Since its founding in 1951, Seton Hall Law has carried forward the legacy of Seton
Hall University, educating generations of lawyers in Newark and beyond.
1856 Seton Hall University is founded by Bishop James Roosevelt Bayley and named in honor
of his aunt, Sister Elizabeth Ann Seton, the first American-born saint.
1937–1950 Plans for a law school are delayed by World War II and its aftermath.
1950 New Jersey Supreme Court rules require bar candidates to graduate from ABA-accredited
law schools. John Marshall Law School in Jersey City closes and transfers its library
and assets to Seton Hall.
1951 Under Founding Dean Miriam T. Rooney, the first woman to lead an ABA-accredited law
school, Seton Hall University School of Law opens Feb. 5 in Jersey City with 72 students.
1954–1955 The law school graduates its first class and earns full American Bar Association accreditation.
1959 Seton Hall Law becomes a member of the Association of American Law Schools.
1961–1971 Dean John P. Loftus oversees major enrollment growth and the creation of the Student
Bar Association, Law Review and Res Ipsa Loquitur.
1971–1978 Dean John F.X. Irving expands faculty and facilities, moving the school to 1010 Raymond
Blvd. and launches the Legal Education Opportunity (LEO) program.
1978–1983 The Rev. Daniel A. Degnan strengthens alumni engagement through the creation of the
Alumni Office and Alumni Council.
1983–1987 Dean Elizabeth F. Defeis advances the school’s national scholarly reputation.
1988–1999 Dean Ronald J. Riccio leads the $37 million construction of the Law School’s permanent
home in downtown Newark, supporting the city’s revitalization, establishes the Center
for Social Justice and expands the curriculum to include the LL.M. and Master of Legal
Studies degrees, along with nationally recognized programs such as Health Law & Policy.
1999–2015 Dean Patrick E. Hobbs establishes the Board of Visitors and expanded endowed scholarships
and academic institutes, including the Gibbons Institute for Law, Science & Technology
in 2000.
2015–2024 Dean Kathleen M. Boozang pioneeres hybrid and online legal education with the launch
of one of the country’s first weekend part-time J.D. programs and advanced initiatives
in privacy law and trial advocacy, including the Denis McLaughlin Trial Advocacy Workshop.
Present Under Dean Ronald Weich’s visionary leadership, Seton Hall Law continues its tradition
of academic excellence, innovation and public service, strengthening its commitment
to the Newark community and beyond.
