Learning Law in the Nation’s Capital: P-PAC Students Visit Washington, D.C.

During spring break, the Pre-Professional Advising Center (P-PAC) at Seton Hall University hosted a three-day experiential learning trip to Washington, D.C., giving 12 students a firsthand look at the institutions, people and places that shape American law and government.

Held from March 3–5, 2026, the P-PAC-sponsored trip; covering transportation, hotel accommodations and dinners, immersed students in the legal and governmental landscape of the nation’s capital. This opportunity allowed students to explore the intersection of law, policy and public service through guided tours, professional meetings and exposure to federal institutions.

The trip began with a visit to the U.S. Capitol, where students toured the historic building and later met with the legislative director in the office of Representative LaMonica R. McIver (NJ-10). The conversation gave students a closer look at how congressional offices operate, and the role professionals play in shaping legislation and public policy.

Students also experienced several of Washington’s most significant legal and political landmarks, including a tour of the White House and a lecture at the Supreme Court of the United States. During their time in the city, students had the opportunity to observe a House Judiciary Committee hearing and explore the National Mall, where they visited monuments and memorials reflecting key moments in American history.

A major highlight of the trip was meeting with attorneys working in both government and private practice. At the U.S. Department of Commerce, students met with attorneys John Cobau, Esq., chief counsel for International Commerce, and David Hogan, Esq., attorney-advisor, who shared insights into their careers in federal government and the pathways into public service. Students also visited the Washington, D.C. office of Littler Mendelson P.C., where they spoke with partners Stacey Eisenstein, Esq., and Steve Kaplan, Esq., who discussed their work in private practice and offered perspectives on careers in labor and employment law.

The group also toured George Washington University Law School, where admissions staff spoke with students about the law school application process and the many academic pathways available to aspiring lawyers.

“This is what we always wanted,” said student Leanne Brito. “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 on the impact of the experience, sharing that the trip “put so much into perspective - seeing the places where laws are made and interpreted make pursuing a legal career feel much more real and attainable.”

Beyond the academic programming, the trip also fostered strong connections among the participating students. Each evening, the group gathered for shared dinners and conversations reflecting on what they had learned throughout the day. Students also explored historic neighborhoods such as Georgetown and Dupont Circle and participated in a guided evening monument tour of the National Mall.

Twelve students representing a range of academic disciplines were selected to participate in this experiential learning opportunity. The pre-law students selected for the Washington, D.C. Experiential Trip include:

• Emmely Natasha Suarez: Criminal Justice, Class of 2027
• Bruce Brown Jr.: Finance and Law, Class of 2026
• Selina Shenouda: Political Science and Philosophy; Minor in Ethics and Applied Ethics, Class of 2026
• Lynette Grajales: Political Science; Minor in Legal Studies in Business, Class of 2027
• Yasmin Obeidallah: International Relations and Diplomacy; Minor in Arabic, Class of 2027
• Sumaiya Rehman: Business Management, Class of 2026
• Aaron Rogovoy: Finance and Law, Class of 2028
• Leanne Brito: Interprofessional Health Science; Minor in Legal Studies in Business, Class of 2027
• Folasade Oyerinde: International Relations and Computer Science, Class of 2028
• Erin Araneta: Law and Diplomacy; Minor in Political Science, Class of 2028
• Haram Virk: International Relations and Diplomacy, Class of 2029
• Esther Edohwokui: International Relations and Diplomacy, Class of 2026

Experiential opportunities like the Washington, D.C. trip reflect the continued growth of P-PAC’s pre-law advising initiatives. By connecting students with legal professionals, institutions and real-world environments, P-PAC continues to prepare the next generation of legal scholars and public service leaders while encouraging students to remain actively engaged in the advising resources, workshops and events offered by the center.

Categories: Law, Nation and World