Diplomacy Students Visit Washington, D.C. with Seton Hall’s Pre-Professional Advising Center
Erin Araneta
Staff Writer
Over spring break, twelve Seton Hall University students, including five Diplomacy students, embarked on the inaugural Pre-Professional Advising Center (P-PAC) experiential trip to Washington, D.C., the nation’s center of law and legislation. The three-day visit offered students a firsthand look at how federal institutions function, blending classroom concepts with real-world engagement across the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government.
The first day of the trip, dedicated to learning about the legislative branch, immersed students in the heart of Congress. The group began with a tour of the U.S. Capitol, guided by Congressional interns. Afterward, students met with Layla Brooks, Legislative Director for Rep. LaMonica McIver (N.J.-10). Brooks shared insights into public service, legislative priorities, and how constituents’ needs are championed in Congress, especially meaningful for several Seton Hall students who are residents of N.J.. The evening concluded with a night tour of iconic Washington, D.C. monuments, where students deepened their appreciation for the historical and civic roots of American government.
On Wednesday, the focus shifted to the executive branch. The group toured the White House, then revisited Capitol Hill, where students watched several House committee hearings and observed a live House session from the gallery. They then visited the U.S. Department of Commerce, where students met with John Cobau and David Hogan from the Office of the Chief Counsel for the International Trade Administration. The discussion illuminated how government attorneys advise federal agencies on complex international trade matters and the global scope of domestic policy decisions. Later, the group toured George Washington University Law School, gaining perspective on legal education in the nation’s capital, before exploring the historic Washington, D.C. neighborhoods.
On Thursday, the trip’s final day, brought students into contact with the judicial branch and private legal practice. They met with Stacey Eisenstein and Steven Kaplan, attorneys at Littler Mendelson, one of the nation’s leading labor and employment law firms. The conversation provided a candid look at law firm life, client relations, and the importance of advocacy in the private sector. Later, at the Supreme Court, the group attended a lecture that offered insight into judicial reasoning and the ways the highest court influences the American legal landscape.
For the students, this trip was more than an academic excursion; it was a transformative experience bridging their studies and future professional goals. Senior Diplomacy student Esther Edohwokui, an aspiring international human rights lawyer, shared, “As a first-generation American and college student, I have had to learn about pathways to legal education on my own. However, through this trip, I was able to meet and speak with inspiring legal practitioners in various fields that broadened my understanding of the intersection between government and law.”
Yasmin Obeidallah, a third-year Diplomacy student in the B.S./J.D. accelerated program, expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to travel and experience the nation’s capital: “This experience allowed me to reflect on not only our nation’s history, but also on the current political climate that is directly intertwined with the international system and the United States’ role in the world.”
Beyond professional growth, the bonds formed among peers were an equally valuable aspect of the trip. Students described connecting with driven, passionate individuals who share their ambitions, a sense of community they plan to carry forward into law school and future careers.
P-PAC advisors Madelyn Ferrans and Chantal Vergara reflected on the trip’s success and its significance for Seton Hall’s growing pre-law community. Ferrans noted that the “spontaneity and enthusiasm” of the group made the trip exceptional. “Some parts of the trip came together at the last minute, like attending a committee hearing or visiting the House gallery, but the students were always eager to participate. I also loved the ‘aha’ moments, when students saw principles they had studied in class come to life.”
Vergara, who helped organize the tip, emphasized its strategic importance for Seton Hall’s pre-law programming: “This was our inaugural Washington, D.C. trip, and we were thrilled by the strong interest from students across campus. The goal of the trip was to expose our pre-law students to the institutions, professionals, and real-world environments where law and government intersect. One of the most rewarding parts was watching our students interact, network, and reflect on what they were learning throughout the trip.”
As the P-PAC expands its pre-law initiatives, this inaugural D.C. experiential learning trip sets a strong precedent. Students returned to South Orange inspired, informed, and more confident about their path toward law and public service.
