Judge Royce Morris reflects on his time as Jurist in Residence
As Judge Royce Morris concludes his tenure as the Jurist in Residence at Widener University Commonwealth Law School, he reflects on the rewarding experiences and valuable lessons shared with the students and faculty.
“We are extremely grateful for the impactful term that Judge Royce Morris served as Widener Law Commonwealth’s Jurist in Residence these past several years,” said Dean andré douglas pond cummings. “Judge Morris’ life and career exemplify the ideals and values that we hold close at WLC, those of excellence, grit, perseverance, and concern for those less fortunate than us. We look forward to maintaining a close relationship with Judge Morris as he continues to be an excellent judge and a tremendous example to our students.”
Morris, a prominent figure in the legal field for over 25 years, began his career in the Dauphin County Public Defender’s office in 1991 before becoming a partner at Goldberg Katzman. Elected as a Dauphin County Court Judge in 2018, he has handled various complex cases. His extensive legal background made his insights particularly valuable to Widener students.
He describes his time at the law school as deeply fulfilling. "I was welcomed into the Widener Law Commonwealth community and was given the opportunity to share my experiences as a lawyer and a judge with the students in a meaningful way," he said.
His key message to students is that a career in law is a journey. "Don’t be in a hurry to get there. Try to enjoy the journey that will lead to a successful career," he advised. This perspective is something he emphasized during his interactions and lectures, encouraging students to embrace each step of their professional paths.
Morris has also been active in legal education, teaching at Harrisburg Area Community College and Penn State University. During his tenure at Widener Law Commonwealth, he focused his lectures on critical topics such as the law and policy of sentencing and corrections and juvenile law. These areas, integral to his judicial work, provided students with in-depth insights and practical knowledge.
Among the highlights of his tenure, Morris cites his interactions with the students as the most enjoyable aspect. "The students! I had many great interactions with the students, and I enjoyed being around their positive energy," he recalled.
Looking forward, Morris remains dedicated to his judicial career with a continued focus on juvenile court. He also offers valuable advice to his successor: "Make yourself available. Many of the students are first-generation college and law school students, and they need your guidance and support."
Reflecting on his own journey, Morris shared a personal note about the importance of education. "I am a first-generation high school graduate, and I was blessed with parents who, despite their lack of education, stressed its importance. Access to a quality education created opportunities for me. As students at Widener, you are given access to a quality legal education. The effective use of that access can open countless opportunities for your future. I will remain available to be a resource for the students," he said.
