Vinod Sardesai, a 2L at Seton Hall Law, is driven by a passion for public service and a deep commitment to justice. With experience in immigration and criminal law, he’s shaping a career rooted in advocacy, government service, and making a meaningful impact in communities both locally and nationally.
What made you decide that you wanted to go to law school?
Prior to beginning law school at Seton Hall, I earned a BA from Case Western Reserve University in History and Political Science, with minors in German and Physics, in 2022. During my senior year, I began to seriously consider law school as a way to combine the analytical skills I had developed through my studies—particularly in my physics courses—with my desire to pursue a career in government and public service. I chose to take a gap year in order to better understand my career goals. I felt it was important to take a step back from academics and gain practical experience in the workforce.
During my gap year, I worked in politics—first as a campaign manager and later as an executive assistant for a major political party. These experiences provided me with direct exposure to the intersection of law, policy, and public service, and also reinforced my passion for advocating for policy change on behalf of others. I saw law school as the ideal opportunity to develop the skills necessary to drive meaningful change, both for individuals and within larger societal and governmental systems. This blend of personal passion and professional experience ultimately solidified my decision to pursue a legal career—one rooted in public service and upholding justice for all.
Why did you choose Seton Hall?
When selecting a law school, living near my family in New Jersey and maintaining that support network throughout my legal education was an important factor in my decision. Seton Hall stood out as the ideal choice, offering a well-rounded environment, strong academics, and robust career opportunities that would foster my intellectual growth.
I was particularly drawn to Seton Hall’s location in Newark, which serves as a hub for major East Coast legal markets. Additionally, the university’s strong alumni network and active career services center were pivotal in my decision to enroll. These resources have been invaluable in helping me secure exceptional career opportunities, including internships with the Department of Homeland Security, the Federal District Attorney’s Office, my current internship at Harlan York & Associates, and my upcoming summer position with the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office. Seton Hall’s unwavering commitment to student success has reinforced my belief that it was the perfect choice for my legal education.
How did your experiences before law school shape your employment decisions in law school?
As mentioned previously, prior to entering law school, I spent a gap year working in politics, where I gained invaluable firsthand exposure to the intersection of law, policy, and public service. My decisions when selecting employment opportunities were guided by these experiences.
During this time, I had the opportunity to engage closely with lawyers and judges, many of whom shared their personal journeys and insights into the legal profession. These interactions were instrumental in shaping my understanding of the profound impact legal professionals can have on society. My work experiences prior to law school encouraged me to pursue positions where I could serve the public and ensure the rule of law is justly upheld.
Can you explain a little bit about what you did in your 1L summer?
During my 1L summer, I had the privilege of interning with the Office of the Principal Legal Advisor (OPLA) in New York, a division of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) under the Department of Homeland Security. OPLA plays a critical role as the legal representative of the government in immigration proceedings. My responsibilities included attending a variety of immigration hearings, where I observed firsthand the intricacies of legal argumentation and adjudication.
In addition to attending hearings, I had the opportunity to conduct comprehensive legal research, analyze country conditions, and draft legal memoranda. I also handled cases under the close supervision of a senior attorney, which provided invaluable hands-on experience. This internship was an eye-opening opportunity that not only sharpened my legal research and writing skills but also deepened my understanding of immigration law from a governmental perspective. It was an experience that reinforced my interest in this area of law and allowed me to grow both professionally and personally.
Why did you decide to take a job in the immigration field?
When I began applying for 1L summer positions, I was specifically seeking opportunities within the government sector. Immigration law, in particular, was an area I had been interested in largely because of my personal connection to it. Both of my parents are immigrants, and their experiences shaped my desire to learn more about the legal aspects of immigration.
When I saw the opening at the Office of the Principal Legal Advisor (OPLA), I recognized it as an exceptional opportunity to gain direct, hands-on experience in a field that held both personal and professional significance in my life.
The position at OPLA offered me the unique opportunity to engage with complex and often contentious legal issues surrounding immigration law. I was able to observe a wide range of immigration proceedings, which provided vital insight into how the legal system addresses these critical matters. Additionally, I conducted legal research, drafted memoranda, and analyzed country conditions—deepening my understanding of the U.S. immigration system. This experience strengthened my legal acumen and reinforced my commitment to pursuing a career in the public sector.
You are going to be working for a prosecutor in your 2L summer—what made you seek out work with a DA?
For my 2L summer, I applied to internships with several government agencies at both the federal and state levels. During the fall of my 2L year, I interned with the United States Attorney’s Office in Newark. This internship was my first exposure to the federal prosecution system and sparked my interest in pursuing further opportunities in this field.
I worked closely with several Assistant U.S. Attorneys on a diverse range of cases. My responsibilities primarily involved conducting legal research on the different cases I was assigned to, which primarily involved economic crimes. This provided me with invaluable insight into the intricacies of federal prosecution.
This experience motivated me to seek out a summer internship with a prosecutor’s office where I could deepen my understanding of criminal law and the prosecution system. After receiving an offer from the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office, I was excited to accept the position. I am looking forward to gaining trial experience across different areas of criminal law, and I am particularly eager to work alongside district attorneys in one of the largest counties in the country. This experience will allow me to continue honing my legal skills while further exploring my passion for public service.
What are you most looking forward to for your job this summer?
This summer, I am most looking forward to gaining hands-on experience working alongside some of the most experienced district attorneys in the country. Brooklyn’s District Attorney’s Office is one of the largest in the nation, which will provide me with the opportunity to observe and work on a diverse range of proceedings, including general crimes and immigrant affairs.
This role aligns perfectly with my passion for public service. I am eager to learn the litigation strategies employed by trial attorneys in court, with the goal of one day becoming a successful prosecutor.
How have your employment experiences thus far in law school changed your view of the type of employment you might be interested in?
My experiences so far have reinforced my interest in pursuing a career in public sector law. Initially, I was uncertain about which area of law I wanted to focus on, but working in governmental roles has deepened my appreciation for the work done by government attorneys.
Whether in immigration law or criminal prosecution, I have found fulfillment working on cases that make a tangible difference in the lives of individuals and communities. Additionally, my coursework in law school—particularly in criminal law—has further developed my interest in public service and the law’s role in shaping government and policy. These experiences have provided me with greater clarity about my career goals and reaffirmed my passion for a career dedicated to public service.
