A penchant for helping others guides Rutgers Law alumnus's young career
Sam Romeo RLAW’23 is already making a name for himself in the courtroom, recently winning a hard-fought, four-year battle on behalf of an 80-year-old client who had been fraudulently deceived into signing over his home’s deed. Yet, while he is still new to the practice of law, he has been preparing for this moment for many years.
“I attended a magnet program at my local public high school in Florida that provided an immersive introduction to the legal field,” Romeo said. “That ignited my interest in the law and helped me understand its profound impact on society. I realized the law was not just a field of study but a dynamic and influential profession that could be a powerful tool for change.”
That realization led Romeo to focus his academic efforts, resulting in a full ride to Florida State University under the state’s Bright Futures Scholarship program. In addition to requiring a high grade point average, the scholarship came with a community service component, which Romeo enthusiastically embraced.
“Community service has always been a fundamental part of my life, and the Bright Futures Scholarship provided me with an incredible opportunity to deepen my commitment to giving back,” said Romeo, who volunteered at local soup kitchens and helped to organize summer camps for children in his hometown throughout his time in college.
“These experiences reinforced my dedication to giving back and shaped my understanding of the systemic issues that affect marginalized communities,” Romeo continued. “They taught me the importance of empathy, proactive problem-solving, and the collective effort required to drive meaningful social change.”
Ever focused on his dream of becoming an attorney, Romeo enrolled in Rutgers Law after graduating with honors from Florida State. Although Camden was far from home, the choice to travel north was easy.
I chose Rutgers Law for its commitment to practical, hands-on learning and an environment where collaboration and mentorship thrive. The ability to work on actual cases and interact with clients was crucial for me, as I wanted to develop my skills in a setting that mirrored the realities of legal practice.
Sam Romeo RLAW’23
One opportunity Romeo pursued to develop real-world skills was participating in the Expungement Law Project, a program at Rutgers Law that provides legal aid to low-income individuals seeking to legally and properly clear their criminal history. His work there earned him the Chancellor’s Award for Diversity, Inclusion, and Civic Engagement in 2022.
“Helping individuals clear their criminal records is critical to facilitating their reintegration into society,” Romeo said. “Seeing how our work directly improved someone's life and restored their opportunities for a fresh start was incredibly rewarding.”
Romeo graduated with honors in 2022 and went on to complete a postgraduate fellowship with Rutgers Law Associates (RLA), ending his time there with that significant courtroom win for his 80-year-old client. He credits the mentorship and support he received while there with furthering his growth as an attorney.
“Trying a jury trial this early in a legal career is simply unheard of, and I cannot overstate how powerful the RLA program is in providing a sound legal foundation for young attorneys,” Romeo said.
Romeo will continue his career as an associate with Margolis Edelstein. Still, his sights remain set on the passion that motivated him as a teen to pursue the law many years ago.
“I aspire to continue using law as a vehicle to drive meaningful change, and I look forward to integrating pro bono work into my professional practice,” Romeo said.
