Women of the Hall: Inspiring Alumnae Shaping the Future of Law

Every March, Women’s History Month invites us to celebrate the remarkable women whose courage, innovation and leadership have shaped our world. For Seton Hall University – and Seton Hall Law School – that legacy runs deep. Women were first admitted to the University in 1937, and in 1951, the Law School broke new ground when Miriam Rooney became not only its first female dean, but the first woman to lead any law school in the United States.

Generations of Seton Hall women continue to redefine what it means to be a lawyer, leader and advocate. As an aspiring lawyer, I wanted to learn more about what it takes to succeed as a woman in the legal field. So, I spoke with three alumnae and a distinguished guest speaker who reflect this spirit – Sara Vasquez, Jamie Pukl-Werbel, Patricia Barbieri and Beth Zoller – about their paths in law, the evolution of the profession and the advice they would pass on to the next generation.

Through a series of guided questions, I asked each of them the same set of questions. While their responses differed, each answer was powerful and inspiring in its own way.

Finding Purpose and Balance: How Do You Do It?

For Sara Vasquez (Diplomacy ’21), now a deputy attorney general in New Jersey’s Division of Law and Public Safety, her Colombian heritage plays a central role in how she approaches her career. She shared that being the daughter of immigrants formed her values, including her goal of becoming a professional and her deep love for her family. Vasquez sees her current role as a blend of her professional and personal values. For her, working for the state both fulfills the philanthropic part of her and protects time for herself and her family.

Jamie Pukl-Werbel (J.D. ’98) took a less direct path into law. A Division I volleyball player at Loyola Maryland, she initially had no plans for law school. She wanted to keep learning, so she applied to law school and got into Seton Hall Law. For Pukl-Werbel, each opportunity came from being willing to say yes and following where it led. That open-mindedness led to a clerkship, work in the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office in the Narcotics and Sex Crimes Bureaus, and later teaching and administrative roles, including now serving as a Seton Hall assistant provost for Faculty Affairs and associate professor of Law.

Patricia Barbieri (J.D. ‘91), a graduate of Seton Hall Law’s evening program, embodies constant learning and perseverance. She balanced full-time employment with her studies, beginning as a paralegal and later becoming an associate at Gibbons PC. Her career evolved through key in-house roles – first at Hoffmann-La Roche, then at Daiichi Sankyo, where she worked in a number of roles and was ultimately General Counsel. Now an adjunct professor at Seton Hall Law School teaching Appellate Advocacy, Barbieri says returning to teaching has been deeply fulfilling, as it has fed her soul in a way nothing else has.

Beth Zoller, who earned her J.D. at Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law but serves as an adjunct professor in Seton Hall Law School’s online Master of Legal Studies program, grew up surrounded by lawyers. Though she considered psychology, her fascination with constitutional law and labor issues drew her into the legal world during formative and inspiring classes in her undergraduate years at Cornell University. After years in practice and legal publishing, Zoller now is a partner at woman-owned firm KSBranigan Law, PC. She did not always find the mentor who championed her success early on, but that is why her role now in guiding students and modeling inclusive workplaces feels so meaningful. Zoller spoke on Wednesday, March 11 to the Seton Hall community in a presentation titled “Evolving Standards Post the #MeToo Movement.”

As a woman in the legal profession, what barriers have you seen persist for women in law, and where have you seen meaningful progress?

Each woman reflected on the evolving experience of being a woman in law. Vasquez highlighted the intersection of gender and ethnicity, noting that it can still be difficult to find women who look like her in the field. Seeing Latina attorney Camille Vasquez make national headlines as Johnny Depp’s lawyer was deeply impactful, highlighting how representation matters.

For Pukl-Werbel, the profession continues to wrestle with implicit and explicit biases. She noted that the “boys’ club” still exists: women are interrupted in meetings or overlooked at large events. But there is progress – more women speak up, and more men are listening.

Barbieri emphasized how far the profession has come culturally. When she started, a judge might comment if a woman wore a pantsuit in court. Now, the focus is on balance and flexibility. Women are proving that they can have both a career and a family if one plans, prepares and relies on their support network.

Zoller has seen similar change, particularly concerning workplace culture. She said that there is a greater awareness of toxic dynamics, bullying and micro-aggressions in today’s workplace than when she first started practicing law in 1999. In her current line of work in workplace training and investigations, she noted that it is encouraging to see organizations genuinely working to improve, and she is excited to be part of that change.

What part about receiving a Seton Hall education, or playing a role in the experience of other Seton Hall students, has stood out to you?

Each of these female attorneys also reflected on how their Seton Hall education shaped the way they think and practice law. For Vasquez, studying Diplomacy during the COVID era demanded adaptability, and her education at the Hall sharpened her critical thinking.

Pukl-Werbel highlighted the culture of “hardworking Jersey kids” at Seton Hall Law and the opportunities it offered to build authentic connections with classmates who would later become colleagues and collaborators in the profession.

Barbieri spoke about the chapel on the law school’s campus and how the Catholic mission is woven into the fabric of the school, an aspect she appreciates coming from a religious background.

Although Zoller teaches online, she emphasized how meaningful it is to bring practical experience into the virtual classroom and share her experiences while attempting to forge genuine engagement with students as the law continues to evolve over time.

Who is a prominent female figure in law you admire?

Each woman also pointed to mentors who helped shape her career. Vasquez named Zinaida Miller, Ph.D., her professor at the School of Diplomacy, as a guiding force, alongside attorney Camille Vasquez as an inspirational public figure.

Pukl-Werbel admired Bridget Brennan, the special narcotics prosecutor for New York. Her presence, whose competence, determination and professionalism were qualities Pukl-Werbel aspired to emulate.

Barbieri credited all of her many mentors, male and female alike. Most recently, she strived to emulate Lynda Bennett, a partner and leading insurance attorney at Lowenstein Sandler. To Barbieri, Bennett is the lawyer one wants to grow up to be – tough, smart, ethical and incredibly dedicated.

Zoller named Kirsten Scheurer Branigan, founder and partner of KS Branigan Law PC, as a lasting mentor, a pioneering female lawyer in New Jersey and a champion of work-life balance. Her kindness and perspective have guided Zoller since they first connected in 2009.

What advice would you give women pursuing a career in the legal field?

When asked what advice they would offer to aspiring women in law, the women returned to themes of resilience, courage and community.

Vasquez said to take everything with a grain of salt and to remember that you are not only representing yourself, but your family, community and roots.

To Pukl-Werbel, getting your J.D. allows you to join a profession that lets you be part of something bigger. She emphasized constant learning and attending events that open new doors.

Zoller urged patience and persistence. She said to find a mentor, network and not lose faith, as it took her twenty years to get where she is.

Barbieri echoed the value of preparation and adaptability: work hard, be willing to ask for help and learn how to manage the moving parts of your life because ultimately it is all about balance.

A Legacy That Inspires

From Dean Miriam Rooney’s pioneering leadership to the multifaceted careers of today’s alumnae, Seton Hall’s women in law continue to inspire. They are advocates, mentors, teachers and trailblazers – proof that the spirit of service and justice at the Hall is carried forward in every generation. 

Categories: Law