JD Student Spotlight - Kayla Bowie

What initially inspired you to pursue a legal career, and what led you to choose Seton Hall Law?

In high school, I grew passionate about wanting to be able to help contribute to society to bring about real change. I wanted to help others in a way that would truly impact their lives, especially trouble that individuals were facing regarding the law. When going to college, I decided to major in Criminal Justice and soon after grew interested in legal reform. I chose Seton Hall because the inclusivity of the student environment. I was exposed to many different clubs and organizations, and a student body who cared about the success of their peers, which other law schools did not have. I also felt that the Seton Hall Law staff were extremely knowledgeable and willing to help me navigate my experience in law school in the best way possible.

During your 1L summer, you interned with the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General. What was that experience like, and what did it teach you about public service and prosecution?

My experience at the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General was invaluable. I was able to work closely with Deputy Attorney Generals on matters that directly impacted the safety and well-being of the public, which gave me a clearer understanding of how legal principles translate into real-world outcomes. I had the opportunity to engage in legal research, writing, and case preparation, which were then used in assisting the attorneys with court filings and oral arguments. The work was challenging, but it pushed me to think critically, write carefully, and approach each task with attention to detail. This experience reinforced the importance of public service and the heavy responsibility that comes with prosecution.

How did your 2L summer experience at Bennett, Bricklin & Saltzburg LLC differ from your work in the public sector?

My 2L summer experience at Bennett, Bricklin & Saltzburg LLC provided an intellectual contrast to my work in the public sector. I worked on a wide range of litigation-related tasks, focusing primarily on insurance defense, and gained insight into how attorneys tailor their advocacy to meet the desires of the companies that they represented. In private practice, I was focused on a client centered approach, while my experience at the Attorney General’s Office was focused on the public and providing safety. Both experiences provided me with valuable insight into what kind of advocate that I would like to be, as well as develop critical analytical and writing skills.

What aspects of litigation or criminal law have most captured your interest during law school?

In litigation, I am interested in the balance between advocacy and responsibility.  The stakes are high, and each decision carries real consequences for individuals and the community. That pressure instills passion within me to work hard and motives me as a I continue exploring my legal career. I especially enjoy building a case and being given the opportunity to go to court and orally argue before judges or a jury.

You have been very active in moot court and appellate advocacy. How have those experiences shaped your confidence and courtroom skills?

Moot court and appellate advocacy have given me the opportunity to build upon my oral argument skills in a way I never thought possible. I have built a significant amount of confidence with my public speaking, learned how to maintain composure, and developed quick thinking on my feet in response to challenging questions. Specifically, my membership on the Interscholastic Moot Court Board has given me the opportunity to argue against schools nationwide in competitions around the country. Regular practice in oral advocacy, through moot court and appellate advocacy, helped me become more comfortable speaking in high-pressure settings and sharpened my ability to communicate effectively and confidently. These experiences have also reinforced the importance of how to distill complex legal issues into clear, persuasive arguments.

What was it like being named Best Oral Advocate for the Appellant, and how did you prepare for that competition?

Being named Best Oral Advocate for the Appellant was an incredible honor, especially given the high level of advocacy among my peers. It was reassuring to see the time and effort that I put into preparation reflected in my performance, and it boosted my confidence as an oral advocate. As an oral advocate, it was my responsibility and duty to tell the judges what I know and convince them that I was a reputable source to rely on, to have them agree with me. Therefore, in preparing for our final argument, I focused heavily on not only mastering the record, but also the applicable law so that I could speak confidently and answer the judges’ questions efficiently. I also spent significant time practicing oral arguments and sought feedback from my professor and peers.

You will be clerking post-graduation for the Honorable Joshua Sanders in the Criminal Division. What are you most looking forward to about this role?

In my clerkship with Judge Sanders, I am most looking forward to gaining a behind-the-scenes perspective on the criminal justice system and learning directly from Judge Sanders. Clerking in the Criminal Division presents a unique opportunity to observe how legal arguments are evaluated, how decisions are made, and how the law is applied in practice. I’m especially excited to strengthen my research and writing skills while developing a deeper understanding of criminal procedure and courtroom dynamics. I’m also eager to contribute meaningfully to the court by supporting the judge’s work with careful analysis, attention to detail, and drafting opinions.

Looking back, what has been one of the most challenging moments of law school, and how did you overcome it?

One of the most challenging moments of law school was adjusting to the pace and intensity of legal studies after coming right from college. Balancing heavy coursework, extracurricular commitments, and overall attempting to begin my legal career felt overwhelming at times, and I had to learn quickly how to manage my time effectively. It was unlike anything I had ever experienced before. I overcame this challenge by developing a structured approach to my schoolwork by creating a weekly timesheet of my responsibilities. I also sought guidance from professors and upperclassmen and leaned on my classmates for support when needed. Seton Hall is truly a very helpful community, and I couldn’t have made it this far without self-resilience and the assistance of those around me.

How have your extracurricular involvements, such as Student Bar Association and Women’s Law Society, contributed to your law school experience?

My involvement in the Student Bar Association has been an incredibly meaningful part of my law school experience. Looking back on why I began my legal career, I wanted to be involved in advocating for change and being a part of the Student Bar has given me the opportunity to do just that. As Social Chair, I am able to plan events in a new way that are reflective of the changes that the students look for each year. I am also a platform for students to rely on when they have new ideas, concerns, or questions. Being Social Chair has also contributed to my organizational skills and understanding how to balance school work along with an important position.

Both Student Bar and Women’s Law Society have allowed me to connect with peers and mentors, contribute to the law school community, and develop leadership and organizational skills outside the classroom. Through these roles, I’ve gained a deeper appreciation for collaboration, advocacy, and supporting others, whether it’s planning events, mentoring students, or engaging in initiatives that promote inclusivity and professional growth. Being active in these extracurriculars has not only enriched my law school experience but has also helped me build lasting relationships and a sense of belonging with the legal community.

What advice would you give to current students who are interested in pursuing judicial clerkships or criminal litigation careers?

For students interested in clerkships or litigation, my biggest advice is to be intentional about gaining relevant experience early. Seek out internships and externships that give you the opportunity to continue to get exposed to the court, court filings, adversaries, judges, and the process of litigation. The more exposure you continue to get, the more comfortable that you will get and the more confident in your work you will become.

Building strong relationships with professors, peers, attorneys, and judges is also key. The legal community is very small so building meaningful relationships can go a very long way. Prove yourself and show your work ethic, as others will be willing to help you learn the more you show you want to learn. Finally, take every opportunity to develop your advocacy skills, whether through moot court, journal, law review, class participation, volunteer work, internships, research assistants, and more. There is opportunity all around you and curiosity will serve you well along the way, as it has for me.