Legal Writing Intro Lawyering

Seton Hall Law's innovative Introduction to Lawyering program brings this combination of theory and practice into the first year of law school. This year-long legal research and writing class, held in a small group setting and led by professors, introduces students to the fundamentals of legal practice. Going beyond traditional legal research and writing offerings, it trains students in interviewing, client counseling, and negotiating while also equipping them to navigate the ethical and business challenges of the profession.

"Lawyering is a course unlike any other offered at seton hall law. Legal research and writing can feel daunting, but my lawyering professor helped me master the art of crafting a legal argument. I especially enjoyed the small classroom environment, which encouraged thoughtful conversation and made me feel comfortable trying new lawyering skills that were unfamiliar to me, such as counseling a client and negotiating with other parties. The skills i learned through the lawyering program will be valuable to me no matter what kind of career i pursue."

Emma Taylor ’25

The structure of the class is as important as its content. Introduction to Lawyering allows our first-year students to learn in a small, intimate group with a single professor. That professor becomes a mentor and helps guide their students through the remainder of their law school experience.  Sonia Badyal, ‘24 believes Seton Hall’s lawyering program is unique in its focus on providing students with practical legal skills early on in their law school career. Sonia said, “I have felt prepared for every legal writing assignment I have taken on in my internships and externships throughout law school and for that I have my lawyering professor to thank!” Adrian Newall, Director of Lawyering, explains that the program was built with  input from attorneys and judges about how to better prepare law students to work in the profession. Lawyering professors work with their students during Orientation, even before the first day of classes, to teach them how to read cases, how to prepare for their other classes, and how to start ‘thinking like a lawyer. Much of the learning in Introduction to Lawyering takes place through simulations, in which students assume the role of associate attorneys on behalf of simulated “clients. Professors conduct individual conferences with students, simulating a partner-associate meeting in a law firm. Students also conduct role-play sessions with actors serving as clients, interviewing, counseling, and negotiating on their “clients’” behalf. These interactions are typically videotaped so students may review their performance with their professors.

"The first-year lawyering curriculum is the foundation for legal education. While the research and writing skills you learn are crucial, the true benefit of the lawyering program is the professors' professional experience. The dedication to teaching skills from the perspective of those who had success in all fields of law makes lawyering not just an academic course at seton hall, but the ultimate preparation for a successful legal career."

John “Jack” Mostow ’25

Students are also challenged to consider the ethical issues faced by attorneys, and to understand how the skills they are acquiring fit within the context of the profession. In addition, students learn to collaborate, to pursue high levels of professionalism, and to reflect on their experiences. Kaitlyn Akroush ‘25 appreciated that aspect of the Introduction to Lawyering course. “Lawyering is among the most valuable curricula offered at SHU Law. The legal interpersonal, reading, writing, and research skills I learned were invaluable and will help me succeed and stand out in my legal career. Even beginning in their 1L summers, students will take the skills learned from Lawyering and apply it in a real world setting, gaining experience that simply cannot be learned from a casebook or in a classroom setting."

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