Meet Christopher Van Haight (2L), a non-traditional student whose path to law began after more than twenty years as a Franciscan Friar and ordained Roman Catholic priest. This summer, he interned with the American Friends Service Committee’s Immigrant Rights Program in Newark, pursuing his passion for immigration law.reer.
Can you share a bit about your journey from religious life to law school and what inspired this career transition?
I have been a Franciscan friar for over twenty years, working mostly in bilingual parishes. At a friar gathering a couple of years ago, we were challenged to look at the signs of the times and respond in new and bold ways to the needs of God’s people. Because of that call to action, I realized I could do even more to live out the Gospel: “I was a stranger, and you welcomed me.” (Matthew 25:35). I began discerning with my province’s leadership whether law school was the right direction, and together we decided it was.
What drew you specifically to immigration law, and how do you hope to make a difference in this field?
I have worked with and alongside immigrants as part of my ministry ever since I was ordained to the priesthood. I have known good, faithful, hard-working people who were deported despite simply wanting a chance to make a better life for themselves and their children here in the U.S. I’ve heard stories from family members whose loved ones were deported because of an error on a form or a misunderstanding of what the immigration system requires. And sadly, I’ve heard of desperate people paying thousands of dollars to lawyers only to be deported anyway because they never had, and never would have, a legitimate avenue for relief.
I want to be honest with clients—explaining what their legal options are without sugar-coating the reality—so they have the information they need. If there is a legal way to help someone remain in this country and continue being a productive member of society, then I want to help as best I can.
How has your experience as a Franciscan friar and priest shaped your perspective as a law student?
Working with people who need quality legal assistance is not just a theoretical or future reality for me—I’ve already encountered those people. Those experiences continue to motivate me every day as a law student.
This summer you worked with the American Friends Service Committee — what was the most impactful part of that experience?
First, what a great group of people make up AFSC. The legal team is so dedicated to helping the marginalized, and it was uplifting to work with them—trying to help as many folks as possible with limited time and resources in a very challenging legal environment. The most impactful part was working directly with clients in a legal setting. Sitting across from someone who needed legal help and being part of the team offering that help—those were the most memorable experiences.
How do your language skills and cross-cultural experiences influence your approach to legal work?
I learned Spanish in Mexico, and I still remember how difficult those first few weeks were—being in another country, not knowing the language, constantly feeling out of place. Legalese is a challenge for native English speakers; imagine being from another country, speaking a different language, and trying to navigate the system knowing a single mistake could have life-changing consequences. These individuals need someone who will listen to their stories and compassionately assist them. If I can help even a few people make it through the system and become productive members of society, it will be worth it.
As a non-traditional student, what unique strengths or perspectives do you bring to the classroom?
As a non-traditional student, I think it’s been a bit easier to take in the big picture of law school and not get bogged down in the moment. I’m also used to different educational styles and systems. Taking a class where laptops aren’t allowed and notes must be handwritten? That was my entire undergraduate experience. And yes—I can write in cursive!
Who has been a mentor or key influence on your path, and what lesson or advice has stayed with you?
The in-house counsel for the friars, a layperson who graduated from Cardozo a few years ago, advised me to keep my eye on the end goals: graduating and passing the bar. That seemed wise at the time and continues to be good advice.
What has been your most memorable moment so far at Seton Hall Law?
Our last Civil Procedure class with Professor Denis McLaughlin was very moving. He is a wonderful professor, and the mutual admiration and affection present that day were incredible to experience. You don’t expect moments like that in law school, and it was beautiful.
Outside of academics, what hobbies, travels, or personal interests keep you grounded and energized?
In addition to my cat, Rufino—who is a constant source of joy and a sporadic source of consternation—I enjoy learning about the business side of the entertainment industry. In an alternate universe, I might even have pursued that concentration at Seton Hall Law. I’m also obsessed with Zillow and real estate in general. Strange interests for a friar, I know.
Looking ahead, what are your career aspirations, and how do you hope to integrate your past experiences into your future legal work?
One of the blessings of being a friar is that I have many options. I want to use my legal training to help immigrants, but how that plays out is yet to be seen. Working full time for a nonprofit doing immigration work while ministering in Spanish on weekends is one possibility—similar to what I do now, with full-time studies and weekend Masses. Or, if discernment leads me and my province to see a greater need in parochial work, I could do legal work part-time or pro bono. Other pathways may emerge as well. Whatever the future holds, I’m grateful to have this incredible opportunity to be at Seton Hall Law, surrounded by such great faculty, staff, and fellow students.
