Conor Abbamonte (3L) is blending legal training with entrepreneurship as the founder of ColdCaller.ai, an AI-powered platform that helps law students quickly break down case law into key components. Inspired by his own law school experience, Conor is leveraging technology to make legal education more efficient, accessible, and practical.
Can you share a bit about your path to law school and what led you to Seton Hall Law?
My path to law school is nontraditional. After high school, I enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served for four years, earning an honorable discharge in 2016. Following that, I attended Montclair State for a year before transferring to Columbia University, where I completed my degree in Political Science. After graduating from Columbia, I took a gap year to launch a consulting business while also moonlighting as a (mediocre) stand-up comedian before ultimately enrolling at Seton Hall Law. I chose Seton Hall because it offered a strong legal education in the North Jersey area, which made the most sense for my personal and professional goals.
What inspired you to create ColdCaller.ai, and how did the idea first take shape?
The inspiration behind ColdCaller.ai stemmed from my longstanding interest in emerging technologies and a desire to explore how AI could be used in practical, unconventional ways. The idea took shape during my long daily commutes to and from the Eastern District of New York last summer, when I used platforms like Replit to experiment with coding and building web applications. I wanted to apply AI to something I interacted with every day, and I figured the best place to work smarter—not harder—was to create a platform that would give law students more efficient ways to engage with their coursework, ultimately freeing up valuable time. In essence, ColdCaller.ai was born out of a desire to leverage what I knew and make legal education more efficient and effective.
For students who may not be familiar with the platform, how does ColdCaller.ai work, and what problem were you aiming to solve?
ColdCaller.ai is a web platform designed to complement, rather than replace, traditional case briefing. Students upload a PDF of a case to the platform, and ColdCaller.ai generates a structured case outline, a traditional FIRAC-style case brief, and hypothetical cold-call questions. This allows students to gain a high-level overview of the material before diving into detailed reading, ultimately helping them work smarter, not harder.
What was the biggest challenge you faced in launching a startup while managing the demands of law school?
Ironically, the biggest challenge I faced in building an app meant to give me more free time was actually managing my time. As a nontraditional law student in my 30s, juggling classes and studying on top of everyday adult responsibilities—like paying my mortgage and planning my wedding—proved to be the real test. This often meant working late into the night and starting early in the morning, all while learning new skills with minimal prior experience. It was a demanding balancing act, but it ultimately strengthened my ability to manage multiple responsibilities and forced me to become comfortable being uncomfortable.
How has your experience as a law student influenced the way you designed and developed ColdCaller.ai?
My experience as a law student greatly influenced the design and development of ColdCaller.ai. As a law student, I understood firsthand what features and functionalities other law students would find useful. Additionally, my legal education equipped me to navigate important considerations such as copyright compliance and the creation of robust Terms of Service and privacy policies. The knowledge I gained at Seton Hall was invaluable in ensuring that the platform is both legally sound and user-friendly.
You’ve previously founded and operated a consulting business. How did that experience prepare you for launching this new venture?
My experience running my consulting business was invaluable in preparing me for ColdCaller.ai. Having already navigated the process of incorporating an LLC, designing a website, and managing self-marketing, I was familiar with the fundamentals of building and promoting a product. This background helped me transition seamlessly into developing ColdCaller.ai, as I was already well-versed in client acquisition, branding, and the operational aspects of a startup. In many ways, it was like riding a bicycle—familiar skills from consulting made the new venture much more approachable.
What feedback have you received from students or faculty who have used ColdCaller.ai?
The feedback I’ve received so far has been encouraging and positive. Students have expressed that ColdCaller.ai offers a helpful, streamlined approach to case preparation, and they appreciate the clarity and efficiency it brings. While we are still in the early stages of adoption, the initial responses have been promising and provide valuable insights for ongoing improvements.
How do you see technology—particularly AI—continuing to shape legal education and the practice of law?
I believe that AI will not replace lawyers but rather complement and enhance legal education and practice. AI is becoming an integral part of our world, much like the cellphone was in the early 2000s. As the first AI-native generation of lawyers, I think adapting and incorporating AI into our educational framework is an absolute necessity. Law schools must teach students how to leverage AI tools effectively, ensuring that future lawyers can work more efficiently and ethically. Those who do not adapt will find themselves at a disadvantage in a rapidly evolving and increasingly competitive landscape.
As you approach graduation, what are your current post-graduation plans, and how does entrepreneurship fit into your long-term career goals?
As I approach graduation, I’m navigating a balance between my entrepreneurial ambitions and the practicalities of financial stability. While I’m actively seeking traditional legal roles, I’m also keeping an open mind about opportunities in startups or the nonprofit sector. In the long term, I envision either launching my own law firm focused on transactional or criminal defense law or continuing to blend my legal practice with entrepreneurial ventures. Ultimately, I’m open to any opportunity that aligns with my passions and goals.
What advice would you give to law students who are interested in building something of their own while still in school?
My advice for law students interested in building their own ventures is simple: lean in. Often, law students get caught up in the pursuit of grades and traditional career paths, but the legal education and network we build can be leveraged in countless innovative ways. It’s essential to step outside your comfort zone and try something new, as it can lead to valuable experiences and opportunities. In short, it’s better to try something outside the norm and gain a novel experience than to play it safe and be haunted by the two most dangerous words in the English language: what if?
