O’Toole Scrivo Endows McLaughlin Trial Advocacy Workshop at Seton Hall Law

Newark, NJ – May 14, 2019 – Seton Hall University School of Law has received a $500,000 gift from the law firm of O’Toole Scrivo to sponsor the Denis F. McLaughlin Advanced Trial Advocacy Workshop, which will launch in January 2020. The Workshop is named in honor of Seton Hall Law Professor, Denis F. McLaughlin, and “will be a unique opportunity for students who have excelled in Evidence and Persuasion and Advocacy courses to further their trial skills under the tutelage of trial lawyers who excel at their craft.” 

The gift was announced at Seton Hall Law’s Annual Alumni Gala on May 10, 2019. 

“Seton Hall Law is incredibly grateful to Kevin O’Toole ’89 and Thomas P. Scrivo ’89 for giving back in a way that advances our mission to produce outstanding lawyers,” says Dean Kathleen M. Boozang. “This capstone experience honors the impact Professor McLaughlin has had on thousands of students. We are thrilled that Denis will be the founding director of the Workshop.” 

The two-credit curriculum will be divided into modules breaking down each aspect of a trial, culminating with students trying cases at federal or state courthouses before actual judges.  The students will be coached by teams of highly skilled and acclaimed judges, trial attorneys, and industry leaders. The exceptional advocacy skills developed in the McLaughlin Workshop will make participants highly valued candidates for litigation positions.  

“I would not be the attorney, or person, I am today without Denis McLaughlin’s teaching and guidance,” says Kevin O’Toole. “We want to ensure that, for years to come, Seton Hall Law students are able to similarly learn the practical skills necessary to be effective trial lawyers.” 

“Professor McLaughlin has helped shape the legal careers of thousands of students, many of whom have become New Jersey’s finest trial lawyers,” says Thomas Scrivo. “Our vision was to create a program that continues this legacy and honors Denis’ years of dedicated service to the law school and the legal community.” 

The Workshop will be an intensive immersion in trial advocacy during the January intersession. 

“I am thrilled that because of Kevin and Tom’s generosity, Seton Hall Law students eager to begin their careers as trial lawyers will have this invaluable, ‘hands-on’ learning experience,” says Professor Denis McLaughlin, founding director. “The hallmark of Kevin and Tom’s legal careers has been in giving back to the profession and now our students will be the special beneficiaries of their generosity and vision.” 

About Seton Hall University School of Law

Founded in 1951 and located in Newark, Seton Hall University School of Law is New Jersey’s only private law school and a leading Catholic law school in the New York metropolitan area. Seton Hall Law is dedicated to preparing students for the multiplicity of pathways open to professionals with a legal education in a world transformed by technology. The Law School also offers a robust selection of online and live compliance programs in privacy, cybersecurity, financial services, and health & life sciences for law and graduate students, as well as midcareer professionals. 
 
About O’Toole Scrivo

Founded by Seton Hall University Law School classmates, Kevin O’Toole and Thomas Scrivo, O’Toole Scrivo is led by a team of attorneys who have practiced at the highest levels, including former Chief Counsels to the Governor, Assistant United States Attorneys, County Prosecutors and a host of specialists and subject matter experts.  The firm is carefully crafted with more than 50 attorneys specializing in high stakes matters.  O’Toole Scrivo provides clients with a unique blend of public sector insight and private sector expertise, delivering innovative solutions. 
 
###