Seton Hall University’s Pre-Professional Advising Center (PPAC) introduced a formal pre-law advising program this fall, offering students structured support as they explore legal careers and prepare for law school. This semester marked the first time PPAC provided centralized services specifically for pre-law students, drawing significant participation.
The program included both academic and experiential opportunities. The semester opened with an event featuring New Jersey Superior Court Judge Philip Degnan, a Seton Hall Law School alumnus, who spoke in honor of Constitution Day. His remarks helped connect constitutional principles to real-world judicial experience.
PPAC also organized a Lunch and Law Series, where practicing attorneys discussed various legal fields such as immigration and employment law. These informal sessions allowed students to learn about different career paths and network with professionals.
Additional programming included discussions on current legal topics led by Political Science Professor Robert Pallitto, student Sam Fox, and Pre-Law Advisor Madelyn Ferrans. Topics ranged from the upcoming Supreme Court calendar to specific issues like property law in New Jersey and limits on the First Amendment for public workers.
Law school exploration was another focus area. PPAC hosted admissions representatives from several institutions—including Seton Hall, Fordham, Rutgers, and Pace—providing insight into admissions processes and expectations. Students visited New York Law School for a campus tour and participated in New Jersey’s Annual Law School Admissions Day at Montclair State University.
Preparation for law school applications was emphasized through workshops on resume building, personal statements, and LSAT strategies. The center offered support for LSAT preparation with events featuring the Director of Pre-Law Advising from the Law School Admission Council, study strategy panels with Seton Hall Law students, diagnostic exams, bi-monthly practice tests, study sessions, peer tutoring, and wellness check-ins.
Students could also access one-on-one advising sessions or attend weekly drop-in hours to discuss their application process or seek advice on internships—a resource that has already resulted in placements.
Feedback from participants reflected the program’s impact. Sophomore Carlee Cunha described PPAC as “an absolute blessing” for first-generation students pursuing law. Sophomore Ayden Hepp noted the stability it brought to those in the 3+3 Business Law Program: “The team is always there every step of your journey.” Junior Emmely Suarez praised events that fostered collaboration among student organizations.
PPAC plans to expand its offerings in the spring semester. Interested students are encouraged to make appointments via COMPASS or follow @setonhall_ppac on Instagram for updates.
