Seton Hall Law Celebrates the Class of 2026

Photo by Sean Sime

 

Seton Hall University School of Law celebrated the graduation of its Class of 2026 on Wednesday, May 27, at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark, N.J. The commencement exercises brought together 311 graduates, along with their families, faculty and members of the legal community, to mark the occasion.

Dean Ronald Weich presided over the ceremony, offering welcome remarks to the graduating class and acknowledging the dedication and achievement the degree represents. Weich congratulated graduates and their families while marking two milestones: Seton Hall Law's 75th anniversary and the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Drawing a parallel between the Declaration as a legal document and the school's mission, he underscored the ongoing pursuit of equality, noting both the nation's founding ideals and its contradictions. He urged graduates to use their legal education to defend and strengthen democratic institutions, advance equal rights, and uphold integrity, professionalism and service.

The keynote address was delivered by Camille M. Vasquez, Esq., a partner at Sheppard who specializes in high-profile litigation and complex legal disputes. Vasquez has built a distinguished practice in commercial litigation, entertainment law and defamation, and is widely recognized for her advocacy in high-stakes matters. Congratulating the Class of 2026, she emphasized the visible and unseen sacrifices behind their achievement, drawing on her experience as the daughter of immigrants. She urged graduates to seek opportunities, cultivate mentors and champions, and approach the law as a service profession grounded in purpose, civility and integrity. Reflecting on her own career, she underscored resilience, hard work and "earned luck," encouraging graduates to build their reputations carefully and define success on their own terms. She also highlighted curiosity, personal growth and pro bono service, closing with a call to stay engaged and put their legal training to meaningful use.

Nicholas Giaquinto, a member of the Class of 2026 and a Great Graduate honoree, delivered the student address on behalf of his fellow graduates as they prepared to join the legal profession. He reflected on entering law school with confidence but little sense of the challenges ahead, noting the experience proved far less linear than expected. Acknowledging the personal, financial and emotional obstacles many classmates faced—including the absence of loved ones—he emphasized that resilience, not perfection, defined the journey. He highlighted the shared, often unseen struggles that do not appear on transcripts but shaped the class's growth, framing graduation as proof of endurance and adaptability. He closed with gratitude to supporters and a tribute to those who could not be present, underscoring that while the path was imperfect, the class persevered and is ready for what lies ahead.

For more information about the 2026 commencement ceremony, visit Seton Hall Law Commencement page and Great Graduate profiles to learn about the Class of 2026.