Key Takeaways
- Professor Juliet M. Moringiello was a trailblazing legal scholar who dedicated 31 years to Widener Law Commonwealth.
- She was a respected leader in legal academia, serving as a Uniform Law Commissioner and American Law Institute member.
- Moringiello was a passionate mentor who believed in guiding the next generation of legal professionals.
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Professor Juliet M. Moringiello, a trailblazing legal scholar and mentor, who passed away late last week.
Moringiello was a cornerstone of Widener Law Commonwealth, where she dedicated 31 years to educating and inspiring students in the fields of property, bankruptcy, secured transactions, and electronic commerce.
Beyond her impactful teaching, Moringiello was a leader in law reform on both state and national levels.
She held prestigious positions within the American Bar Association (ABA) and the Pennsylvania Bar Association (PBA), receiving the W. Edward Sell Business Lawyer Award in 2021 for her contributions.
A Uniform Law Commissioner for Pennsylvania, she was also an elected member of the American Law Institute, cementing her legacy as a leader in legal academia and practice.
In 2023, U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts appointed her to the Federal Judicial Center’s Bankruptcy Judge Education Advisory Committee, where she played a key role in developing educational programs for federal bankruptcy judges.
Just weeks before her passing, she was honored with the 2025 Mentorship Award by the Association of American Law Schools (AALS) Section on Commercial and Consumer Law, recognizing her dedication to guiding the next generation of legal professionals.
Upon receiving the award, Moringiello spoke about the importance of mentorship, stating, “No one advances alone. Always give back.”
Legacy And Impact
Juliet Moringiello’s words continue to resonate with the countless students and colleagues she influenced throughout her career.
Her legacy extends beyond the classroom, as she played a pivotal role in revising the Uniform Commercial Code and ensuring its adoption in Pennsylvania.
Passionate about commercial law, she often emphasized its real-world impact, stating,
“Businesses sometimes prey on the less fortunate, and this knowledge helps lawyers protect those who are vulnerable.”
Outside of her legal career, Moringiello found joy in teaching skiing, embodying her belief that “teaching is teaching—you start with the basics and build from there.”
Widener Law Commonwealth will host a celebration of her life in the coming weeks to honor her extraordinary contributions.
Juliet Moringiello’s dedication to her students, colleagues, and the field of law leaves an enduring impact that will be felt for generations to come.
Rest in peace, Professor Moringiello. Your mentorship, leadership, and kindness will not be forgotten.
