Emma Burch, a 2L at Seton Hall Law, brings a wealth of pre-law experience from her internships at the City of Trenton Mayor’s Office and with a magistrate judge. In this interview, Emma discusses her legal journey, the impact of the LEO Fellows program, and her aspirations in privacy and intellectual property law.
Prior to coming to law school, you did a judicial internship, and you were a Public Policy/Legal Intern at the City of Trenton Mayor’s Office. Tell us about your experience during these internships? How did having these internships impact your law school experience?
My internships before law school provided a solid foundation and early exposure to the legal field. While interning for a magistrate judge, I observed various settlement conferences, negotiations, and courtroom proceedings, which were engaging and informative. This experience allowed me to develop my legal research and writing skills well before entering law school, which proved to be extremely beneficial. Although it was initially intimidating to be the only intern who had not completed their 1L year, the experience exceeded my expectations. I gained valuable insights and advice from other interns and law clerks whom I worked closely with. Additionally, the judge I interned for was an exceptional mentor and educator, making it an ideal way to start my legal career journey.
At the Mayor’s Office in Trenton, I gained extensive experience in both politics and law. In the public policy department, I helped manage transportation initiatives and public relations projects, gaining insight into the intersection of policy and community impact. I also assisted the legal department, collaborating with city attorneys on managing litigation records and drafting motions, gaining hands-on experience in legal procedures and documentation. This role broadened my understanding of local government operations and legal frameworks. Overall, both experiences enhanced my law school education, preparing me for legal environments and offering exceptional mentorship from skilled lawyers and policymakers.
This summer you interned at Suburban Propane. How did you hear about this summer internship? What types of assignments did you work on? What interested you the most about this position?
I discovered this internship opportunity through OCI. Over the summer, I was involved in a range of assignments, including litigation and risk management, contract management with customers and vendors, data privacy agreements, independent contractor and employment review, and renewable energy projects. I was particularly interested in data privacy, which was especially exciting to work on. I was drawn to this position because it allowed me to gain experience in various areas of the law. Working alongside experienced attorneys in their respective fields was an extremely valuable and enriching experience.
What challenges have you faced in law school and how did you overcome them?
In my law school experience, I struggled to find a good balance in managing my time. Time management has become crucial as I want to maximize time for my studies while also making sure I can dedicate time to the people and activities that are important to me. Navigating this challenge has taught me the importance of effective planning and prioritization, as well as setting boundaries to ensure I accomplish all of my goals.
How has the LEO Fellows program impacted your law school experience? What do you like most about the program?
The LEO program has positively impacted my law school experience. From the first day of the summer institute, I have felt immensely supported. It is great to have friends and colleagues that you can relate to and rely on during this stressful process. I am truly grateful to be a part of such an important program at Seton Hall University School of Law that values and highlights different backgrounds and perspectives. What I appreciate most about the LEO program is that it provides a sense of community in law school. Every person supports one another, offering constant guidance and encouragement in accomplishing your goals.
What advice would you give to a 1L about their first-year experience?
Advice I would give to an incoming 1L is to trust yourself and stay true to your personal strengths. Law school can be incredibly overwhelming in the beginning with an intense workload and the pressure of high expectations. It’s crucial to understand your own learning style and find strategies that work best for you. This might involve developing a study routine that fits your needs, seeking out resources that you find most effective, and not being afraid to adjust your approach as you learn what works best. Learning to adapt is probably the most important lesson I took away from my first year. There will be ups and downs, but the journey will help you grow confidence in yourself and your capabilities.
What are your post-graduation goals?
I hope to start my legal career in the New York City area, practicing intellectual property and privacy law, and plan to take a few fun trips along the way.
