2L Andrew Micillo brings together a business foundation from Rutgers, frontline client experience from TD Bank, and a formative judicial internship with Judge Rukhsanah Singh. Now active in the Corporate Law Society and SBA, he’s preparing for his upcoming summer at Ropes & Gray and shares insights on growth, balance, and purpose in law.
What inspired you to pursue a career in law, and what drew you to judicial internships and corporate law?
I’ve always been drawn to the law because I see it as one of the best ways to be the voice of reason when issues arise. I really value being able to bridge the gap between conflict and resolution, and I’m passionate about helping people find solutions that restore order and fairness. That drive to solve problems in a meaningful way pushed me to pursue a career in law.
Working under Judge Singh gave me the opportunity to observe the law in action, not just in theory. I sat in on proceedings that showed me how the law touches people’s lives in real time, and I was able to contribute through legal research and writing that had a direct impact on real cases.
Corporate law appeals to me for many of the same reasons, but it also ties into my business background. Before law school, I attended Rutgers Business School, so I’m aware of the challenges companies face and how important it is to find practical, strategic solutions. Corporate practice feels like the right fit because it lets me use my problem-solving skills to bring parties together.
How has your summer internship with The Honorable Rukhsanah L. Singh shaped your perspective on federal litigation?
Observing proceedings under Judge Singh in the District of New Jersey gave me a clearer sense of the pace, complexity, and precision that federal litigation demands. I saw how even routine disputes in federal court lead to significant questions of law and procedure.
Being able to work on real cases deepened my appreciation for the role of law clerks and interns in contributing to the Court’s decision-making process. I learned how to analyze issues efficiently, write with clarity, and ensure that memos provided the Judge with a well-grounded framework for resolving disputes.
Much of my work focused on pre-trial matters, including discovery and jurisdictional issues. One of the most important takeaways was realizing how central Civil Procedure is to federal litigation. What initially felt like abstract classroom doctrine came alive in chambers, where the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure often determined the outcome of a case.
What excites you most about your upcoming summer associate position at Ropes & Gray LLP?
What excites me most about joining Ropes & Gray is the opportunity to learn from and contribute to one of the leading firms in corporate practice. I’m eager to dive into meaningful work, put my law school skills to use, and continue to grow, while gaining firsthand experience with the fast-paced, high-stakes matters Ropes handles. I’m also excited to be part of a team that mentors its associates, supports their success, and genuinely cares about their development.
How have your prior experiences at TD Bank, Aflac, and Axios Coatings Group influenced your approach to problem-solving and client service in law?
At TD Bank, I learned the importance of earning client trust through strong customer service. Each interaction required resolving financial concerns and ensuring clients felt secure and confident. That experience showed me how essential communication, patience, and reliability are in client service. At Aflac and Axios, I built on those same skills by supporting clients and focusing on responsiveness and professionalism. These experiences taught me that effective problem-solving is not just about finding the right answer but also about delivering it in a way that builds confidence and strengthens relationships. Communication is key in law, too.
What have you learned through your involvement with the Corporate Law Society and Student Bar Association at SHU Law?
Through the Student Bar Association, I serve on the Finance Committee for the Treasurer, helping manage the school’s budgets for student organizations and events. This role has given me insight into organizational leadership and the responsibility that comes with allocating resources fairly and effectively. With the Corporate Law Society, I’ve connected with students who share my career interests. Collaborating with them has allowed me to learn from their experiences while also building a network within my field.
How do you balance your rigorous academic workload with extracurricular and professional responsibilities?
The transition into law school was challenging at first because the workload was unlike anything I had experienced. Over time, I realized that balancing academics with professional and extracurricular responsibilities required strong time management and intentional breaks. For me, that balance came from building a routine that prioritized schoolwork while leaving space for personal resets. During my 1L fall, for example, I spent Sundays with my family and watched football. Those hours completely away from schoolwork gave me the mental reset I needed to return to my work with focus and energy.
Chess, mixed martial arts, and music are some of your interests — how do these hobbies contribute to your life as a law student?
Chess, mixed martial arts, and music are therapeutic interests that keep me balanced during law school. Before studying, I try to play a quick game of chess to get my brain working and sharpen critical thinking. Chess provides a mental reset, mixed martial arts gives discipline and stress relief, and music helps me unwind. Even if I don’t always have time for chess or training, these hobbies give me space to recharge and return to my work with focus and perspective.
What has been the most challenging aspect of law school so far, and how have you overcome it?
The toughest part of law school has been juggling the heavy workload and realizing that sleep is more of a luxury than a guarantee. At first, it felt like there weren’t enough hours in the day to keep up while still doing the things I enjoy. Over time, I learned that law school requires sacrifices, but the trade-off is worth it. You figure out how to make the most of your free moments and remind yourself that it’s all part of the process.
What advice would you give to students aiming to combine practical experience, academics, and personal passions effectively?
I’d tell students to get involved early, join clubs, participate in Moot Court, and take advantage of opportunities like the Write-On competition for journals or Law Review. These experiences provide practical skills and a community outside the classroom. By 2L, mix in classes that genuinely interest you but also appreciate required courses—they’re critical for practice and carry weight for your grades. Strong grades open doors to journals, clerkships, and job opportunities, so engaging with all courses pays off.
Looking ahead, what are your professional aspirations, and how do you hope to make an impact in the field of law?
My long-term aspiration is to become a law professor because teaching feels like the best way to give back to a meaningful profession. Professors at Seton Hall have shown me how impactful strong mentorship and thoughtful teaching can be. Pursuing academia would allow me to contribute to scholarship and pass forward the guidance and support I’ve been fortunate to receive.
