Lifting the Next Generation of Seton Hall Lawyers

His parents brought him to the U.S. from India when he was four years old with just $20 between them. Through hard work, they gained good positions and became part of the middle class, and Sanjay “Jay” Ibrahim learned dreams could be fulfilled by working hard and maintaining a strong focus.

“I saw their success story and I knew I could do that also,” he says.

Managing partner of Parker, Ibrahim and Berg LLP, which he cofounded and helped grow into a national multidisciplinary practice, Jay now is fulfilling another life goal. That is to help other first-generation students, so they, too, can reach for their dreams.

He and his firm have established an endowed scholarship for first-generation students who can contribute to the diversity of the student body at Seton Hall Law.

“While I was in law school, I knew I wanted to be in a position to give back,” he recalls. “I want to be a part of helping others. I don’t want money to be the thing that prevents someone from saying, ‘Yes,’ to law school. I wouldn’t be here if not for the people who helped and mentored me along the way.”

He is deeply grateful for the success he has had in growing a firm, mentoring young lawyers and representing clients in such areas as contract law, corporate governance and risk management. Yet, those successes are not what makes him most proud. What does is being a good husband and father to his two children, ages 12 and 7, and helping to keep Seton Hall Law strong and growing.

“I’m engaged in life. That’s what makes me proud. It’s much more important than how much you earn.”

As far as the success he has had, Jay offers there is a saying he has tried to follow in life.

“Don’t prep for failure. That will happen. Prep for success.”

He explains that he became a member of the school’s Board of Visitors because he wants “to contribute something of value for the school’s betterment.” Earning a J.D., he notes, opens up so many avenues of opportunity. To him, it is the best advanced degree to earn.

He also points to Professor Kathleen Boozang, now Dean, who taught him contract law, hired him as a research assistant and set the direction he would take as a lawyer. Becoming part of the Seton Hall Law community, he adds, also is a lifetime relationship if you choose to make it so.

“When I first visited Seton Hall Law, I felt a sense of comfort. I knew it was the place for me and earning my J.D. there would open up doors. I want others to be able to experience that.”