically disadvantaged students opportunities that give them a leg up in the competitive and often exclusive world of law. The community formed prior to the school year, the writing and legal research skills gained in institute, and the alumni network of LEOs are just a few examples of the several benefits of being part of such a wonderful program. As the Class Representative of the LEO Class of 2024, My message to my LEO community is simple but profound: lean on your LEO peers, leverage every opportunity LEO gives you, and advocate for your group whenever you can because that is what the LEO family is all about.

TAYLOR LUGO-MAESTAS

2L, Class of 2024

LEO is truly my lifeline, and being able to work with the incoming class oneon-one during the summer institute meant the world to me. Shaping their experiences to be better than the experiences of my LEO cohort and assisting with anything they needed was worth not getting a summer break. Going forward I hope that my LEO cohort can learn from the incoming 1L LEOs how to be a close knit cohort with little to no cliques and to be open with our personal stories as the 1Ls have been. LEO is a place where one should feel like they belong, and by sharing my personal story with the incoming LEOs I felt like I rediscovered my why. After my presentation, many of the incoming LEOs came up to me to discuss their gratitude and what my story meant to them. I encourage all the LEO cohorts to share their journeys with each other as it will only make LEO as a whole stronger and build a better understanding of how truly special this program is, there are so many great things to come, and I am excited to be a part of the rebranding of LEO. I owe my life to LEO, and I cannot wait to continue to pay it forward.

A Message from the Classes of 2023 & 2025

RANDOLPHPORTUGAL

3L,Classof2023

Seton Hall Law's LEO Program provides a foundation so LEO students can competesuccessfullyagainsttheirpeersthroughouttheirpursuitofhigher legal education. But, we must do more. As Class Representative for the LEOClassof2023,Iwasfortunatetoworkwithlike-mindedindividualsto mobilize students and faculty to hone in on the top three interests of the LEO student body. Through achievement gains in legal employment, professional opportunities, and academic support, LEO students can be a powerful cohort in any leadership position they acquire. The theme of Redesigning Our Narrative reflects the LEO community because of the dynamic shifts in practices and methodologies that affect how LEO law students can become effective attorneys in their respective fields. The themealsocorrespondstoarenewedpartnershipbetweenSetonHallLaw LEO students and faculty legal communities, it anothertowardsprosperity, infutureclasses.

CARLA ZURITA

1L, Class of 2023

The LEO program is unique in that before even beginning law school, our students have already overcome systemic and personal obstacles that have forged their capacity for resiliency. Working alongside a group of peers that I both deeply respect and feel seen by is a gift when entering an academic field and profession as rigorous and historically exclusionary as law. Energized by the work that my 2L and 3L mentors have poured into the LEO program so far, I’m looking forward, in my capacity as the Class Representative for the LEO Classes of 2025 and 2026, to continuing to get to know my peers and supporting this program’s growth and sustainability for years to come.

Bernard Consalvo Esther Camile Taylor

Najma Hassan Stephanie Guzman

Kasandra Mojica Danielle Brown

Randall Terhune

Jessica Clifton Brigette Supernova

Rahim

Aislinn

Elijah Bland Alejandra

Melissa Velasco

Claudia Theagene

LEOORIENTATION

THE

SUMMER INSTITUTE

In the 2022 LEO Summer Institute, the incoming LEO Class of 2025/2026 were able to sit in on a panel of distinguished judges who are LEO graduates including:

The Honorable Michael A. Shipp, United States District Judge, New Jersey

The Honorable Paul D. Nieves, Superior Court Judge, Family Division

The Honorable Zoila Cassanova, Passaic County Surrogate Judge

The Honorable Emilia Perez, Municipal Court Judge

The students learned about the judges' legal career at Seton Hall Law School and what their LEO experience was like when the judges were students. The judges also shared what professional experiences helped prepare them on their road to the New Jersey Judiciary. The judges also explained what they look for in candidates who apply to be an intern or clerk in their chambers. Finally, students were able to ask questions in a Question and Answer Session and network with the judges immediately after.

FROMLEOTOTHEBENCH

FROMLEOTOTOPOFTHEFIRM

END OF LEO INSTITUTE CELEBRATION

EDUCATION

SetonHallUniversitySchoolofLaw

WORKEXPERIENCE

have

Growing up, I struggled with having to rapidly learn a new language and adapt to new social and cultural norms, while still reaching my own expectations

a first generation immigrant, I have been a first hand witness of countless injustices. However, my experiences have taught me that law can and does dictatelife.Thismotivatedmetopursueacareerinthelegalfield,asIhavealwaysbeenpassionateaboutsocialjusticeandcreatinganequitablesociety.

In May of 2021, I obtained my Bachelor’s degree from Rutgers University-Newark in Legal Studies, Political Science, and Criminal Justice, where I also graduated as a member of The National Political Science Honor Society In addition to my academic achievements, I was also an NCAA student athlete on the Rutgers University Women’s Soccer Team Prior to law school, I was the Tactical Coordinator for the Rutgers chapter of NJPIRG, where I ran campaigns to: (1) promote civic engagement among the youth, (2) fight for safe and clean drinking water in Newark, and (3) raise awareness about hunger and the challenges of unhoused people. Furthermore, I worked with Forrest Solutions and Epiq, a corporate bankruptcy solutions company. My role consisted of translating(fromSpanishtoEnglish)courtdocumentsrelatedtotheBoeingAircraftCompany’sbankruptcyproceedings.

Throughout my first year of law school, I have established myself as an SBA Senator of the Student Bar Association, SBA Representative for the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee, an executive board member of LALSA, and the Co Vice Chair of the Community Outreach Committee Additionally, I am theVicePresidentofFinanceforMetro LALSA

I have also had exceptional opportunities to develop my interpersonal skills and pursue my commitment to public service by working for the International Human Rights & Immigrants’ Rights Clinic at the Center for Social Justice at Seton Hall Law My continued experience as a legal translator for pro bono clientsseekingpoliticalasylumintheU.S.hashelpedmerefinemytranslating,writing,andadvocacyskillsinmultiplelanguages,whilealsoreinforcingmy passionanddevotiontohelpingtheHispaniccommunity.

This past summer, I interned for the Honorable Edward S. Kiel at the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey. Working as a judicial extern wasincrediblyengaging fromconductinglegalresearchanddraftingopinionstosittinginonoralarguments,settlementconferences,andcriminaltrials I loved this experience because it allowed me to build personal relationships with countless Federal Judges in New Jersey In the Summer of 2023, I will be working as a Summer Associate for Chiesa Shahinian & Giantomasi PC in West Orange, NJ Irrespective of what field of law I pursue, I intend to use my platformtoadvocateforthosewhocannotadvocateforthemselves.Butmostcritically,IintendtoliftasIclimb.

YANEYDIS

RODRIGUEZ

EDUCATION

SetonHallUniversitySchoolofLaw

Newark,NJ–J.D.(Classof2024)

Extracurriculars:

MetroLALSARepresentative–LatinAmericanLawStudentsAssociation

FairleighDickinsonUniversity–MetropolitanCampus

Teaneck,NJ(Classof2020)

M.A.:CriminalJustice

B.A.:CriminalJustice

Minor:LegalStudies

Extracurriculars:

Founder-OkuChapterofMuSigmaUpsilonSorority,Inc.

AlphaPhiSigma,NationalCriminalJusticeHonorSociety

MayoralAward-MunicipalGovernmentofChengdu,China

TheNationalSocietyofCollegiateScholars

I was born in the San Jose De Las Matas, Dominican Republic and immigrated to the United States at the age of five. I am the product of a single mother raising four children in the city of Newark, NJ. From an early age I always had to “represent” my mother either navigating the public service system or translating and educating her from what I learned. From a young age I knew I wanted to become an attorney to advocate for those without a voice

After graduating with a bachelors and a masters within a four year period I took a year off before entering law school because of the unknowns of the pandemic. This past Summer of 2022, I had the opportunity to be a graduate assistant for the Seton Hall University School of Law’s Summer Institute for Pre-Legal Studies, which is an intensive 5-week program that exposes undergraduate inner-city students to the harsh realities of the first year of law school. This was a humbling opportunity for me because as an undergraduate student I participated in the program, and it affirmed my young dreams of becoming a lawyer. I got to learn from practicing professionals that came from inner cities and looked like me; it validated that representation matters. After that opportunity I finished the summer off interning for the Federal Public Defenders Office in Newark, NJ and working at a private immigration law office in Hackensack, NJ

My long term goal is to become an immigration attorney to help families reach their American dreams. Because I come from an immigrant family I was never exposed to the legal world and coming to Seton Hall University School of Law was a complete culture shock to me Fortunately, I am surrounded and empowered by the LEO Fellows who have become like a second family to me. Getting through law school takes a village and coming into it as part of the LEO program ensures that we are never alone to get through the tough times.

GRACE CALDERON

EDUCATION

Seton Hall University School of Law

Newark, NJ – J.D. (Class of 2024)

Seton Hall University - South Orange, NJ (Class of 2019) B.A.: Political Science

I knew I wanted to go to law school and become a lawyer since seventh grade. It is a decade long dream that I have been able to begin accomplishing because of LEO. I’m so grateful for the opportunity I have been given here at Seton Hall Law School. My parents showed me what it means to be resilient. My dad immigrated from Colombia and worked different jobs in order to provide for us. After many obstacles he became an American citizen . My mother was born in Newark, New Jersey to Puerto Rican immigrants. She was never able to go to college so she made sure my sister and I did. I’m the first person in my family to ever go to law school. My mom has been working as a para professional for over 22 years. She has shown me what commitment, faithfulness, and dedication in your career really looks like. I wouldn’t be here today if it weren’t for my parents.

Despite knowing that I wanted to go to law school, getting into law school was not easy. There were a lot of points along the journey that felt like an indicator or sign to give up. However, I knew giving up was not an option. I remained steadfast in my goal and worked hard to reach my destination. Getting into law school and being a part of LEO has been such a blessing. Law school has not been easy but I know that I am capable of making it to the finish line. I’m happy for the community LEO has given me and knowing I’m not alone on this journey has kept me going. This pass summer I interned for Suburban Propane’s Legal Department. It has greater fueled my dream to be a lawyer. I know when I finally pass the finish line and start my legal career, LEO will be a big part of my success.

CRYSTAL PAULINO

EDUCATION

SetonHallUniversitySchoolofLaw

Newark,NJ–J.D.(Classof2024)

Extracurriculars:

Journal:SetonHallLegislativeJournal,AssociateEditor,Vol.47

RutgersUniversity–NewBrunswick,NJ(Classof2021)

B.A.:SummaCumlaudeEnglishandCriminalJustice

Extracurriculars:

ChiAlphaEpsilonHonorSociety

WORKEXPERIENCE

SummerAssociate-ArcherandGreiner,P.C.

SummerIntern-LegalServicesofNewJersey

Although I was born in North Bergen, NJ, my parents moved me out to their home country when I was two years old. I moved back to North Bergen when I was eight years old and I had a very difficult time learning the language. Because of this difficulty, when I arrived at Rutgers University, I decided to major in English because although the major would be the most challenging for me, in the end, I knew it would be the most rewarding.

I started at Rutgers University through their Educational Opportunity Fund Program (EOF) Our acceptance into the University was contingent on the completion of this six week program Nevertheless, I feel like these summer institute programs, like LEO, meant to serve minorities, are crucial and can really set students up for success. It is what you make of your experience. These summer institute programs are like a trial run, before the fall semester, to get your feet wet and adjust your style of thinking, studying, etc. wherever necessary. I am thankful to EOF in undergrad, and LEO in law school, for not only serving as a great transition from high school to undergrad, and undergrad to law school, but also for the life-long friends I have made along the way As someone who went to law school directly from undergrad, the LEO Summer Institute really helped me feel at ease when the entire class of 2024 stepped in at the start of the first fall semester.

In the Summer of 2022, I was a Summer Associate at Archer and Greiner, P C It was a life changing experience I was finally able to take the skills I had learned for the entirety of my first year of law school, and put them to use.

My long-term goal is to work in Big Law. I came into law school thinking I would pursue immigration law; however, I found myself interested in Big Law along the way Perhaps, in the future, I will step away from biglaw, and pursue immigration law That is what is so great about a Juris Doctor, you can always decide that something is not for you, and try something new.

TAYLOR LUGO-MAESTAS

EDUCATION

Seton Hall University School of Law

Newark, NJ J.D. (Class of 2024)

University of Colorado - Denver, CO (Class of 2017)

B.A.: Political Science

Minor: Criminal Justice

Extracurriculars:

IwasbornandraisedinDenver,Colorado BetweenundergradandmyarrivalatSHULawItookoffthreeandahalfyears Duringmy break,IwasaparalegalforacivillitigationfirminTampa,Florida Afterlawschool,Iplanonpracticinginbiglawforatleast3 5years toaggressivelypayoffmystudentloansandafterwardopenaprivatecriminaldefensefirm.Ifthefirmlifedoesnotworkoutforme,I reallywouldliketobecomeaprosecutorbeforeopeningmyprivatedefensefirm.Ifeellikeinorderforonetotrulybethebestthey mustknowhowbothsidesplaythegameandbeanexpertinallpositionstheyareplacedin.Afterbecomingfullyseasonedandoneof thebestinmyfieldIwouldlovetorunforCongress.Ihavealwaysbeeninterestedinpolitics/policymakingandduringmytwo internshipsattheColoradoStateCapitol,onewhichwaswiththefirstColoradoLatinaSpeakeroftheHouse-Ilearnedalotabout advocatingforLatinx/BIPOCcommunities IwouldliketotakeallmyexperienceswithmetoCongressandshowthoseinmy communityandaroundthenationthatrepresentationmatters ThemorerepresentationthereisofBIPOCindividuals,thelouderthe messageswesendwillbe,andthelessmonolithicouradversitieswillbecome.SimilartohowKamalaHarris,AOC,andSonia SotomayordidformeIwouldliketodoforthoseinmycommunitybyshowingthem,“Sí,sepuede!

Myjourneytolawschool,likemostLEOs,wasnotaneasyone.Whenapplyingtolawschool,Iappliedtofiftydifferentlawschools, receivedmanyoffers,andrightbeforemakingafinaldecisiononanalternatelawschool,gotnoticeofmyacceptanceintoSHULaw andtheLEOprogram.TheverynextweekIcametotourSHUandfellinlovewiththebuildingandgotapersonalizedtourwhereImet otherLEOstudents.Immediatelyaftermytour,IputdownmydepositforSHULawbecauseIfeltlikenootherlawprogramwould

Iwasafirst-

EDUCATION

Iamafirst generationEgyptianAmericanMuslimstudent IgrewupinHackettstown,NJ,inaruralworking classpartoftown IattendedDrew UniversityandmajoredinPoliticalScienceandGerman,whereIdiscoveredmyloveforlanguage,art,andgovernment.Aftermyundergraduate career,IservedinTeachforAmericainCrownHeights,Brooklyn AfterteachinganadditionalyearinNewark,IstudiedfortheLSAT,tookittwice, andreceivedanaveragescorebothtimes After10waitlistdecisions,Ifeltdefeated LittledidIknow,mySetonHallacceptancee mailwassentto myspambox.Luckily,Iopeneditaweeklater. NotonlydidIgetacceptedfromSetonHallLawSchoolbutIwasalsoacceptedatCUNYand Hofstra Yet,mydecisionwasset IknewexactlywhereIwasenrolling

WhileatSetonHallLaw,IbecameinvolvedwiththeMuslimLawStudentsAssociation,BLSA,LALSA,andofcourse,LEO.InAprilofmy1Lyear,I appliedandrantobetheLEOrepresentativeformycohort theLEOClassof20224.Uponviewingtheelectionresultsofmyclass,Iwasvotedto representmyclassandhavebeeninvolvedinmakingtheLEOprogramthebestitcanbe Fromgatheringcommentsandfeedbackfrommypeers,I wasabletoputforthideastohelprebrandtheLEOprogramfortheincomingLEOClassof2025.

Inmy1Lsummer,IinternedforJudgeMooreinEssexCounty'sCivilDivision

MICHELLE GARCIA

EDUCATION

WORKEXPERIENCE

MynameisMichelleGarcíaandIama2LLEOFellow.IamfromFlushing,Queensandamaprouddaughterofimmigrants.Myfatheris PeruvianandmymotherisVenezuelanandTrinidadian;theycametothiscountryasyoungadultswiththehopeofabetterfuturefor themselvesandtheirfamilies.Igrewupinapredominatelylow-income,immigrantneighborhoodfilledwithhardworkingneighbors; unfortunately,manyofthemdidnothavetheresourcestonavigatethelegalsystem.Boththeirresiliencyandmyfamilyinspiredmetogo lawschool.Icouldnothaveaccomplishedanyofmyachievementswithoutthesupportofmyfamily,andIonlyhopetobeabletorepay themoneday.

IalwaysknewIwantedtoattendlawschool,butuponfinishingsenioryearrealizedIwantedtoworkforalittlebeforeembarkingonmy lawschooljourney.Foraboutfouryears,IworkedataNewYorkpublicdefensefirmwhereIwasajailliaison.Iconnectedourincarcerated clientswithmedicalattention,ensuredtheywerereleasedontime,andinterviewedclientsatRikersIsland.WhileIdonotwanttopursue publicdefense,itwasanincrediblyfulfillingtime,andIamsothankfultohavehadthisopportunityasmyfirstjoboutofcollege.

Thispastsummer,IinternedfortheNationalLawyersGuildwhereIassistedin§1983litigation.There,Iassistedclientswhoexperienced prisonabuseandaidedintheirsettlementcases.Thiswasagreatexperience andIwould recommendittoanyonelookingtodocivilrights litigation.

Iaminterestedinhealthcarelaw,propertylawandcomplianceandhopetocombinetheseinterestsintomylegalcareer.Ideally,Iwould liketoworkinBigLawforafewyearsandthenmoveintotheIn-Housespaceinthehealthcareorbeautyindustry.Simultaneously,Iwant toensurethatIcanincorporateplentyofpro-bonoworkintomypractice.LawschoolhasnotbeeneasyjourneybutknowingthatIhave myLEOfriendstoleanonmakestheexperienceallthemorememorable.LEOistrulyaspecialprogram

allpast,present,andfuture Fellowsshouldbeincrediblyproudofthemselves.

VIVIANA

TORRES

EDUCATION

SetonHall

AlbrightCollege

WORKEXPERIENCE

JudicialExtern

IamaproudColombian AmericanandfirstgenerationAmerican,college,andnowlawstudent.EverythingIamandhopetobe, Iowetomyparentsandtheirsacrifices.Thus,theJDdegreeIearnwillnotonlybelongtomebuttomyfamilyandallthosethat helpedpavedthepathIamon Moreover,Iaimtoblessthosewiththebenefitthatcancomefromthefruitsofmylabor Myfirstexperiencewiththelawwasatayoungagewhenmyfathertookmetoameetingwithattorneysconcerningasituation ofhis.ThereisnotmuchIrememberofthatmeetingexceptmyclearinabilitytotranslateandinterpretformyfathergivenmy lackofknowledgeinlegalterminology.Ifeltveryhelplessanddisappointedinmyinabilitytohelpmyfather.However, attendingthatmeetingsparkedmyinterestinthelegalfield.NotonlydidIwanttohelpSpanishspeakingindividuals,butI wantedtodoitasalawyerwheremyimpactwouldbetwofold.Thesecondexperiencethatreinforcedmydesireresultedfrom myFall2019undergraduateinternshipatKitayLawOfficesinWyomissing,PA.Duringmytimethere,itwasgratifyingto experienceclientrelationsstemmingfromthesupportthefirm’sstaffmembersgave Baseduponmyinteractionswithclients andseeinghowtheattorneysworkedwiththem,Ihopedtofurtherdevelopmyabilitytoassistotherswhetheritbewithprivate orpubliclegalmatters

SincebecomingastudentatSetonHallLaw,myexperiencesinthelegalfieldhaveconsistedofworkingatSetonHallLaw’s CenterforSocialJustice.Itranslatedocuments&interpretclientconversationsfor3Lstudentattorneystohelpfacilitate representation.Thissummer,IalsocompletedajudicialinternshipfortheHonorableBridgetA.StecherintheSuperiorCourtof NewJersey,EssexVicinage,CivilDivision.Ihadtheopportunitytostepbackfromthetheoryoflawandnotonlywitnessitin

NATALIA SIFUENTES

EDUCATION

Seton Hall University School of Law

Newark,

(Class of

University of California, Irvine - Irvine,

B.S.:

Minor:

(Class of

IwasborninMexicoandcametotheUnitedStatesattheageofone IgrewupandlivedinSouthernCaliforniauntil2021whenI movedtoNewJerseytopursuelawschool ThemovewasfrighteninganddifficultbecauseIknewIwasleavingbehindmysupport systemandcomfort.KnowingthatIwasmovingtopursuemydream,achancemanydon’thave,madeitworthwhile.

DuringcollegeandupuntilIbeganlawschoolIworkedfull timeinvariousroles,allofwhichincludedcustomerserviceatthe forefront.Mylasttwojobsrevolvedaroundtheautoindustry;anindustryIbecameveryinterestedinoverthepastthreeyearsgiven itsendlesspossibilitiesinthelegalworld.Iwasveryfortunatetohavegreatrolemodelswhotookmycuriosityandloveforlearning seriouslyandhelpedmeflourishinwhateverdepartmentIdecidedtoworkinnext.Duringthistime,IknewIwantedtogotolaw school.Originally,IwantedtopursueimmigrationlawbecauseIthoughtthatwasthemostdirectwaytogivebacktomycommunity. Myfirstyearoflawschoolhaschangedthatforme

MyfirstyearatSetonHallallowedmetomeetmyfellowLEOs,gettheopportunitytonetworkwithAlumni,andattendLatinx networkingevents Ihavelearnedaboutthedifferenttypesoflawthatexistandjusthowversatileyoucanbeinyourlegalcareer Throughthis,Ihavelearnedthatimmigrationlawwasn’ttheonlywaytogivebacktomycommunity Ilearnedthatitisacceptable andokaytopursuepersonalinterestsinlawbecausetheresimplyaren’tenoughofusrepresentingtheLatinxcommunityinother spaces.AfterworkingasalawclerkthissummerwiththeLosAngelesDependencyLawyers,whereIlearnedandredefinedskills learnedthroughoutmyfirstyearoflawschoolinconjunctionwiththoselearnedwhileintheworkforce,Ihavedecidedtopursue otherinterests.Thischangewouldhavescaredmeayearago,buttodayIamconfidentinmakingthesechangesallthankstotheLEO program

IamgratefultohavemetandbefriendedmanygreatindividualsatSetonHallthroughtheLEOprogram.Mygrowthasanindividual andasalawstudentisanattribute,Iowetothem Ihavefeltthesupport,bothmentallyandacademically,andIhavereceivedendless wordsofencouragement AsIbeginmysecondyearoflawschool,Ihopetocontinuepursuingmyinterestsandhelpingother Latinx/BIPOCmaneuverthelegalcommunityalongtheway.

GABRIELA GUTIERREZ

EDUCATION

SetonHallUniversitySchoolofLaw

Newark,NJ

MontclairStateUniversity

KeanUniversity

B.A.:

Minors:

WORKEXPERIENCE

SummerAssociate

I am a 2L LEO Fellow, born in Ecuador and raised in North Arlington, New Jersey. Before coming to law school, I worked in higher education. As a higher education counselor, I had the opportunity to work with students from different backgrounds, including international and DACA students. Learning about my students’ stories inspired me to pursue a law degree. As I continue to develop my legal background, I would like to give back to my community by helping immigrant families and first-generation college students.

Law school has been a life-changing experience. I have met great mentors who continue to guide me through my law school journey. Since my first semester, I have been a translator for the Center for Social Justice. During the summer of 2022, I interned at Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard and Smith LLP in the Newark office. As an intern, I was exposed to a variety of cases, and I had the chance to work with different teams. Although I am unsure where I will be interning next summer, I would like to work at a law firm that focuses on commercial and residential real estate transactions.

RANDOLPH PORTUGAL

EDUCATION

SetonHallUniversitySchoolofLaw

NJ–J.D.(Classof2023)

ofNewJersey-Ewing,NJ(Classof2012)

EnglishandSpanish

InterdisciplinaryConcentration

WORKEXPERIENCE

LawClerk-McGivney,Kluger,Clark,&Intoccia SummerAssociate-McGivney,Kluger,Clark,&Intoccia

LegalIntern-NewJerseyOfficeoftheAttorneyGeneral,DivisionofCriminalJustice Interpreter-FamilyLawClinic,SetonHallLaw'sCenterforSocialJustice ResearchAssistant-SetonHallLawLegalEducationOpportunity(LEO)Program JudicialExtern-JudgeMichaelJ.Vazquez,U.S.DistrictCourt,DistrictofNewJersey IamaproudPeruvian-AmericanandfirstgenerationAmerican,college,andnowlawstudent.EverythingIamandhopetobe,Iowetomyfamily andtheirsacrifices-particularlymymotherwhohasshownunconditionalloveandsupportthroughoutthearduousprocessthatislawschooland beyond.Mypassionforassistingfirst-generationstudentsfromhistoricallyimpoverishedcommunitiesstemfrommyworkwiththeEducational OpportunityFund(EOF)Programatmyalmamater,TheCollegeofNewJersey(TCNJ).ItwasatTCNJwhereIwasableto mobilizestudentsto advocateforhighereducationprogramsatastatewidelevel.Upongraduation,IbecametheChairpersonfortheEducationalOpportunityFund StatewideAlumniAssociation(EOFSAA)helpingtobridgetheunemploymentgapbetweenEOFgraduatesandthehighleveljobmarket.

AfterworkingforthetheDepartmentofChildProtectionandPermanency(DCP&P),IenteredSetonHallLawSchoolfocusingonDiversity,Equity, andInclusion(DEI)initiativesaswellasfamilylawmatters.However,throughoutmylegalworkexperiences,IshiftedmyfocustoCivilLitigation. Still,withoutforgettingmymissionofgivingbacktostudentsofcolor,Iworkedwithvariousdirectors,facultymembers,anddeansinvolvedwith theLEOProgramtohelpcurrentandfutureLEOstudentsachieveeducational,professional,andacademicsuccesswhilerestructuringand strengtheningtheLEOProgramtodoso.However,mygoalnowistoreachoutandengagewithLEOalumnisotheycanconnectwithstudentsfor employmentopportunities,

As a young child, my family fled from Yugoslavia, to escape the persecution and genocide of Muslims like us My father arrived after us, speaking no English, he took whatever menial jobs he could procure, just to support our family. When I was twelve, he was injured on the job and faced legal difficulties securing the disability benefits our family desperately needed As the eldest child, I was thrust into the role of translator I dreamt growing up, becoming a lawyer, andsolvinghiscase.Determinedtoattendlawschool,Ibecamethefirstinmyfamilytofinishhighschool,thencollege. Icametolawschoolwithastronginclinationtowardsgovernmentalandcorporatelitigation Fornearlytwoyearsduring college,IinternedattheDepartmentofJustice.Ifoundmyselfinvigoratedbytheopportunitytoworkoncomplicatedand intricate work, which in one specific instance, led to the complete overhaul of regulations for the caffeinated-alcoholicenergy drink market, and I discovered that litigation can be a powerful and exciting tool. Following that, I worked at Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati (“WSGR”), where I incorporated and managed countless clients, many of whom are thriving today and played an integral role in a grossing over $200M in various series financings Most recently, I worked onfundformationandcontractmanagementforlarge,successfulinvestmentfirms.

This past summer, I completed my Summer Associate program at Goldman Sachs, where I worked in the Consumer Wealth Management division. I am also the Vice President of the Corporate Law Society. Being a LEO has been an integral part of my success. Inherent to being admitted into the program requires you to have overcome many obstacles in life, much bigger and tougher than law school That gives us all an advantage to the challenge that law school is However, more importantly in ways, is the

system

by

alumni. LEO’s are a tight knit family, and that is something we always try to promote. As a LEO I was able to heavily rely on my cohort, upperclassmen, and alumni

KERRI NICHOLSON

EDUCATION

SetonHallUniversitySchoolofLaw

Newark,NJ–J.D.(Classof2023) HealthLawConcentration

UniversityofDayton-Dayton,OH(Classof2020)

B.A.:CriminalJustice

Minors:Pre-lawandSociology

WORKEXPERIENCE

LegalAffairsIntern-OtsukaPharmaceuticalCo. ResearchAssistant-SetonHallLawOfficeofCareerServices

Legal,Corporate&ExternalRelationsIntern-UniversityHospital LegalIntern-NewJerseyOfficeofthePublicDefender-BergenCounty CriminalTrialDivision

I’m a proud 3L LEO Fellow born and raised in Mahwah, New Jersey, by a strong, hard-working single mother who paved the way for me to achieve my dream of going to law school. After graduating from the University of Dayton in May of 2020, I quickly found myself beginning the LEO summer bootcamp and navigating my way through law school amidst a global pandemic None of my successes would be possible without the LEO program, and more importantly, mycoresupportsystemofLEOfellowswhotravelledwithmethroughboththegoodtimesandthebadtimes.

Despite the difficulties that law school can throw at students, I made it through my first two years and have grown in ways that I didn’t think were possible. I've participated in life changing internships that gave me the tools to identify practice areas and careers that I gravitate towards. I have challenged myself everyday to be a better student and human being. At the end of the day, I’m simply trying to be the best that I can be and become a competent, thoughtful attorney whobeattheodds.ThereisnodoubtthattheLEOprogramissendingmewellonmywaytoreachingthatgoal.

This past summer, I worked at Otsuka Pharmaceutical Company as a Legal Affairs Intern and loved it I rotated through nine different practice groups and experienced the day to day of in house, corporate attorneys. This semester, I am a Student Attorney with Seton Hall's Center for Social Justice in the Health Justice Clinic. Being involved with clinic has already been eye-opening and is providing critical hands-on skills that I will take with me as I enter the 'real' world. Following graduation, I will be clerking for the Honorable Judge Craig Wellerson, Presiding Judge of New Jersey SuperiorCourt'sCivilDivisioninOceanCounty.

DAVID AGUIRRE

EDUCATION

I am a Newark native, raised by two Ecuadorian immigrants and incredibly proud to be part of the Class of 2023 LEO graduates LEOholdsaspecialplaceinmyheartbecauseIampositivethatmydreamofattendinglawschoolwouldnothave been possible had it not been for the LEO program taking a chance on me. Coming from a family with little to no professionals to model my career goals after, I never learned to dream big and often settled for “good enough.” This was apparent in my GPA from Rutgers, which presented challenges for me in my application process; at this point I made a promisetomyselfthatifIeverhadtheopportunitytopursuemydream,IwouldnotsquanderitandIwoulddedicatemyself to showing people, like myself, that we should all dream big In this spirit I have taken on mentees, both in law school or considering law school, and have always been candid with them about my experiences to make sure they don’t make the samemistakesImade.

Throughout my experiences in law school, I have learned that they will not all be great, but they will all teach you something andwhat’smostimportantabouttheseexperiencesiswhatyoutakeawayfromthem.Duringthistime,Ihavelearnedmuch, met many, and enjoyed every minute of creating the person I always wanted to be Once I graduate, I intend on clerking for a Superior Court Judge in the Criminal Division so I can learn from attorneys at trial and sharpen my own skills for when I eventuallyopenmyowncriminaldefensefirm.

I list my LALSA Co Presidency and status as a LEO Fellow under “Honors” because it is truly an honor to be among these incredibleindividualswhoIwouldnothavehadtheopportunitytomeetandbefriendhaditnotbeenforLALSAandtheLEO

As a person of color, I feel a responsibility

my

uplift and promote the progress of minorities in the

EDUCATION

as born in Secaucus, NJ, and raised in Union, NJ by two immigrant, Latin American parents who came to this country with nothing , but hope of a better future for themselves and their families. After being the first in my family to earn an undergraduate degree, I decided to work in the private sector for approximatelysixyearsasaContentMarketerandStrategistforsmall-to-enterpriseleveltechnologycompanies.

Law school was always a dream of mine, but feelings of inadequacy and substantial undergraduate debt forced me to delay my dreams of becoming an attorney. Yet, I realized I was leading an unfulfilling Marketing career which stifled my intellectual curiosity, and that is when I decided to embark on my law school journey. After painstakingly revising my personalstatement,takingtheLSATnotonce,nottwice,butthreetimes,andcompilingmyapplicationmaterials,Iapplied toSetonHallLaw.GettingmyletterofadmittancefromSetonHallLawwasoneofthehappiestdaysofmylife.

Since my 1L year, I have faced a multitude of personal and academic challenges, yet here I am still standing. The imposter syndrome I once felt, no longer has a hold of me. Sure, law school is a difficult undertaking, but what is often overlooked is that you will meet great people as you go through your trials and tribulations. For me, these people have been my LEO cohort. They have become my core support system, and I do not know where I would be without them. Grades are obviouslyimportant,butjustasimportantaretherelationshipsyoucreateandnurturewhilepursuingyourlawdegree

Duringmy 1Lsummer, I hadthe privilege of workingas a Legal Externatthe UnitedStates Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey in their Cybercrime Unit and Appeals Division Last Spring, I worked part-time for a small NJ firm that handled a broad range of litigation matters. For my 2L summer, I relocated to Seattle, Washington to work at T Mobile’s Headquarters as an intern in their Privacy Office. Upon graduation, I intend to practice in the privacy law space. I am currently working part-time as a legal analyst for a firm based out of Washington D C who represents defendants facing antitrustviolations.Lastbutcertainlynotleast,IamcurrentlyservingastheCo

G

FOR

LEO HIGHLIGHTS

LEOs understand the importance of networking!

On October 2, 2021, in our first ever LEO networking event, students from the Classes of 2022, 2023, and 2024 came together in Jersey City and developed three main goals that each LEO student wanted to achieve throughout their time in at Seton Hall Law School: 1) Employment Opportunities, 2) Professional Development, and 3) Academic Support. Participants were also able to win some great prizes in the process via raffles!

LEO EVENTS

Calvin W. Souder

FUTURE EVENTS

CONCLUSION

LEO is not just a program, it's Family!

Thank you for reading! The LEO brand encompasses much more than loyalty, integrity, and engagement. As mentioned, there is strength in our tenacity, adversity, and diversity. With each progressing year, LEOs are making their legacy known by being exemplary Academic Scholars, diligent Judicial Interns and Summer Associates, and more importantly, Lawyers-in-Training committed to giving back to our community. See you in the next edition!