Seton Hall University School of Law: A Tradition of Legal Excellence

Seton Hall University School of Law, located in downtown Newark, New Jersey, stands as the only private law school in the state. Since its founding in 1951, the school has been dedicated to providing a comprehensive legal education grounded in academic rigor, ethical responsibility, and a commitment to service. Seton Hall Law offers a variety of degree programs, a dynamic learning environment, and a strong alumni network, making it a compelling choice for aspiring legal professionals.

History and Overview

Founding and Establishment

Seton Hall University School of Law opened its doors on February 5, 1951, at 40 Journal Square in Jersey City, on the site of the former John Marshall Law School. The inaugural class consisted of 72 students. John Marshall Law School donated its library and assets to Seton Hall, stipulating that Seton Hall would maintain and administer the records of John Marshall's graduates. The school was fully accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA) in its opening year, marking a significant milestone in its early development.

Relocation and Growth

In September 1951, the law school moved from Jersey City to Newark, establishing its presence in the state's largest city. The first class graduated in 1954, setting the stage for decades of legal education and scholarship.

Leadership

Kathleen M. Boozang served as Dean of Seton Hall Law from 2015 until January 1, 2023, succeeding Patrick E. Hobbs. Kip Cornwell was appointed as interim dean following Boozang's departure.

Location and Facilities

Address and Campus Location

Seton Hall Law School is strategically located at One Newark Center in downtown Newark, New Jersey. This location places students in close proximity to key legal institutions, including state and federal courts.

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Campus Facilities and Resources

The Law School is housed in a 22-story building completed in 1991. This facility provides 210,000 square feet (20,000 m2) of space, including 65,000 square feet (6,000 m2) dedicated to the library, named in honor of Congressman Peter W. Rodino, Jr.

The campus boasts a modern law library, fully equipped moot courtrooms, smart classrooms, and collaborative learning spaces. Students also benefit from lounges, dining options, and tech-enabled study environments.

Accessibility and Transportation

The school is situated at the corner of Raymond Boulevard and McCarter Highway, just two blocks west of Penn Station Newark. This provides convenient access to New Jersey Transit and PATH services, offering an approximately 20-minute commute to Manhattan. While many students commute from around the New York metropolitan area, others reside at nearby locations like Eleven 80, the Union Building, and Renaissance Towers.

Academic Programs

Seton Hall Law School offers a robust and flexible curriculum tailored to meet students’ diverse interests.

J.D. Degree Program

The Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree program requires 88 credits and can be pursued on a full-time or weekend basis. Full-time students can complete the program in three years, while weekend students can finish in four years or fewer by accelerating their studies. The Legal Education Opportunity (LEO) program provides a pathway and transition to law school for students who have demonstrated resiliency and perseverance in the face of social, economic, educational, or other challenges and who bring talent, determination, and leadership skills to the law school community. Students enrolled in approved 3+3 or 3+ programs can use law school credits to satisfy the fourth year of their undergraduate degree. This allows students to go to law school for a J.D. or M.L.S.

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During 1L year, students take a six-credit year-long Introduction to Lawyering course designed to provide students with opportunities to exercise and receive intensive feedback on a broad range of practical lawyering skills including research, writing, interviewing, counseling, negotiation, and oral advocacy. In their 2L year, students are required to complete two business-related courses: Financial Concepts for Lawyers (1 credit) and Business Associations (4 credits).

Master of Laws (LL.M.) Programs

Seton Hall Law School offers several LL.M. programs, catering to professionals seeking advanced legal knowledge and skills. An Online Master of Laws (LL.M.) is offered only for those who already hold a J.D. (or its foreign equivalent) with concentrations in Financial Services Compliance, Health Law, and Intellectual Property Law. The Law School provides a full-time LL.M. in American Law for foreign-educated lawyers seeking to practice law in the United States that delivers an innovative curriculum and provides an unparalleled work-school-life balance. American Law LL.M. students earn their LL.M. degree in Seton Hall Law School's hybrid weekend format.

Prospective LL.M. students pursue their degree in Seton Hall Law School’s hybrid weekend format. By scheduling in-class instruction on alternating weekends, students in the program have the freedom to structure weekdays as they please. Courses are taught by the same talented professors who teach in the J.D. When students in the LL.M. program are not in the classroom, they engage with teachers and peers through the use of technology. Beyond the 24 credits needed to be eligible to sit for the bar exam, students have the option of completing 6 bonus credits of electives in one area of specialization for no additional tuition costs. The LL.M. in American Law may be pursued by any foreign-trained lawyer, whether they wish to take a state bar exam or not.

Master of Legal Studies (M.L.S.)

Seton Hall Law offers a Master in Legal Studies (M.L.S.) with concentrations in Corporate Compliance, Health and Hospital Law, Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Law and Compliance, Gaming Regulation and Compliance, Privacy Law and Cyber Security, Sports Law and Compliance, or General Legal Studies. The online Master of Legal Studies degree (M.L.S.) is designed for the nonlawyer who would benefit professionally from highly developed legal knowledge and advanced problem-solving skills. The ideal candidate wants to turn their curiosity about the law into their ability to drive high-level decisions in places as varied as technology companies, hospitals, media and entertainment firms, or government. Seton Hall Law’s online M.L.S. program teaches students how to understand and interpret laws so they can objectively evaluate business situations and make better decisions.

Joint Degree Programs

The school offers several joint degree programs with other faculties of the University, such as a combined J.D./M.A.

Concentrations

As society has become more complex, demand for specialists has increased. To help students prepare for today's sophisticated legal landscape, Seton Hall Law offers three concentrations - Health Law, Law and Technology (which includes entertainment law and intellectual property), and Compliance. Students can tailor their legal education through focused tracks in Health Law, Intellectual Property, Family Law, Corporate Compliance, and Public Interest. These specialized pathways integrate clinical practice, externships, and research, allowing students to gain targeted knowledge and hands-on experience.

Graduate Certificates

Open to attorneys and non-attorneys, the Graduate Certificate can be earned in 24 weeks, after the completion of three online courses. The Graduate Certificate course catalog offers many of the same courses available in the Master of Legal Studies.

Admissions and Acceptance Rate

Seton Hall Law School is not just a one-size-fits-all place. Admissions at Seton Hall Law are competitive yet accessible, reflecting a balanced approach to academic excellence. Applicants must submit a completed application via LSAC, including transcripts, two letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and a resume. Standardized test scores (LSAT or GRE) are required.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must submit a completed application via LSAC, including transcripts, two letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and a resume. Standardized test scores (LSAT or GRE) are required.

Acceptance Rate and Selectivity

For 2024, the school admitted 42.83% of applicants with 28.30% of accepted applicants enrolling. The entering class had a median LSAT score of 161 and median undergraduate GPA of 3.71. No LSAT or GRE is required for the non-J.D. programs.

Rankings and Accreditation

Current Ranking

As of 2025, Seton Hall University School of Law is ranked No. 62 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. Its part-time law program holds the No. 22 spot, and its Health Law specialty is ranked No. 2.

Accreditation

Seton Hall Law School is fully accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA), confirming its compliance with national legal education standards.

Bar Passage Rates and Employment Statistics

Bar Passage Rates

Seton Hall Law's overall bar passage rate for first-time test takers was 87.21%. Specifically, for the New Jersey Bar exam, the first-time test takers achieved an 87.79% passage rate, compared to the average of 71.80% for all ABA schools. For the New York Bar exam, the first-time test takers had an 88.0% passage rate, exceeding the average of 86.30% for all ABA schools. In other jurisdictions, the passage rate was 76.47%, aligning closely with the average of 76.91% for all ABA schools.

Employment Statistics

The total employment rate for the Class of 2024 J.D. program was 95.22%. Bar passage required employment (i.e., as attorneys) totaled 85.35%, and J.D. Advantage employment totaled 6.05%.

Tuition and Fees

The tuition and fees for Seton Hall University School of Law are $71,550 for incoming full-time students and $55,460 for incoming part-time students for the 2025-26 academic year.

Student Life and Support

Beyond academics, Seton Hall Law fosters a vibrant community with enriching extracurriculars and robust student support services. Seton Hall Law celebrates diversity in all forms, fostering an inclusive environment where students from various backgrounds thrive. With over 30 student organizations, Seton Hall Law offers ample opportunities for involvement beyond the classroom. Seton Hall Law’s Office of Career Services offers personalized guidance, including resume reviews, mock interviews, and job search strategies.

Campus Culture and Student Diversity

Seton Hall Law celebrates diversity in all forms, fostering an inclusive environment where students from various backgrounds thrive. The population of future attorneys at Seton Hall Law is reasonably diverse in pretty much every respect except geography. Attitudes concerning the surrounding city of Newark are seriously mixed. Detractors call it “a notoriously terrible city” that’s “lacking in sophistication and charm.” Other students insist that the Brick City’s reputation is unwarranted.

Extracurricular Activities, Clubs, and Organizations

With over 30 student organizations, Seton Hall Law offers ample opportunities for involvement beyond the classroom. Student organizations play a central role in life at Seton Hall Law. Outside of class, there are frequent seminars and tons of organizations and activities.

Academic and Career Support Services

Through targeted workshops, academic coaching, and strategic advising, Seton Hall Law provides wide-ranging support to optimize students' academic efforts. Topics include healthy study strategies, exam preparation, academic goals, time management and organization. Seton Hall Law’s Office of Career Services offers personalized guidance, including resume reviews, mock interviews, and job search strategies. The Office of Career Services (OCS) counselors provide an array of tools and services, including individual counseling, resume review, interview skills training, workshops and numerous networking opportunities. OCS acts as a partner, helping students define and chart their paths as they seek guidance along the way to make the choices that will help them meet their professional goals.

Seton Hall Law is committed to helping current and prospective Seton Hall Law students find the means to obtain a legal education. The Financial Aid Office is located in the Office of Enrollment Services and is available to assist you with budgeting and planning for law school costs. The Financial Aid Office is available to assist you with budgeting and planning for law school costs. We are happy to meet with you individually to discuss your personal situation to determine if any adjustments are needed to your financial aid package, or if there are any additional avenues to assist you finance your law school education.

Seton Hall Law Merit Scholarships: Seton Hall Law School's Merit Scholarship Program seeks to reward the hard work and academic success of our students. The award of a scholarship is for an entire academic year. All applicants for admission are considered for merit scholarship awards; no separate application is required. New Jersey Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF): The NJ EOF program provides financial assistance to a small number of graduate students annually. Endowed and Privately Funded Scholarships: All students who complete a FAFSA will be considered for our endowed and privately funded scholarships.

Career Opportunities and Internships

Overview of Career Prospects

One of Seton Hall Law School’s strongest assets is its track record in graduate employment. Seton Hall Law School boasts a high employment rate for its graduates, with a significant percentage securing positions requiring bar passage.

Partnerships for Internships

Seton Hall Law, known for its balanced acceptance rate, provides robust externship opportunities that allow students to earn academic credit while gaining real-world legal experience. The Center for Social Justice is “a great resource” that provides “ample opportunities to get hands-on legal experience.” It consists of five clinics, and it’s among the most comprehensive clinical and pro bono programs in the region, which is quite impressive considering the competition. Opportunities to participate begin during first year.

Notable Faculty and Research

Highlights of Prominent Faculty

Seton Hall Law is home to a faculty deeply engaged in scholarship and innovation. Seton Hall Law boasts distinguished faculty like Professor Mark Denbeaux, renowned for his work on Guantanamo Bay detainee rights, and Professor Paula Franzese, a leading authority on property law and ethics.

Ongoing Research Projects

Seton Hall Law faculty are actively engaged in diverse research areas, including health law, constitutional rights, and cybersecurity.

Alumni Network and Connections

Description of the Alumni Network

Graduates of Seton Hall Law continue to impact the legal field through a robust alumni network. Seton Hall Law’s alumni network spans judges, attorneys, policymakers, and corporate leaders across the country. The alumni network is notably loyal, and “Seton Hall Law has a good networking system set in place.” “We have the run of New Jersey".

Benefits of Being Part of the Alumni Community

Alumni remain actively engaged through mentorship, guest lectures, and networking events. Alumni benefit from exclusive networking events, continuing legal education programs, and career development services. The alumni office helps facilitate job referrals, peer mentoring, and connections within top firms and agencies.

Notable Alumni

Seton Hall University School of Law has produced numerous distinguished alumni who have made significant contributions to the legal profession, government, and public service. Some notable alumni include:

Madeline Cox Arleo (J.D.)
Antonio Arocho (J.D.)
Christopher Bateman (J.D.)
John O. Bennett
Dennis M. Cavanaugh (J.D.)
Patrick J. Diegnan, (J.D.)
Michael J. Doherty (J.D.)
Vicky Flynn (J.D.)
Thomas W. Greelish
Sean T. Kean (J.D.)
John F. Kennedy
Paul B. Matey
Mark McNulty (politician) (J.D., 1973), former Delaware Secretary of Transportation
Bart Oates (J.D.)
Joel A. Pisano (J.D.)
Peter G. Sheridan (J.D.)
Michael A. Shipp (J.D.)
Bob Smith (J.D.)
Mark Sokolich (J.D.)
Walter F. Timpone (J.D.)
Shirley A. Tolentino

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