U.S. District Judge Michael A. Shipp ‘94, Named Keynote Speaker at Seton Hall University School of Law Commencement

U.S. District Judge Michael A. Shipp ’94

, will deliver the keynote address at the 70th commencement ceremony for Seton Hall University School of Law on Tuesday, June 4 at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark. In recognition of his outstanding contributions, the law school will bestow an honorary Doctor of Laws, Honoris Causa degree upon Judge Shipp.

Judge Shipp was appointed to the federal bench to serve as a United States District Court Judge for the District of New Jersey in July 2012. Prior to his elevation to the District Court, Judge Shipp served as a United States Magistrate Judge for the District of New Jersey. He is a respected jurist known for his dedication to justice and fairness in the legal system. Judge Shipp displays a keen understanding of complex legal matters and a steadfast commitment to impartiality. His rulings reflect a deep respect for the law and a dedication to ensuring fair and equitable outcomes. To this end, Judge Shipp is one of a limited number of judges selected by the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation to oversee complex multidistrict litigations, and he currently oversees one of the largest multidistrict litigations in the country.

Dean Kip Cornwell looks forward to welcoming Judge Shipp to his alma mater.

Prior to Judge Shipp’s appointment to the federal bench, he served in several different capacities in both government and private practice. He began his legal career clerking for New Jersey Supreme Court Justice James H. Coleman. He then spent eight years with the law firm of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP. At Skadden, he worked across multiple practice areas including complex commercial litigation, labor and employment, products liability, and contracts.

Judge Shipp’s commitment to public service led him to various roles within the legal community. In September 2003, he joined the New Jersey Department of Law and Public Safety as the Assistant Attorney General in-charge-of the State’s Consumer Protection Practice Group. As an Assistant Attorney General, he managed and assisted counsel in the litigation of large institutional investor class actions and individual lawsuits, served as the primary point person on consumer protection enforcement issues, and reviewed and commented on proposed legislation and policy issues. In February 2007, Judge Shipp was named Counsel to the Attorney General, where he served as a top advisor to the Attorney General, assisted in managing day-to-day issues, and strategized with attorneys and other government officials on significant litigation matters. Judge Shipp’s unwavering dedication to upholding the principles of justice earned him recognition and respect from his peers and the legal community at large.

Judge Shipp is an adjunct professor at Seton Hall University School of Law. He is a graduate of Rutgers University and Seton Hall University School of Law, and a proud graduate of Seton Hall Law’s Legal Education Opportunity (LEO) Program. He also received a Master’s degree from Duke Law School. He is the recipient of numerous awards, including the Alumni of the Year Public Service Award and Adjunct Professor of the Year Award from Seton Hall University School of Law.

Outside of the courtroom, Judge Shipp is actively involved in legal education and community outreach initiatives, striving to promote legal literacy and access to justice for all people. His tireless efforts have left a lasting impact on the legal profession and the communities he serves.

For more information on Seton Hall Law’s 2024 commencement and related events visit https://law.shu.edu/Students/graduation/index.html. The livestream of the commencement will be available on https://law.shu.edu/Students/graduation/livestream.html.