Conversation with Dean Weich

I had the privilege of sitting down with our new Dean, Ron Weich, shortly after he began his tenure at Seton Hall Law. In our conversation, Dean Weich discussed what he is looking forward to in his first year as dean, the importance of a legal education, and the various restaurants he is eager to try in Newark. Read below for some of the highlights of our conversation and, if you see him in the building, be sure to say hello. Dean Weich is eager to meet the students!

Why is legal education and being a lawyer important?

Law is everywhere in our society. Every problem that we face has legal elements to it, and lawyers are trained to participate in leadership roles in those debates. If you look at the environment and at the weather, you think how environmental law and natural resources law can impact the problem of climate change. You look at inequity in housing and in healthcare and see how important it is to provide legal services to people who need to litigate disputes. Lawyers can step into those fields and make a positive difference so training the next generation of lawyers is a wonderful mission. I am very proud to lead a school that is doing just that. I think we are arming the next generation of problem solvers to be effective in that role and to have the right values, skills, and beliefs. So, all that makes the work of a law school and a law school dean especially important and very gratifying.

What drew you to Seton Hall Law?

I love being a law school dean, and I've been one for the last 12 years at the University of Baltimore. I could have stayed and continued “deaning” in Baltimore, but a dean shouldn’t stay in one place too long, and 12 years was long enough. Seton Hall was attractive to me as a place where I could continue to do the work that I care about in a wonderful environment. I knew the law school by reputation as having an excellent faculty, strong administration, and an affiliation with a world class University. That’s exciting in itself. The opportunity also gave me the chance to move from a public law school to a private law school and specifically to a Catholic University. I am interested in continuing my work in a new challenging setting where I know that the institution I am joining is a strong one with good potential. 

As you learn about the history and values of Seton Hall Law, what excites you?

Seton Hall is a place that values respect for all people and recognizes that serving in the law is an opportunity to help others. The legal education we provide is empowering students to be active participants in the great debates of the day and to help our neighbors and communities. These values are consistent with my own personal values and are also at the core of the Christian and Catholic tradition.

What are some qualities you deem critical to your success as a leader?

I think communication skills are important in both directions. It’s important that I be able to articulate a vision for the law school and to represent the law school in public settings effectively. At the same time, I need to be a good listener who can receive communication. In my time at the University of Baltimore I prided myself on my ability to be an ambassador for the school and to listen to and learn from students and alumni.

A law school dean needs to be decisive and should know when there is enough information to make a decision. In any higher education institution, but especially in a law school, everything happens quickly, and the dean is often called upon to resolve a problem or dispute. As a dean you have to gather as much information as you can and then know when the right time is to make a decision. You also must be flexible enough to change a decision if it is not the right one.

What do you hope to achieve in your first year as dean?

I hope to continue to build a healthy relationship between the law school and the university, and I look forward to strengthening ties. I want to make sure that we have the resources that we need at the law school to serve our students. I recognize that students need increased support these days. There is a lot of anxiety in the world, and I want to make sure we are serving students well, that we have Professors who are teaching in the fields that students want to work in, and that the curriculum is preparing students for their work in today's legal environment. I want to make sure that we have an excellent reputation not just in New Jersey, but nationally.

What advice do you have for incoming students?

I would say just understand that law school can be stressful. Prepare yourself and don't have any false expectation that this is going to be a walk in the park. You should know that the work that you are undertaking is going to pay off in lots of ways. It will lead to good employment, and you will have the opportunity to make a difference in the world.

The other thing I would advise students is to find your friends and colleagues. Law school is hard to do by yourself. Classmates and family and friends outside of school are important. You need to build your team to be effective. I think that's why the Seton Hall Law alumni community is so important. They developed their friendships while they were here and now, they are loyal to the institution and each other.

What are you looking forward to most about living in New Jersey?

Well, the Italian food would be one thing. In general, I'm a bit of a foodie and know there's great food of different kinds here. I've already enjoyed the Portuguese and Brazilian food in Newark’s Ironbound, and I’m looking forward to trying out all the cultural offerings New Jersey has to offer. I’m also excited to take advantage of outdoor recreation, tennis, running, and biking.

Favorite pizza topping?

I like clams. A white pizza with white sauce and clams is an especially delicious pizza.

Favorite bagel?

Everything bagel.