Veteran Profile

Colonel Joe Schrantz '99, United States Marine Corps, Staff Judge Advocate

Why did you choose Seton Hall Law to pursue your legal education?
I wanted to attend a top-tier school with a great reputation. The ranking and reputation were one thing, but when touring the school I met so many great people and the facility was amazing. It didn't take long for me to realize that Seton Hall Law was where I wanted to be. It also allowed me to stay close to family on the east coast. I grew up in Martinsburg, West Virginia and had recently graduated undergrad at a small school in Virginia (Roanoke College). I was eager to see another part of the country but also wanted to remain close to my mom who wasn't in good health. Seton Hall Law was all of these things for me and I definitely made the right decision.

Are you originally from the south-east where you attended college?  What made you want to come to the greater NYC area, and what was the experience like?
I had a fantastic experience at Seton Hall Law and living in Newark. It exceeded all my expectations. I had never been in an area like Newark and the greater NYC area, but I enjoyed it a tremendous amount thanks to all the great people. My classmates, the faculty, and the administrators made the transition from living in West Virginia and Virginia to Newark an easy one.

What was the motivation to join the military, and what in your career or undergrad made you think about law school?
My grandfather was a Marine Corps pilot in the 1940s and 1950s, my dad served in the Navy for over 20 years, and my brother served in the Marine Corps. Despite the family history, I never intended to serve in the military. I arrived at Seton Hall Law hoping to use my law degree to pursue a career in sports administration. My decision to join the Marine Corps came about during my first year of law school when I unexpectedly met an Army JAG in the atrium of the Law School. The Army officer was recruiting law students to join the Army JAG Corps. I spoke with him about his experiences. Although I didn't join the Army JAG Corps, and instead chose to join the Marine Corps, speaking with him informed me about the opportunities to serve my country as an officer and judge advocate.

How is the Marine experience different or unique?
We like to say we are Marine Officers who happen to be lawyers. Over the course of my career I had unique opportunities to do things outside the legal field, including company and battalion-level command of Marine Security Guard units. As part of this experience I was in command of Marine Security Guards across Western Europe. This job allowed me to travel to many different U.S. Embassies and closely interact with State Department and other government agencies.

Being a Marine Officer and lawyer is all I have ever known as a professional. I have had so many great opportunities over the past 22 years and feel fortunate. My transition to service felt seamless because I continued to surround myself with great people, doing important work, and the feeling that that the work we do matters.

Was there a class or faculty member that was instrumental in your legal career and trajectory?
I remember all my first-year law school professors like it was yesterday. Dean Boozang, Professor Alexander, Professor Zimmer, Professor Hartnett, Professor Albert, and Professor Erickson. All of them were fantastic and always made themselves available. They cared a great deal for the generation of lawyers they were educating and molding. In addition to the professors, the people at Seton Hall Law who helped me the most were from the Registrar's Office where I worked a few hours each week. Gary Bavaro, Sonia Cunha, and Gina Fondetto, were very good to me. They further reinforced how Seton Hall Law is full of great people who really care about the students.

Looking back, how has Seton Hall Law prepared you to serve in the prominent positions you have held?
Seton Hall Law reinforced the importance of relationships and the importance of surrounding myself with good people who care about each other and who care about what they do. There are many ways to serve your country and it doesn't need to be uniform. Seton Hall made the transition to serving in the Marine Corps an easy one because it felt familiar. A quick glance at the Seton Hall Alumni page reveals the culture and commitment to service that so many of my fellow classmates also share and which started at the Law School.

You have become involved with our alumni Veteran's Committee, what fuels your passions for volunteering?
I have been very fortunate over the years to have been guided and mentored by professors, coaches, and friends. As I describe above, I have always had people looking out for me. The faculty and friends from Seton Hall Law are no exception. I want to do the same for others. It is an honor to have been asked to serve on the Committee. I am hopeful that I have a little bit to share with the next generation of lawyers, professionals, and selfless leaders coming out of Seton Hall Law.

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