Andrea Rodriguez (2L) brings a strong commitment to service to her legal journey, shaped by her Navy JAG Corps internship and prior experience in legal and higher education roles. Through her work and volunteer efforts, she continues to pursue a career grounded in public service, leadership, and meaningful advocacy.
What inspired you to pursue a career in law, and how did that lead to your interest in the U.S. Navy JAG Corps?
I knew from a young age that I wanted to become an attorney so I could support my community and help others. Law seemed like the most effective way to give a voice to people navigating difficult situations or whose perspectives may be left out of the conversation. Three generations of my family have served in the Armed Forces, so continuing that tradition of service while pursuing my passion for the law felt like the perfect path. This naturally led me to explore opportunities in national security and the military.
How has your summer internship at the Navy JAG Corps influenced your perspective on military or public service law?
My summer internship reaffirmed my commitment to public service and gave me a clearer picture of the unique role attorneys play in the military. I saw how JAG officers not only uphold the law but also advise commanders, guide service members through personal and legal challenges, and help maintain the integrity of the Navy. I left with a deeper appreciation for the responsibility and impact of military law, as well as the teamwork, accountability, and professionalism that make the JAG Corps such a dynamic environment.
What were some key takeaways from your prior roles as a legal assistant, real estate paralegal, and Assistant Director of Admissions?
Each of these roles taught me skills I continue to rely on in law school. As a legal assistant and paralegal, I developed strong organizational skills to manage large volumes of information while meeting deadlines and communicating with clients. As an Assistant Director of Admissions, I learned how to build relationships, communicate complex information clearly, and help families navigate important decisions. Across all of these roles, I learned how to listen carefully, adapt quickly, and support others with professionalism and empathy.
How have your volunteer experiences with Essex County Department of Economic Development and Rise Against Hunger shaped your approach to service and community engagement?
Service has been a central part of my life since I was young, from food drives to volunteering in soup kitchens. In college, I continued this work through service trips with Habitat for Humanity. These experiences taught me the importance of both direct, hands-on contributions and long-term solutions. At the Department of Economic Development, I’ve seen how policy can create meaningful change, while Rise Against Hunger brings me back to the immediate impact of service. Together, these experiences have shaped my belief that service requires both compassion and a commitment to systemic change.
What skills or lessons from your undergraduate studies in Latin American and Caribbean Studies have been most valuable in law school?
My undergraduate studies strengthened my ability to think critically about issues of equity, history, culture, and identity—skills that are invaluable in law school and the legal profession. The interdisciplinary nature of my self-designed major taught me to analyze problems from multiple perspectives. I often reflect on my study abroad and research in Cuba, which deepened my understanding of how law and policy intersect with broader social, political, and economic contexts.
How do you balance your professional, academic, and volunteer commitments while pursuing personal interests?
There will always be some level of imbalance as different seasons of life change, so I aim for harmony instead. During demanding periods in law school, academics take priority, but I remain intentional about carving out time to stay grounded. For me, harmony means being disciplined and organized while also giving myself grace to adjust when needed. This mindset helps me sustain my commitments without losing sight of what brings me joy.
Outside of law, you enjoy practicing vinyasa yoga, hiking & camping, reading, and baking — how do these activities enrich your life and law school experience?
These activities help me recharge and reconnect with myself outside of school. Yoga has been especially meaningful in building both physical and mental endurance. Being outdoors allows me to disconnect and appreciate simplicity, which restores me when school feels overwhelming. I’ve always loved reading—it’s how I explore different perspectives and unwind. And baking brings comfort and connection with my family. Together, these activities keep me grounded, resilient, and focused.
What challenges have you faced during law school, and how have you overcome them?
One of the biggest challenges I faced was navigating grief during my 1L year. Balancing the demands of law school while processing personal loss was incredibly difficult. What helped me was leaning on a strong support system of family, friends, and professors, building small routines, and making time for counseling. That experience taught me the importance of self-compassion and asking for help—lessons that continue to shape how I approach challenges today.
What advice would you give to students interested in pursuing military or government internships?
I recommend connecting with classmates, alumni, and professors to learn from those with firsthand experience. I used LinkedIn to connect with alumni from Seton Hall and other law schools to better understand the differences among JAG Corps branches and how to tailor my application. Be proactive in networking, ask thoughtful questions, and invest your time strategically—those conversations can provide both guidance and encouragement.
Looking ahead, what are your professional goals, and how do you hope to make an impact in the legal field?
Following my summer internship, I am pursuing a commission as an officer to begin my career as a judge advocate. I am especially interested in working on complex matters involving detainees and shaping policies that protect service members’ rights while ensuring safety and dignity. I hope to strengthen military justice, advise commanders, and build a career grounded in compassion, fairness, and integrity.
