Meet Priscilla Febus, a 2L law student featured in this month’s LEO Corner spotlight. From gaining hands-on experience in private practice and corporate law to serving as a Student Ambassador and Events Coordinator, Priscilla shares insights on law school, leadership, and even her unique hobby—baking cakes for dogs!
As a Chiesa Shahinian & Giantomasi PC Scholarship Recipient and a Legal Education Opportunity Program Fellow, how have these opportunities shaped your law school experience and career aspirations?
These opportunities have provided me with invaluable support and guidance throughout my law school experience. As a LEO Fellow, I was able to navigate my first year with the support of the LEO Program Director, Professor Perez Vellios, and 2L and 3L LEO Fellows. When I think about my career aspirations, I look forward to giving back as an alum because I feel inspired by LEO alumni and firms like Chiesa Shahinian & Giantomasi PC that continuously give back to the Seton Hall Law community.
You are deeply involved in student organizations, serving as Events Coordinator for the Women’s Law Forum and participating in multiple affinity groups. How has this involvement enriched your law school journey?
Being involved in law school has allowed me to connect with my peers outside the classroom and step away from my textbooks. It’s easy to fall into a rabbit hole of studying and forget to take breaks. By participating in and organizing events, I not only give myself much-needed study breaks but also provide that opportunity for others.
As a first-generation law student, what challenges have you faced, and what advice would you give to others navigating law school as the first in their family to pursue this path?
When I started law school, I had no idea what to expect or whom to ask for guidance, so one of my biggest challenges was being okay with not knowing everything. My advice to others on this path is to remember they are not alone and to not shy away from asking 2Ls and 3Ls questions. One piece of advice that was given to me, which I now pass on, is to not let anyone tell you what you can’t do. It’s easy to fall into a cycle of self-doubt, but everyone’s law school journey is different, so take everything with a grain of salt.
Your legal experiences span both private practice and corporate law, from Carella Byrne to Prudential Financial. How have these diverse internships influenced your perspective on the legal profession?
These experiences have made me appreciate the legal profession even more. It has been amazing to explore different practice areas while in law school, allowing me to narrow down my choices. Everything around us has a legal impact, and it’s fascinating to see how I can pursue my interests within a legal context.
At Prudential Financial, you worked on contract reviews and reinsurance transactions. What did you find most interesting about working at the intersection of law and business?
It was interesting to see the overlap between both areas. From a legal perspective, I observed how attorneys explained legal concepts in agreements to the business side, and then how the business side articulated what was important to them in an agreement so they could carry out their standard operating procedures.
During your judicial internship with Judge Jaclyn Medina, you worked on family law cases. Did this experience spark an interest in family law, or did it reinforce your interest in another area of practice?
While I do not plan to practice family law, my experience with Judge Medina was invaluable. Working in chambers and closely with her helped me enhance and develop legal skills that are transferable to any practice area. One of the great aspects of law school is the opportunity to explore different practice areas—it can be hard to decide!
As a Student Ambassador for Seton Hall Law, you help prospective students learn about the law school. What do you think sets Seton Hall apart, and what advice do you give to incoming students?
What sets Seton Hall apart is the approachability of everyone from day one. The community is strong and tight-knit, with faculty members eager to help students, alumni consistently giving their time to network or judge moot court competitions, and students supporting each other. My advice to incoming students is to not shy away from attending professors’ office hours. Speaking with your professors about classes and career goals can tremendously enhance your law school experience.
Your role as Program Manager at the Greenleaf Center for Servant Leadership focused on leadership development. How has this experience shaped your leadership style, and how do you apply it in law school and your legal career?
Being a servant leader means putting the needs of others first and helping people develop and perform at their highest potential. This leadership philosophy has shaped my approach to life. One way I apply this leadership style in law school is by sharing outlines and resources with fellow classmates. We are all pursuing a legal career together, and we should help one another whenever possible.
You have a unique hobby—baking cakes for dogs! How did you get into that, and do you have a favorite recipe?
I have a four-year-old Maltipoo named Oliver! When I started planning his birthdays, I wanted them to be special, so I began exploring dog-friendly cake recipes. My favorite (well, Oliver’s favorite) is a pumpkin-apple cake with peanut butter frosting. As an added touch, I decorate the borders with blueberries.
Where do you see yourself in five years, and what impact do you hope to make in the legal field?
While I’m still deciding on a practice area, in five years, I see myself as a well-established attorney at a New Jersey firm. I also see myself taking on more leadership roles, mentoring law students, and contributing to pro bono initiatives that make a meaningful difference in our communities. The impact I want to make in the legal field is not only to be recognized for delivering top-quality legal solutions but also to contribute to a legal culture that values diversity, inclusivity, and social responsibility.
