Seton Hall University highlighted on March 16 the experiences of four women connected to its law school, reflecting on their careers, the evolution of the legal profession, and advice for future generations. The discussion featured alumnae Sara Vasquez, Jamie Pukl-Werbel, Patricia Barbieri, and guest speaker Beth Zoller.
The topic is significant as it sheds light on both the barriers and advancements women face in the legal field. Seton Hall Law School has a history of breaking new ground for women, including appointing Miriam Rooney as the first female dean of any U.S. law school in 1951.
Vasquez said her Colombian heritage shaped her values and career goals. She described her current role as a deputy attorney general in New Jersey as fulfilling both professional ambitions and personal commitments to family. Pukl-Werbel recounted an unconventional path into law that began with athletics and led to roles in prosecution, teaching, and administration at Seton Hall. Barbieri discussed balancing full-time work with evening studies before advancing through corporate legal positions to become an adjunct professor. Zoller shared how her early interest in constitutional law led to a career focused on workplace training and investigations; she now serves as a partner at KSBranigan Law PC.
All four women addressed persistent challenges for women in law. Vasquez noted ongoing difficulties related to gender and ethnicity representation. Pukl-Werbel said implicit biases remain but observed more support from colleagues today than when she started. Barbieri recalled earlier cultural expectations about courtroom attire for women but emphasized recent improvements in work-life balance options. Zoller pointed out increased awareness of toxic workplace dynamics compared to when she began practicing.
Each participant credited mentors or educational experiences at Seton Hall with shaping their approach to law. They also offered advice centered on resilience, networking, adaptability, and maintaining balance between personal life and career demands.
The stories reflect Seton Hall’s legacy of supporting women leaders in law—a tradition dating back nearly seventy years—and suggest continued progress as more alumnae take on roles as advocates, mentors, teachers, and trailblazers.
