Professor Juliet Moringiello Honored with Prestigious AALS Mentorship Award
Widener University Commonwealth Law School Professor Juliet Moringiello, who also serves as associate dean for academic affairs, has been named the recipient of the 2025 mentorship award by the Association of American Law Schools, known as AALS, section on Commercial and Consumer Law. This award recognizes her exceptional commitment to guiding and inspiring the next generation of legal professionals while advancing the field of commercial and consumer law.
The award honors individuals who have made outstanding contributions to legal education through scholarship, teaching, service, or mentorship. This year’s honorees will be celebrated during the 2025 AALS annual meeting on Jan. 9, under the theme "Courage in Action."
“Dean Juliet Moringiello is a nationally leading voice in commercial law and bankruptcy where her contributions to the field are weighty and transformative,” said Widener Law Commonwealth Dean andre douglas pond cummings. “For Juliet to be recognized as a mentor award recipient by the commercial law section is yet another acknowledgment of the foundational and anchoring role that she plays nationally in her field of expertise. We are very proud of Dean Moringiello and are grateful that her extraordinary work is being recognized by this award.”
A recognized leader in her field, Moringiello’s journey into commercial and consumer law began with her early interest in real estate. “When real estate doesn’t do well, bankruptcy is always looming,” she explained. “Commercial law is ‘right next door’ to real estate law, and during law school, I found that I loved my commercial law courses.”
Moringiello’s dedication to mentorship has shaped the careers of countless students and colleagues. Reflecting on her teaching journey, she credited her time as a teaching fellow at Temple University’s Beasley School of Law for instilling in her the importance of mentoring. “I benefited from wonderful mentorship there,” she said. “It’s meaningful to me that I share this award with Candace Zierdt, another former Temple fellow who has guided me in my role with the Uniform Law Commission.”
Moringiello’s leadership extends beyond mentorship. She recently served as vice chair of the committee that revised the Uniform Commercial Code and played a key role in securing its adoption in Pennsylvania. Her expertise and advocacy shine in her teaching, where she emphasizes the societal impact of commercial law. “A lawyer can do a lot of good for people by understanding commercial law,” she explained. “Businesses sometimes prey on the less fortunate, and this knowledge helps lawyers protect those who are vulnerable.”
Outside of her legal pursuits, Moringiello enjoys spending time outdoors year-round and teaching skiing. “I’ve taught skiing for five years, and it’s shown me that teaching is teaching,” she said. “You start with the basics and build from there.”
As a champion for mentorship, she urges young professionals to prioritize supporting others. “No one advances alone,” she noted. “Always give back.”
For more information about the AALS awards and the full list of 2025 honorees, visit the AALS website.
