Shanelle Tate (2L) brings a unique perspective to Seton Hall Law as a LEO Fellow. This past summer, she interned at Archer & Greiner, P.C., gaining hands-on experience across multiple practice areas. Shanelle draws on her advocacy background and leadership roles to amplify voices and make a meaningful impact.
Can you share a bit about your path to law school and what inspired you to pursue a legal career?
My path to law school was far from typical. While many people know they want to be a lawyer from a young age, I did not. It was my interaction with and observation of the legal profession that inspired me to pursue a legal career. Shortly after graduating, at the start of the pandemic, I began working as a paralegal and health insurance navigator. There, I was able to deeply relate to clients with multifaceted needs, and I realized my background was needed in the legal profession—not to give a voice to the voiceless, but to bring their voices and stories to higher spaces where they could be heard.
How has being a LEO Fellow shaped your experience here at Seton Hall Law?
Being a LEO Fellow has fundamentally transformed my law school experience. The foundation that LEO provided through the Summer Institute gave me not only the skills, but also the confidence and support network that were crucial to my first-year success. The LEO program is the embodiment of education and opportunity—without the educational tips for success and the avenues of opportunity it provided, I am not sure where I would be today.
This summer you interned at Archer & Greiner—what has been the most rewarding part of that experience so far?
The most rewarding part of my summer experience was knowing that I, too, made a difference for the clients. From the start, I was assigned pro bono work, memos, presentations, and research projects that had a meaningful impact. I also enjoyed learning about practice areas I never thought I would, including trusts and estates, real estate, and tax.
Your professional background includes work with public benefits programs and advocacy—how has that experience influenced your perspective on law and justice?
My professional background taught me that justice looks different for everyone. Justice can be the restoration of Medicaid benefits for a victim of gun violence or the reduction of attorney fees for a corporate client. Our lived experiences shape the way we interact with the legal profession, and mine has taught me that empathy can often go further than the justice system can.
How do you balance leadership roles in multiple student organizations with your academic and internship responsibilities?
My Outlook Calendar makes balancing my roles easier by allowing me to visualize gaps in my schedule to find time for my organizations and other responsibilities. Once I know what my week looks like with hard deadlines, meetings, and events, I fill in the gaps to dedicate specific time to each organization and class. It is not always easy, and some weeks are busier than others, but it all balances out in the end!
What has been a standout moment or accomplishment in your time as a LEO Fellow?
In March, several members of the LEO program, along with undergraduates from the Joseph A. Unanue Latino Institute, visited Washington, D.C., and had the incredible, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to tour the Supreme Court. Walking the same halls as Justice Thurgood Marshall, Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, and other trailblazers affirmed that it is possible for someone from a similar background to one day argue before—or occupy a seat within—our nation’s highest court.
Is there a mentor, professor, or colleague who has made a particularly meaningful impact on your journey?
From day one, LEO Director Professor Perez-Vellios provided life-changing foundational support. Her words of encouragement echoed those of my childhood educator, Mrs. Moran, who first encouraged me to pursue law school in 2019. Both Professor Perez-Vellios and Mrs. Moran refused to let me quit, and I am deeply grateful for their guidance. From the LEO program, I also gained two amazing mentors, Rosa Rowe and Jenna Nunziato, who selflessly provided outlines, supplies, job recommendations, and unwavering support from the start.
Looking ahead, what are your goals after graduation, and how do you see your LEO experience shaping your career path?
My post-graduation goal is to become a civil litigator. I see my LEO experience shaping this path directly by helping me build and expand my professional network and empowering me to use my lived experience as a strength to better understand and serve future clients. In the long term, I hope to use my LEO experience to educate the next generation of lawyers.
What advice would you give to incoming LEO Fellows about making the most of their law school experience?
“You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” Even if imposter syndrome tells you that you are not qualified for a position—or that you shouldn’t try because others are more qualified—try anyway. You are far more qualified than you think, and you deserve to be in those rooms and spaces. You have a vast network of support across the country that has sat in your shoes and is ready to give back, so tap into it.
Just for fun—what’s one hobby, book, or activity you think everyone should try at least once?
Everyone should try snorkeling at least once! Law school is a lot like snorkeling—the first time you get into the water, it is terrifying! But there is a vast, open ocean that is there to support you. So, do not panic. Once you relax and realize you can breathe, you will float and discover some beautiful things beneath the surface.
