Meet Your Deans

Image of Interim Dean Cornwell with law school students in one of the lounges of Rodino Center.
Seton Hall Law faculty and administrators are available to address all questions or concerns you may have about any aspect of your experience at Seton Hall Law – from academics and career planning to housing and counseling services. Our Deans are also here to assist you whenever you need.

Here’s how we can help. Call on us!


Image of Interim Dean John Kip Cornwell John Kip Cornwell, J.D., M.Phil., A.B.

Dean and Professor of Law

[email protected] | 973-642-8498

I am the final go-to person for our entire community, both internally and externally.  If you are uncertain about how to resolve a problem, or have an issue only I can address, or just want to say hello, please drop by.


Courtney B. Smith, PH.D.Courtney B. Smith, Ph.D.

Vice Dean, School of Law, and Dean, School of Diplomacy

[email protected] | 973-642-8506

I am excited to expand my role at Seton Hall and serve the Law School as Vice Dean, where I assist with budget management and related matters. I wish you the best of luck in your journey through our program, and I look forward to celebrating your future success.


Image of Devon Corneal Devon Corneal

 Associate Dean for Academics

 [email protected]| 973-642-8726

As Associate Dean for Academics, I oversee the academic program for our J.D. students, which includes course scheduling and development, academic and bar support, skills courses, exams, student services, enrollment, and our LEO and weekend programs. As a proud 2003 graduate of the Law School, it's important to me that every student has the opportunity to thrive and succeed during your time at Seton Hall. I'm available to speak with you about any issues of concern and welcome you to stop by for a chat or a fresh-baked cookie.


Carl H. ColemanCarl H. Coleman

Associate Dean for Graduate Programs and Professor of Law

[email protected] | 201-688-7575

As Associate Dean for Graduate Programs, I oversee Seton Hall Law’s non-J.D. offerings, including the Master’s of Law (LL.M.) degree, the Master’s of Legal Studies (MLS) degree, and the graduate certificate programs. I also serve as co-faculty adviser to the Lambda Law Alliance. I teach a variety of health law electives and seminars, and I encourage you to reach out to me if you think you might be interested in health law.


Margaret K. LewisMargaret K. Lewis

Associate Dean for Faculty Development and Institutional Operations and Professor of Law

[email protected] | 973-642-8821

As Associate Dean for Faculty Development and Institutional Operations, I support our faculty to enhance their teaching and scholarship. I also work with our centers and institutes, as well as our IT and communications departments. I teach criminal law/procedure and electives that address international and transnational law. My work focuses on East Asia, and I’m happy to discuss pathways to a career that reaches outside the United States.