The LEO Corner - Stephanie Guzman

Why did you decide to attend law school?
I knew I wanted to go to law school since my first legal internship during my junior year of high school. However, I was set on majoring in finance because I was also passionate about it. When I got to work in the legal department at JP Morgan Chase, I felt it was the perfect chance to learn and grow my passion for business and legal.

Prior to coming to law school, you worked as a Corporate Secretarial Analyst for JP Morgan Chase. What made you decide to attend law school?
While my internship experience was remote, I had such an amazing experience interning at Oracle. Gaining exposure into the technology industry allowed me to gain a newly found passion for privacy and cybersecurity. I was a part of the Patent, Trademark & Copyright team where I worked on over ten projects and presented to senior executives and the General Counsel.

What advice would you give a 1L LEO Fellow?
My best piece of advice to a 1L LEO is to never forget to advocate for yourself. I don’t think I would have been able to learn about these opportunities without spending many hours looking for the type of opportunities I was really interested in. I found these internships through lots of research early on in the application cycle. Staying organized is key!

What challenges have you faced in law school and how have you overcome them?
I think my biggest challenge in law school has been trying to find time to spend with my family. I am extremely close to my family so 1L year was a hard adjustment. I was missing out on so many memorable events, and as the first born and first-generation Mexican American, I could not be as present and useful for my family. Going into my 3L year I have learned to not feel guilty when I prioritize spending time with my family during the semester. Spending time with them motivates me to work even harder.

You did a judicial internship during the Fall 2023 semester for academic credit, what court and judge did you work with? How was it balancing your judicial internship with your courses during the semester? What did you learn the most from your judicial internship?
I initially doubted myself and my time management skills, but I definitely wanted to test those skills during my 2L year. I took a full course load while externing at the Bergen County Courthouse and I don’t think I could have asked for a better learning experience. Interning for Judge Julie Lee Kim in the Family Division and her team was amazing. Many times, throughout the semester it was the highlight of my week. I learned so much by shadowing Judge Kim’s law clerk, secretary, and Judge Kim herself. At the time, Judge Kim was the newly appointed first Asian American Judge in Bergen County. She is such a huge inspiration and someone I look up to in the legal field, so getting to intern for her was such a reward.

For your 2L summer, you interned at AIG. What department did you work with and what types of assignments were you given?
I was one of the J.D. Interns working in Financial Lines for Cyber, Media, and Technology Claims. I drafted and reviewed coverage letters for claims brought by our policyholders relating to first and third-party cybersecurity breaches, privacy, and temporary technology outage claims. I also reviewed insurance policies and communicated with outside counsel in preparation for litigation, arbitration, or settlements. I was able to work alongside such a great team at AIG. Working at both the headquarters in midtown and their downtown office in the financial district of Manhattan allowed me to enjoy both offices. We got to attend many events, including the speaker series where we met many leaders in AIG, including Chairman and CEO Peter Zaffino.

Tell us about your experience as a Student Attorney with the Center for Social Justice Transactional Clinic?
I will be beginning my position as a Student Attorney for the first Transactional Clinic at Seton Hall, next semester.

What has been the most memorable law school experience thus far?
I think the entire law school journey so far has been memorable. The opportunities and experiences I have had throughout my last two years have been a rollercoaster of emotions. It’s surreal to think that I will be entering my last year of law school soon.

You are also going to work as a law clerk with Blume Forte Fried Zerres & Molinari P.C. this Fall. What made you decide to seek this position? How did you hear about this position? What are you looking forward to the most?
As my final year approaches, I wanted to make sure I take advantage of every opportunity I can to learn more about other fields. I definitely want to continue to challenge myself and gain more real-world experience throughout this last year of law school. I am excited to welcome a new opportunity at Blume Forte Fried Zerres & Molinari this year.

Tell us about your post-graduation goals?
I am excited to continue growing my legal career following graduation. I am not quite set on what I would like to do following graduation, but I know I will make the best decision for myself when the time comes.