Seton Hall University’s Pre-Professional Advising Center hosted a three-day experiential learning trip to Washington, D.C., for 12 pre-law students from March 3–5. The program was designed to give students direct exposure to the institutions and professionals that shape American law and government.
The trip aimed to help students understand the intersection of law, policy, and public service by providing them with guided tours, professional meetings, and opportunities to observe federal institutions in action.
During their visit, students toured the U.S. Capitol and met with the legislative director in the office of Representative LaMonica R. McIver (NJ-10), gaining insight into how congressional offices operate and how legislation is shaped. They also visited other significant landmarks such as the White House and attended a lecture at the Supreme Court of the United States. The group observed a House Judiciary Committee hearing and explored monuments on the National Mall.
A key part of the experience included meetings with attorneys working in both government and private practice. At the U.S. Department of Commerce, John Cobau, chief counsel for International Commerce, and David Hogan, attorney-advisor, spoke about careers in federal government and public service pathways. Students also visited Littler Mendelson P.C., where partners Stacey Eisenstein and Steve Kaplan discussed labor and employment law careers in private practice.
The group toured George Washington University Law School to learn about law school admissions processes and academic options for aspiring lawyers. Student Leanne Brito said, “This is what we always wanted… I’m so appreciative that the P-PAC now works with pre-law students and put this trip together for us.” Another student, Selina Shenouda, reflected that seeing where laws are made “make pursuing a legal career feel much more real and attainable.”
In addition to academic programming, participants built connections through shared dinners each evening while reflecting on their experiences. They also explored historic neighborhoods like Georgetown and Dupont Circle during an evening monument tour.
The Washington trip reflects ongoing growth in Seton Hall’s pre-law advising initiatives by connecting students with legal professionals and real-world environments.
