As the new 1L class continues to acclimate to law school life at Rutgers–Camden, let’s learn more about some of the impressive individuals who comprise the approximately 180 students from 21 states, and almost 100 colleges and universities.

According to Rutgers Law—Camden Acting Dean John Oberdiek, the incoming Class of 2017-18 represents a talented, diverse and accomplished group of students that have come from as close as Camden and from across the globe by way of Jerusalem.

One such jet setter is Adam Barker. After attending Yeshiva in Jerusalem, Barker, who now resides in Atlantic City, joins Rutgers Law—Camden with a keen understanding of Jewish Law.

“I had just finished an internship with a non-profit human rights organization named Shatil, so I took the opportunity to study Talmud or Jewish Law, in Jerusalem. It was an exceptional experience,” he says.

The first-year law student hopes he’s equally inspired by his legal education at Rutgers. “[M]y time in Yeshiva will enforce the same values I find here at Rutgers Law; a commitment to intellectual rigor, humanitarian justice, and to the inherent right of all people to live a peaceful existence.”

But Barker says it was the passion of the students at Rutgers Law—Camden that ultimately led him to enroll.

“In the process of making my decision I visited several excellent law schools, but coming to visit Rutgers Law was special. Students here are passionate and engaged. You don't see this kind of intellectual feistiness everywhere. Rutgers students are unique.”

The lively and engaging culture at Rutgers–Camden came as no surprise to Joshua Piccoli, who earned his undergraduate degree here in psychology.  A United States Marine Corps veteran of the Iraq war, Piccoli is earning his law degree to advocate for fellow veterans. And, Rutgers, he says, is the perfect place to pursue this passion.

Josh Piccoli

“Rutgers–Camden offers veterans something more than any other universities do,” says Piccoli.  He knows this firsthand from his experience working in the campus’ Office of Veteran Affairs, where he helps fellow veterans navigate the application process. Piccoli’s dedication to fellow veterans is also felt through his leadership role in an active undergraduate veteran student group and a Library of Congress sponsored Veterans History Project he initiated.

His decision to enroll in law school however was fully realized during a campus visit by a prominent Rutgers Law—Camden alumna.  In April 2013, then Brigadier General now Lieutenant General Flora Darpino ‘86 returned to Rutgers Law—Camden for a public event. In her talk, she articulated a need for more military to earn law degrees and Piccoli answered that call. 

“Veterans are a group of people who really understand and relate to each other,” he says. “I’m excited to get involved in pro bono efforts that address the legal issues veterans face, dealing with the V.A. can be daunting.”

Sade Calin

Being inspired by the possibility of bringing justice to others is also what led Sade Calin to Rutgers Law—Camden. An inspiration herself, Sade survived a motorcycle accident as a passenger that others might not have. After weeks of critical medical care and years of rehabilitation, including cognitive therapy, Calin’s painful recovery brought to her new clarity on her future life’s work. “I’m still here,” she says. “I must be here for a purpose. I did not bleed out, I have all my limbs; there must be some kind of purpose, and I think that’s to help other people fight for what’s important, those that don’t have a chance to themselves.”

Perhaps too soon after her intense injuries that included road rash on 33% of her body, sinus fracture, orbital roof fracture, two broken legs, and brain trauma, while an undergraduate at Rider University, she accepted an internship at a nearby special victims unit. There she witnessed the harsh realities of cases of rape and abuse. The severity, and volume, of those cases seemed insurmountable, and Calin thought it best to table her legal ambition. But a call from Rutgers Law–Camden Prof. Beth Stephens, who has won cases as the international level on behalf of victims, gave Calin’s perspective new light.

“By learning about the resolutions that are possible and the relief that can come to victims, I was ready to start law school at Rutgers,” says Calin. “Prof. Stephens also told me that it will take work and dedication to make a difference, but that’s exactly why I’m here.” 

Timing is everything for other incoming students, too, especially Lori Smith. The part-time student deferred her law school enrollment in 1999, to dedicate her energy full-time to a start-up venture. Now 15 years later, she is back with a thriving business, two school-age children, and a renewed determination to earn her juris doctor degree.

Lori Smith

In that same time, Pattern Analysis, Inc., has built a national reputation for identifying and proving medical provider fraud, and has developed patent-pending fraud detection software.

“Having always dreamed of going to law school one day, I planned to work for Pattern for only a year, while I saved money to cover tuition. Little did I know when I signed on as Pattern’s first employee that I would be helping to build what would ultimately become a successful litigation support vendor for insurance companies, as well as for law enforcement agencies ranging from county prosecutors to the United States Attorney’s Office,” she says.

Now Smith is president and CEO of Pattern and a 50% shareholder. So why is she returning to law school now? The Rutgers Law—Camden student will assume the other 50% of Pattern’s shares the day she graduates law school along with valuable legal knowledge to grow her business within an $80 billion industry.

“A law school education is the ideal preparation for the new challenges and opportunities that I will face when I become the sole owner,” she says. “Despite all of Pattern’s success to date, there’s much more that Pattern can do to combat the rampant healthcare fraud and abuse that our nation is facing.” 

And Rutgers, she adds, is the right place to gain this knowledge. “Rutgers–Camden is a great school and convenient to my life. My office is in Philadelphia, I live in South Jersey, and I’m thrilled to finally be able to join the family-like environment here.”