News - The Dean's Brief

A powerful reenactment of a little-known 1942 extradition case that tested the boundaries of justice and race in America was staged this summer for an audience of Pennsylvania trial judges, brought to life by students from Widener University Commonwealth Law School. While it’s not a public…

The next generation of Widener University Commonwealth Law School students is officially on its way. On Aug. 14, 160 first-year students gathered on campus for the annual Welcome to the Profession ceremony, a milestone moment marking the start of their legal education and the beginning of a career…

Widener University Commonwealth Law School has finalized a new 3+3 dual admissions agreement with Youngstown State University, opening a streamlined pathway for YSU students to earn both a bachelor’s degree and a juris doctor in just six years. This is Widener Law Commonwealth’s first 3+3…

Widener University Commonwealth Law School is proud to prepare students for meaningful and successful careers in law. This year, several alumni earned spots on the prestigious 2025 Super Lawyers and Rising Stars lists — national honors that recognize excellence and leadership in the legal field.…

Professor Anna Hemingway has spent more than two decades guiding law students at Widener University Commonwealth Law School. Now, she’s taking on a new challenge as associate dean for academic affairs, a role that allows her to support students, faculty, and the broader academic mission of the…

As the spring 2025 semester came to a close, Widener University Commonwealth Law School took time to celebrate three standout members of its community whose dedication, scholarship, and service left a lasting mark. Each award reflects the law school’s commitment to recognizing those who go above…

Widener University Commonwealth Law School isn’t just adding new faces to the faculty this fall; it’s welcoming a powerhouse team of legal minds ready to shape the next generation of lawyers. The four newest full-time faculty members—Rebecca Feldmann, D.S. Pensley, Chiara Pappalardo, and Michael D.…

For Rory Ritrievi, the path from commercial lender to bank CEO may have been paved with business acumen, but it was accelerated by law school. A 1998 graduate of Widener Law Commonwealth, Ritrievi serves as President and CEO of Mid Penn Bank. Looking back, he credits the school’s extended division…

Charles Duncan’s path from Widener Law Commonwealth to the vice president of government and regulatory affairs at Comcast was paved with purpose, public service, and a passion for leadership shaped by legal and military training. A December 2005 graduate, Duncan now leads state government affairs…

From stay-at-home mom to law student and now a community fundraiser with a flair for performance, second-year extended division Widener Law Commonwealth student Kerry Pierce is stepping into the spotlight—literally—for this year’s Astonishing Advocate campaign, hosted by the Dauphin County Bar…

While many law students wait years for real client experience, a group of Widener Law Commonwealth students spent this past spring diving headfirst into preparing tax returns for more than 250 clients through the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program, known as VITA. Run under the guidance of…

On Sunday, May 18, the class of 2025 crossed a threshold not just in their careers but in a shared commitment to resilience, kindness, and justice — values underscored throughout Widener University Commonwealth Law School’s 34th commencement ceremony at the Forum Auditorium. Image…