Students at Widener University Commonwealth Law School didn't have to wait until graduation to begin building careers in government and public service during the 2025-26 academic year.
They debated emerging legal issues with nationally recognized scholars, shared dinner conversations with federal judges, networked beneath the dome of the Pennsylvania state capitol, connected with alumni working across government, and earned specialized credentials that set them apart in a competitive legal market. Those experiences, paired with hands-on leadership and mentorship opportunities, continued to make the Law and Government Institute one of the law school's signature programs.
Interest in the institute's certificate program continued to climb. By the close of the academic year, 77 students were pursuing certificates in administrative law and constitutional law, environmental law, government contracting, or legislation and public policy. Nearly half chose to pursue more than one certificate, reflecting students' growing interest in developing broad experience across multiple areas of government law. Nine graduates earned certificates this spring, bringing the institute's network of certificate alumni to 275.
The classroom was only part of the experience.
Throughout the year, students learned directly from the people shaping the law. U.S. District Judge Karoline Mehalchick concluded her two-year appointment as jurist in residence with a lecture on defending the rule of law, while University of Chicago Law Professor Jennifer Nou visited campus to deliver the annual John Gedid Lecture on administrative law. Both programs gave students the rare opportunity to continue those conversations in small-group dinners with speakers and faculty.
Career preparation remained at the center of the institute's work. Students connected with alumni during career panels, explored opportunities with the Pennsylvania Governor's Office of General Counsel, participated in the institute's second annual speed networking event, and continued building professional relationships through an alumni mentorship program.
Outside the law school, students experienced government where it happens.
The institute's annual Evening at the Capitol brought students, alumni and legal professionals together inside the Pennsylvania state capitol to celebrate public service while expanding professional networks. Students also toured the capitol, attended the American Bar Association's administrative law conference, and participated in programs exploring everything from judicial selection to emergency medical services policy.
The Patrick J. Murphy Law and Government Fellowship gave two students another opportunity to develop leadership skills by helping organize institute programs, researching legal and public policy issues, and working alongside policymakers, alumni and faculty members throughout the year.
2025-26 by the numbers
- 77 students pursued Law and Government Institute certificates.
- 128 certificates were being earned across four areas of government law.
- 37 students pursued more than one certificate.
- 275 alumni have now graduated from the institute's certificate program.
The 2025-26 academic year reflected the institute's mission of connecting legal education with public service. Whether students were learning from judges, networking with government leaders, or exploring career paths across Pennsylvania and beyond, the Institute continued to provide experiences that prepared them to lead wherever their legal careers take them.
The complete 2025-26 Law and Government Institute annual report is available online
View the "2025-2026 Annual Report" by Law and Government Institute
