Discover how Elika Mohebbi’s diverse legal experiences—from interning with Judge Salas to winning moot court competitions—shaped her path as a 3L. Dive into her insights on judicial decision-making, case management, and leadership in this month's inspiring feature. Read more to uncover her journey and achievements!
How did your experience working as a Judicial Intern for The Honorable Lisa M. Adubato influence your understanding of chancery and probate matters?
Working with Judge Adubato was a wonderful experience. I learned about the detailed and complex nature of chancery matters, as well as the personal aspects of probate cases and common issues with contested wills. Additionally, I gained insight into how the Judge handles cases both on the bench and behind the scenes. The experience was very enlightening.
What were some of the most challenging cases you encountered during your 2L summer at Seward & Kissel LLP, and how did you handle them?
Two challenging matters come to mind. First, the difficulty was not with the cases themselves but with my lack of familiarity with the topics. Law school tends to focus on litigation rather than transactional work, so I had to familiarize myself with various contracts, terms, and skills. I addressed this by asking questions to strengthen my foundational understanding, saving both my and the supervising attorney's time.
Second, I had to research unanswered legal questions on several occasions. This can be challenging because an answer may not always be available. For some questions, I could compile relevant case law, while for others, there was no definitive answer. After thorough research, I communicated my findings to my supervising attorney, who agreed that no answer was available. Effective communication is crucial, whether discussing challenges with attorneys or presenting legal answers in writing and verbally.
Can you describe your role and responsibilities as an Associate Editor for the Seton Hall Law Review, and any significant contributions you made?
As an Associate Editor, my responsibilities were twofold: (1) writing my Comment and (2) editing and attribution checking. A Comment is a scholarly piece of legal writing developed over the course of a year. The topic can be anything of interest, and it involves drafting several versions and receiving feedback from the Comments Editor and Faculty Advisor. This process allows exploration of a legal area while earning AWR credit.
My editing responsibilities included attending office hours to review footnotes and attached content. Additionally, I performed attribution checks to ensure that the authors' propositions were supported by cited sources. These edits were compiled and reviewed by the Executive Board. During Reading Days, the entire Law Review reviewed edits and checks for articles or comments they did not handle during office hours. Both office hours and Reading Days occur five times per volume. Going into my second year on Law Review, I will serve as an Articles Editor, focusing on editing Professor-written work.
How did winning the moot court competition with Casey Morrison impact your confidence and skills as a future litigator?
Winning the Gressman Moot Court Competition was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It was not just the victory that built my confidence but the extensive experience gained through participation. Over the course of the competition, I participated in six rounds and mooted independently more than six times. Each round provided feedback from six judges, which was invaluable for improving skills and learning when to accept advice or stick with one's approach.
The competition also enhanced my teamwork abilities, as it required collaboration with a partner to draft and edit a uniform brief. This skill is essential for real-life litigation. Additionally, arguing before real judges and justices—NJ Appellate Judges in the semi-finals and NJ Supreme Court Justices and a NJ District Court Judge in the finals—boosted my confidence and prepared me for future appearances before the bench.
What insights did you gain about the judicial decision-making process during your internship with Judge Salas?
My experience with Judge Salas was highly positive. She is intelligent, empathetic, and steadfast. During my time in her chambers, I learned about the holistic nature of the judicial decision-making process. Judge Salas is a strong advocate for avoiding recidivism and takes an active role in understanding defendants' backgrounds and circumstances. This understanding is crucial for making informed decisions regarding appropriate punishment and next steps.
How did your leadership roles at The College of New Jersey, such as President of the Humanities and Social Sciences Peer Mentoring Program and Student Government Senator, prepare you for law school and your legal career?
As President of the HSS Peer Mentoring Program, I facilitated mentorship within my community, which is foundational to success. My own mentors supported me, and I continue to mentor others, including a mentee from The College of New Jersey who now attends Seton Hall Law. I serve as a legal mentor to her as well.
As a Student Government Senator, I advocated for my peers, which motivated me to pursue a legal career. This role involved communicating with those I represented and addressing their concerns with faculty. I also contributed to a voter engagement initiative that earned awards for the school. This experience in advocacy and voter engagement translates well into the legal profession.
What motivated you to join various student organizations like the Women’s Law Forum, Environmental Law Society, and Real Estate Law Society at Seton Hall Law?
I recommend joining any and all student organizations at Seton Hall Law that spark even a slight interest. When I entered Seton Hall Law, I was initially interested in Real Estate and Environmental Law. It was through a Real Estate Law Society networking event that I decided to change paths.
I joined the Women’s Law Forum due to its significant presence on campus and my passion for advancing female causes. The organization is active, hosting events that facilitate engagement among law students and prominent women in the legal field.
How did your internship at the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office shape your interest in criminal law and case management?
My internship at the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office demonstrated my capability to handle difficult cases, especially within the Special Victims Unit, which dealt with sensitive subject matter. Despite the challenges, I was able to perform my duties effectively, aiming to assist some of the most vulnerable members of society. I also gained valuable insights into the foundational steps of case management, which is crucial regardless of the area of law I pursue.
Can you share any memorable experiences or achievements from your time as a Legal Intern at Swartz and Culleton PC, particularly in drafting pleadings and discovery requests?
One memorable aspect of my time at Swartz and Culleton PC was gaining hands-on experience with clients. For pleadings and discovery requests to be effective, understanding the client's full story is essential. Learning to make clients comfortable and engage with them effectively was crucial to my development as an attorney. I'm grateful for the client interaction and skills I acquired early on.
