Wendy Johnson Lario '92 to Receive Distinguished Graduate Award at 2020 Alumni Gala
On May 8, Wendy Johnson Lario ’92 will receive the Distinguished Graduate Award at the Annual Alumni Gala. Humbled by the honor, Lario is currently the Vice Chair of Seton Hall Law School’s Board of Visitors and Co-chair of the Women’s Leadership Committee.
Describing her involvement with her alma mater can be summed up into one word – rewarding. She says, “Through programs, events, roundtables, and strategic planning with the Board, it is rewarding to impact current students and engage alumni.”
While Lario is currently a Shareholder at Greenberg Traurig and Chairs the New Jersey Labor & Employment Practice, her path to the law wasn’t straightforward. Early in her career, she left a role in Corporate America at AT&T to pursue her dream of going to law school.
“I originally planned to go into practice with my dad as a generalist but decided to round out my 3L year with other opportunities,” explains Lario, whose father and daughter are both alumni. “I am astounded at the education I received at Seton Hall Law. I still fondly remember sitting in every class with Professors Sullivan, Carmella, and Franzese, just to name a few – who are all still teaching today – and transitioning from the little red brick building with five classrooms to the wonderful space where the Law School is today.”
These fond memories are, in large part, are why Lario is involved at present day. “I am so fortunate to have had the opportunity to be taught by incredible faculty and now be involved with the Board, working with top thought leaders who are all dedicated to the success of Seton Hall Law,” says Lario. “And more recently, connecting and reconnecting with colleagues through the work of the Women’s Leadership Committee has been inspiring because there are so many women and men who are interested in and generously giving back their time and talent for the next generation.”
Nearly 30 years after graduating Law School, the dedication and hard work Lario has put in is not lost on her. She shares with law students and young lawyers to “be prepared to work hard and put your whole self into your craft. Ultimately, while there is no straight path to success, that dedication will give you meaning and be rewarding.”