Meet Bob and Elizabeth

As pastor of the Church of Saints Peter and Paul in Hoboken, Monsignor Robert Meyer ʼ84/J.D. ʼ00 is used to giving council to his parishioners, but was surprised at the number of people who came to him for legal advice when they found out he had a law degree. If so many were willing to come forward, how many more were suffering in silence?

Monsignor Meyer decided to create a solution for the need he had uncovered. With the help of a committee of parishioners, the church official hired a director who opened an independent, non-profit legal clinic called The Waterfront Project in March 2013. The organization provides legal counsel, referrals, and representation in civil legal matters to low-income and disadvantaged individuals and families in Hudson County.

Inspired by the opportunity to empower vulnerable members of the community, Elizabeth Caraballo, J.D. ʼ07 left a private legal practice to join Monsignor Meyer in his mission and serve as The Waterfront Project’s first director.

Although the project is still in its early stages, it has a strong foundation: Meyer and Caraballo benefit from the help of several other Seton Hall Law graduates in the church congregation as well as the guidance of their former professors. Together, they’re establishing an advisory board and defining the services to be offered by the organization.

As the organization evolves, Meyer and Caraballo plan to recruit current Seton Hall Law students and recent graduates to provide support. This will give volunteers an opportunity to complete prerequisite pro bono hours in preparation for the New York Bar exam while performing much-needed services.

This Pirate pair embodies their alma mater’s tradition of servant leadership. They’ve applied their education to build connections not only within the Seton Hall community, but throughout Hudson County.