Social justice, public policy, education reform, immigration rights and advocating for the poor; upholding local state and federal laws through the courts; or myriad government departments and agencies...as a Seton Hall Law student you will find multiple, real-world opportunities for making a difference in the lives of others, and for serving our country.
Seton Hall Law School offers outstanding opportunities to students considering careers in public interest and government, as well as to students seeking to make public service a continuing part of their professional lives. Recognizing the significant role that lawyers have in the quest for social justice, the law school is deeply committed to providing top quality training and support for students to develop their skills, knowledge and experience in public service work.
As a Seton Hall Law student, you will find a myriad of real-world opportunities for gaining experience and making a difference in the lives of others. You may want to explore public policy, criminal justice, international human rights, civil rights, or government work; you may want to learn about education, immigration, poverty, health, or environmental issues. Whatever your interests, there are opportunities for you to pursue. The Center for Social Justice (CSJ) is the home of Seton Hall Law School's comprehensive pro bono and clinical program. The Law School's pro bono program offers every student the opportunity to do interesting and rewarding volunteer work. The in-house clinical program provides an exciting array of subject specific clinics. Students represent real clients and work closely with professors who are experts in their fields. The law school provides additional curricular opportunities to study and work with faculty members who are actively involved in law reform and policy work through projects, seminars and research centers. An extensive externship program further allows students to receive academic credit for work with highly respected practitioners in non-profit and governmental agencies. A variety of fellowship programs provide funding for students working in public service during summers.
Seton Hall Law School awards a number of distinguished public interest scholarships each year to incoming students who have demonstrated academic excellence and a commitment to public interest work. In addition, the Center for Social Justice designates two students each spring from the first-year class as CSJ Scholars, based on academic performance and public interest commitment. Throughout the year, the Office of Career Services and student organizations provide continuing programming and other opportunities for learning about current public interest issues and hearing from involved practitioners. Our office of Career Services has an Associate Director who works with students who have an interest in pursuing careers in government and with Public Interest organizations.
Students who graduate and embark on careers in public service may be eligible for Seton Hall Law School's Public Interest Loan Repayment and Assistance Program (PILRAP), the College Cost Reduction and Access Act, and the federal government's loan assistance program.Information and assistance is available from the Office of Career Services and the Office of Financial Aid.
