Professor Juliet M. Moringiello Passes Away: A Pillar of Widener Law Commonwealth and Legal Reform

Widener Law Commonwealth, PA – It is with profound sorrow that we report the passing of Professor Juliet M. Moringiello, a cherished and highly regarded educator, legal reform advocate, and mentor. Her death late last week marks the end of an era for Widener Law Commonwealth, where she served as a guiding light for the legal community for over three decades. Professor Moringiello dedicated 31 years of her life to shaping the minds of future lawyers, while also contributing significantly to legal reforms at both the state and national levels. Her passing represents a deep loss to her students, colleagues, and the many legal professionals whose lives she touched.

Professor Juliet Moringiello’s journey at Widener Law Commonwealth began in 1990, when she joined the institution as a faculty member, and throughout her tenure, she became an integral part of the law school’s mission to foster excellence in legal education. Over the years, her contributions to the field of law were both vast and varied, demonstrating her unparalleled commitment to shaping the future of legal practice and academia.

A Career Dedicated to Education and Leadership at Widener Law Commonwealth

Professor Moringiello’s passion for teaching and mentorship was evident in everything she did. She taught a wide range of subjects, including property law, bankruptcy, secured transactions, and sales, which are critical components of any lawyer’s legal toolkit. In addition to these core subjects, she led seminars focused on emerging issues, such as cities in crisis, the mortgage crisis, and electronic commerce. Her innovative approach to these topics reflected her deep understanding of the evolving landscape of law and her ability to prepare students for the challenges they would face in their careers.

Throughout her distinguished career, Professor Moringiello’s dedication to her students never wavered. She was known for her approachable demeanor, meticulous attention to detail, and unwavering commitment to providing guidance both inside and outside the classroom. Her students, many of whom have gone on to successful careers in law and public service, frequently spoke about how much they admired and respected her as both an educator and a mentor.

Her leadership role extended beyond the classroom. Professor Moringiello took on several administrative positions throughout her career. One of her key roles was directing the Business Advising Program, which aimed to equip students with the practical skills they needed to succeed in the business law world. This program emphasized the importance of blending theoretical knowledge with real-world application, an approach that Professor Moringiello believed was vital in preparing students for the legal challenges they would face in their professional lives.

In addition to her role in the Business Advising Program, Professor Moringiello served as the Associate Dean for Research and Faculty Development. In this capacity, she helped to foster an environment of academic excellence by supporting faculty research and professional development. Her efforts were instrumental in ensuring that Widener Law Commonwealth remained at the forefront of legal scholarship.

Professor Moringiello’s leadership was further demonstrated when she took on the role of Associate Dean for Academic Affairs in 2021. This position allowed her to have a direct impact on the academic direction of the law school, ensuring that the institution continued to offer a robust and rigorous legal education that prepared students for the evolving demands of the legal profession. Even while balancing these responsibilities, she continued to teach and mentor students, never letting her administrative duties overshadow her passion for legal education.

Advocacy for Legal Reform and Recognition for Her Contributions

Beyond her work at Widener Law Commonwealth, Professor Moringiello was a recognized leader in legal reform. She dedicated much of her career to advancing the legal profession through active participation in several key organizations, including the American Bar Association (ABA). As a leader within the ABA’s Business Law Section, Professor Moringiello made significant contributions to the development of legal policies and reforms, particularly in the areas of bankruptcy, secured transactions, and commercial law. Her work at the ABA allowed her to influence the direction of business law on both a national and international scale.

Her influence extended beyond just the ABA. In 2021, Professor Moringiello was honored with the prestigious W. Edward Sell Business Lawyer Award by the Pennsylvania Bar Association (PBA). This award recognized her exceptional contributions to business law and her leadership within the legal community. The recognition was a testament to her tireless efforts to improve the legal landscape, especially in the areas of business law and bankruptcy reform.

In addition to her work with the ABA and PBA, Professor Moringiello also served as a Uniform Law Commissioner for Pennsylvania. This position placed her at the forefront of efforts to harmonize state laws across the United States, ensuring consistency and clarity in business and commercial law. Her work as a Uniform Law Commissioner allowed her to contribute to the development of laws that would benefit businesses, consumers, and legal practitioners across the country.

Perhaps one of the most significant honors of Professor Moringiello’s career came when she was elected to the American Law Institute (ALI). This distinguished honor recognized her as one of the leading legal scholars of her generation. The ALI is a prestigious organization that produces scholarly work in the form of Restatements of Law, Model Codes, and other significant legal documents. Her election to the ALI was a recognition not only of her intellectual acumen but also of her ongoing commitment to improving the law and its application.

In 2023, Professor Moringiello’s expertise was called upon by the highest levels of the judiciary when she was appointed by Chief Justice John Roberts to the Federal Judicial Center’s Bankruptcy Judge Education Advisory Committee. This appointment placed her in a key role in the development of educational programs for federal bankruptcy judges. As a member of this committee, Professor Moringiello helped ensure that judges were equipped with the most up-to-date knowledge and resources necessary to handle complex bankruptcy cases. This role underscored her reputation as one of the foremost experts in bankruptcy law and reaffirmed her influence within the broader legal community.

Professor Moringiello’s Legacy of Mentorship and Dedication

The loss of Professor Juliet M. Moringiello is felt deeply by the students, colleagues, and friends who had the privilege of knowing her. She was not just an educator but a mentor, always willing to offer guidance, support, and encouragement to those who sought it. Many of her former students have shared stories of how she helped them navigate their careers, offering invaluable advice and providing a model of professional excellence.

Her mentorship extended beyond the law school. Professor Moringiello’s colleagues and fellow legal professionals often turned to her for advice on navigating complex legal issues, teaching strategies, and leadership development. Her collaborative spirit and willingness to help others succeed were defining traits that made her not only a beloved professor but also a trusted advisor and leader in the legal community.

In her time at Widener Law Commonwealth, Professor Moringiello touched the lives of countless students and legal professionals. Her impact will be felt for many years to come, as the legacy she leaves behind continues to inspire future generations of lawyers, educators, and reformers. The depth of her influence and the breadth of her contributions to the legal profession stand as a testament to her unwavering dedication to improving the law, educating the next generation, and advocating for justice.

Remembering a Visionary Educator and Legal Reform Advocate

Professor Moringiello’s untimely passing leaves a void in both the academic and legal communities. However, her contributions to legal scholarship, her advocacy for reform, and her legacy as a dedicated educator and mentor ensure that her impact will never be forgotten. Her career exemplified the true meaning of public service, as she continually sought to make the law better, more just, and more accessible for all.

As Widener Law Commonwealth and the broader legal community mourn the loss of this remarkable woman, her legacy will continue to shape the field for years to come. Her influence, both in the classroom and beyond, remains an enduring testament to her vision, passion, and commitment to the law. Professor Juliet M. Moringiello may no longer be with us, but her work and her spirit will continue to inspire and guide all those who were fortunate enough to learn from her.

A Final Tribute

In the coming weeks, a memorial service will be held at Widener Law Commonwealth to celebrate the life and achievements of Professor Moringiello. This will provide an opportunity for those whose lives she touched to come together, reflect on her extraordinary career, and honor her legacy. Details of the memorial service will be shared with the Widener community, as well as the wider legal community, so that all those who knew Professor Moringiello can pay their respects.

In memory of Professor Juliet M. Moringiello, a scholarship fund has been established to continue her work in supporting students in the fields of business law, legal reform, and legal education. Those wishing to contribute to the fund may do so through the Widener Law Commonwealth website.

Professor Moringiello’s passing is a profound loss to the legal community, but her legacy as a visionary educator, legal reformer, and mentor will live on in the many lives she touched throughout her remarkable career.