Daniel Masoud, a 2L at Seton Hall Law, is known for his drive, efficiency, and natural gift for networking. With judicial and private firm experience under his belt, Daniel is building a strong foundation for a legal career rooted in strategic thinking, client advocacy, and meaningful professional connections.
Can you talk a little about what made you decide to come to law school?
I kind of always knew I wanted to be an attorney—I’m not sure why. I think a big part of it was that I enjoy helping people reach their goals, and attorneys do that for their clients. I enjoy seeing people become accomplished, and I enjoy being part of the reason for that person’s success. When I applied to law school, everything just kind of fell into place for me.
What did you do for your 1L summer job? What did you like about it?
I was a Judicial Intern for the Honorable Michael A. Jimenez, J.S.C., of the Civil Division in the Superior Court of New Jersey at the Hudson County Vicinage.
I liked seeing the judge on the bench having to make split-second decisions and figure out what the most appropriate legal decision was—one that wouldn’t get him appealed. It was fast-paced and it was fun.
Did your judicial internship leave you with a desire to clerk post-grad?
I left my internship open to the idea of clerking post-grad.
You have held during-the-semester internships as well. How did you find those (like, physically—how did you learn about the job)?
An opportunity just kind of fell into my lap. I enjoy meeting and talking to new people, and one day I was inadvertently networking with someone who turned out to be an attorney. When they found out I was a law student, they offered me an opportunity to clerk for their firm.
Have you enjoyed your experience working during the semester?
Yes! It’s made me more efficient!
Where are you working this summer? What are you most excited about in that role?
I’ll be at Hall Booth Smith, P.C., in their Paramus, NJ office.
I’m excited to start working at a larger firm and to start working on matters I haven’t encountered at my current firm.
You are a master networker—can you explain to students how networking has helped you, and why it is so important?
I LOVE to network. As mentioned above, I was just chatting with someone one day at a social event, and an opportunity fell into my lap—which opened more doors for me.
In general, employers like to hire someone they know something about—not just a name on paper. When you network and introduce yourself, and they know something about you and like you, it opens up a whole new network and makes getting a job just so much easier.
I think not networking is foolish. The more people you have in your network, the easier it is to move around in your career.
What do you think you want to do post-grad?
I think I’m going to clerk and then move over to a firm.
What have you most enjoyed about law school?
Networking, meeting new people, making new friends, working on my soft skills, learning how to think differently, and refining my analytical skills.
