Matthew Kane (2L) is building a dynamic legal foundation across the life sciences, digital health, and public sectors. After his 1L summer with Sanofi’s Legal Ethics & Business Integrity team, he now interns at WebMD Health Corp., bringing a thoughtful, mission-driven approach shaped by prior experience with the Richmond County District Attorney’s Office.
What inspired you to pursue a legal career, and what led you to choose Seton Hall Law?
I have known from a young age that I wanted to pursue a legal career because law creates lasting, systemic change that affects entire communities. I was often described as an “advocate,” whether supporting my siblings at home or amplifying my peers’ ideas in college and graduate classrooms. Pursuing my master’s degree in Global Development solidified this interest by exposing me to how legal, institutional, and policy frameworks drive change in developing countries from the ground up. My graduate studies emphasized collaboration as the foundation for meaningful progress, a value I carry into my legal training. I chose Seton Hall Law because, from the moment I walked in, it felt like home—a truly close-knit community where every member, from faculty to staff, contributes to a shared culture of support and belonging.
During your 1L summer at Sanofi, what were your primary responsibilities, and what did you learn about corporate ethics and business integrity?
At Sanofi, I worked with the privacy and M&A teams, researching state, federal, and international law. I reviewed term sheets, CDAs, and licensing agreements, and analyzed evolving disclosure obligations related to AI, profiling, and automated decision-making. I also contributed to revisions of Sanofi’s U.S. Privacy Policy. Working in-house highlighted the importance of collaboration across legal, compliance, and business teams in the life sciences sector. Corporate ethics and business integrity were central to every task, guided by strategic thinking, long-term sustainability, and the principle of “putting the patient above all else.” This experience solidified my commitment to the life sciences industry and fostered mentorships with attorneys that I am grateful to carry forward throughout my career.
How does your current work at WebMD differ from your prior corporate and public sector experiences?
My externship at WebMD has allowed me to work at the intersection of digital health and technology, supporting four distinct business lines. This contrasts with my experience at Sanofi, which focused on healthcare privacy, acquisitions, and regulatory compliance. It also differs from my time at the Richmond County District Attorney’s Office (RCDA), where I supported prosecutors and criminal court staff serving the public. Together, these experiences have shown me how advocacy, compliance, and innovation operate across very different legal environments.
What insights did your internship at the Richmond County District Attorney’s Office provide about the intersection of law and public service?
My time at RCDA reinforced how central law is to public service; nearly every government function is shaped, upheld, and enforced through legal frameworks. I observed the critical role prosecutors and court staff play in maintaining justice and public trust. I was particularly struck by the office’s commitment to equitable outcomes. This experience deepened my appreciation for equity-driven advocacy within the public sector.
How have you managed balancing part-time internships with your law school coursework?
Time management has been key. Balancing work and law school requires discipline, but staying grounded in my “why” keeps me focused and motivated. My motivation comes from believing in the law’s capacity to change lives, shape history, and serve as a tool for advocacy.
Which skills from your prior experiences—graduate studies, corporate, or public sector—have been most valuable in your legal training?
My experience working in higher education administration prior to law school has been deeply impactful. It taught me time management, leadership, institutional awareness, and risk management. These skills translate directly to legal training and have helped me navigate law school with confidence and perspective.
What has been the most surprising or unexpected lesson you’ve learned from working in different legal environments?
I have been consistently surprised by how willing professionals across legal and business settings are to help one another. Working in-house, I regularly collaborate with non-lawyers and business partners, which has highlighted how teamwork and shared problem-solving drive successful outcomes.
How have your academic and extracurricular activities, such as serving as a Student Ambassador and on SBA committees, informed your professional development?
Serving as a Student Ambassador has allowed me to engage with prospective students and share why Seton Hall Law has been such a meaningful experience for me. Being on the SBA Academics and Curriculum and Governance Committees has taught me the importance of listening to peers and effectively communicating their concerns and goals to administration.
Looking ahead, how do you see these experiences shaping your post-graduation goals?
I hope to build a career as an advocate within the healthcare and life sciences industry. My goal is to guide clients through complex regulatory frameworks while contributing to equitable outcomes. I believe my experiences have prepared me to act as both a risk manager and a “translator of the law” for diverse stakeholders.
What advice would you give to fellow law students exploring internships in both corporate and public sector settings?
Always be yourself and step outside your comfort zone. Employers value non-legal experiences and the unique perspectives you bring. It is important to remind yourself that no dream, company, or courtroom is too big—you belong in every space you enter. The public sector values advocacy and judgment; the corporate sector values precision, risk management, and independent thinking.
