Noteworthy

Delaware Law School is celebrating a major national victory as students Kylie Lovelace, Damon Edwards II and Jayden Velazquez captured first place at the 41st annual Jerome Prince Memorial Evidence Moot Court Competition, held recently at Brooklyn Law School. 

In addition to the team’s overall win, Velazquez earned the competition’s top oralist award. The team’s success was strengthened by the guidance of coach and adjunct professor of law, Joshua W. Brownlie, whose leadership helped refine arguments and prepare the advocates for the rigor of national‑level competition.

The Jerome Prince competition honors the legacy of Dean Jerome Prince, a leading evidence scholar and author of “Richardson on Evidence,” and is recognized as one of the nation’s premier forums for evidence‑focused appellate advocacy. Hosted each spring by the Brooklyn Law School Moot Court Honor Society in Brooklyn Heights, New York,  the competition brings together teams from across the country to brief and argue a contemporary evidentiary issue before panels of distinguished judges and practitioners.

This victory marks the Moot Court Honor Society’s second national championship of the semester, following its first‑place finish at the Domenick L. Gabrielli National Family Law Moot Court Competition at Albany Law School. In this highly competitive environment, Delaware Law’s team excelled across all rounds, demonstrating exceptional command of evidentiary doctrine, written advocacy and oral argument. This national victory reinforces Delaware Law’s growing presence in appellate advocacy and highlights the talent, professionalism and collaborative spirit that define its students.

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Widener University Delaware Law School is proud to announce that Dean Todd J. Clark has been appointed to a national working group charged with examining the future of law school accreditation. The appointment, announced by the Conference of Chief Justices and the Conference of State Court Administrators, places Clark among only three law school deans nationwide selected to serve on this influential body.

Clark is one of 15 leaders from across the judiciary, legal education and private practice selected to serve on the Committee on Legal Education and Admissions Reform, or CLEAR, working group. The group will study how accreditation standards can support innovation, expand access to legal education, and help address the nation’s justice gap while maintaining the rigorous preparation required of future lawyers.

The working group will evaluate accreditation frameworks and develop recommendations that promote high‑quality, cost‑effective and forward‑looking models of legal education. A key focus will be ensuring that state supreme courts—which ultimately license and regulate attorneys—have meaningful input into the standards shaping law school programs nationwide. A draft report is expected to be submitted to CLEAR by December.

The dean’s  appointment reflects his leadership in legal education and his commitment to expanding opportunity within the profession. His participation ensures that Delaware Law School will play a visible role in shaping national conversations about accreditation, licensure and the future of legal training.

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Assistant Professor Sarah Everhart has published a new article, “State Siting of Renewable Energy: Preemptive Power Grab or Power Play?” in the Duke Environmental Law & Policy Forum. The article examines how states are increasingly asserting authority over the siting of large‑scale wind and solar projects. Everhart analyzes recent legislative trends that shift decision‑making power from local governments to state agencies, a response to growing local restrictions and community opposition that have slowed renewable‑energy deployment.

At Delaware Law School, Everhart teaches environmental law and property. She also directs the Environmental and Natural Resources Law Clinic, where she guides students in addressing real‑world environmental and land‑use issues affecting communities across the region.

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Delaware Law School is proud to announce that one of its interscholastic moot court teams has won the 38th Annual Domenick L. Gabrielli National Family Law Moot Court Competition hosted at Albany Law School March 6–7, 2026. The team, which consisted of Ethan Adams, Jacob Shobe, and Marisa Miraglia, earned first place after two days of rigorous advocacy against competitors from across the country.

Two Delaware Law teams participated in this year’s competition. The winning team of Adams, Shobe, and Miraglia was joined by teammates Zakariyya Allen, Collin Henry, and Gabi Umstead who also represented the law school with distinction. The teams were coached by Associate Professor Leslie Johnson and Professor John Culhane, whose guidance and preparation were instrumental to the students’ success.

The Gabrielli Competition is one of the nation’s premier family law moot court events, drawing 28 teams from law schools nationwide. Delaware Law’s victory adds to the school’s strong history at the Gabrielli Competition, securing the champion title in 2023 and 2013. The Moot Court Honor Society continues to demonstrate the strength of Delaware Law’s advocacy training and the dedication of its student advocates.

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Assistant Professor Keeshea Turner Roberts presented her article “Governing the Poor,” at the 2026 Poverty Law Conference hosted by the University of Southern California Gould School of Law. 

The Poverty Law Conference brings together scholars, educators, and advocates from across the country whose work centers on poverty, inequality, and access to justice to promote meaningful conversation through paper presentations and roundtable discussions. 

“I am honored to contribute to this important conversation and to engage with colleagues committed to advancing justice in this moment,” Roberts said of the opportunity.  

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Delaware Law School student Daniela de León has been selected as one of the Philadelphia Bar Association Young Lawyers Division’s 2025 Diversity Scholarship recipients. The scholarship recognizes students who demonstrate strong academic performance, a commitment to community service and Bar Association involvement, a connection to the Philadelphia legal community, a diverse background, and financial need.

The Young Lawyers Division, or YLD, is a section of the Philadelphia Bar Association made up of attorneys who are in the early years of their legal careers. It provides professional development, networking, mentorship, and community‑service opportunities for new lawyers, and it plays a key role in helping emerging attorneys become active participants in the Bar Association.

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Dean Todd J. Clark has been named to the Delaware Business Times’ Delaware 222 for the third consecutive year. Published annually, the Delaware 222 highlights influential leaders whose work is shaping the state’s economic, legal, nonprofit, and civic sectors.
Clark’s continued recognition reflects his sustained leadership in legal education and his growing impact within the broader Delaware community. His repeated inclusion underscores his role as a key voice during a period of significant transition across public and private institutions.

As Delaware experiences ongoing demographic and leadership changes, the Delaware 222 offers a clear snapshot of the individuals driving progress and strengthening the state’s future.

Read more about Delaware 222

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Geeta Kohli, associate professor of law at Delaware Law School, was recently appointed to the President’s Council of Cornell Women, a distinguished network of alumni  dedicated to advancing women’s leadership and impact. 

At Delaware Law, Kohli teaches contract and business law and serves as the H. Albert Young Fellow in Constitutional Law. Her scholarship centers on narrative justice, integrating marginalized perspectives into legal study and practice. Her work appears in leading literary and law journals, with recent publications in Oregon Law Review, NYU Journal of Law & Business, and Michigan Quarterly Review.

She is the founder of the Narrative Justice Project, a nonprofit fostering collaboration between artists and lawyers, and publishes “Defining Money,” a free weekly finance and business law newsletter, and “Justice Reads,” an online journal exploring literature, law, and voice. Kohli’s expertise in corporate social responsibility and feminist lawyering has earned national recognition, including features on CNBC and a TEDx Talk on financial awareness.
 

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Erin Daly, professor emerita of law and director of the Dignity Rights Institute, published “A Research Agenda for Human Dignity and the Law,” a new collection of essays on the future of dignity law released by Edward Elgar Publishing. Featuring a distinguished international group of contributors and endorsed by Albie Sachs, the volume examines the current state of dignity law and offers forward‑looking frameworks for global challenges.

The collection spans both big‑picture issues—such as how dignity relates to AI, climate, nature, children’s rights, and modernity—and the lived experiences of people affected by legal, political, and economic decisions, including those in immigration detention, women in Afghanistan, and survivors of political violence. It also introduces ideas like a people‑centered dignity index and new approaches to teaching dignity.

Daly, who also leads the Dignity Rights Clinic, is a leading global scholar of dignity rights and is the author or co‑author of several influential books, including “Dignity Rights: Courts, Constitutions and the Worth of the Human Person” and “Dignity in America: Transforming Social Conflicts.” Her recent work includes testifying before the Inter‑American Court of Human Rights on climate‑related dignity rights, co‑producing a global micro‑learning course on human dignity, and serving in academic and advisory roles in Brazil, India, Haiti, and elsewhere. She is a Fulbright Specialist, with a recent post in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. She also contributes to the American Bar Association’s Dignity Rights Initiative and international efforts advancing environmental and human rights. She is the executive director of Dignity Now!, a nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding understanding of dignity rights for young people in the US and abroad.

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The annual Louis L. Redding Benefit and Awards Gala celebrates distinguished members of Delaware’s courts, bar, and community for their contributions and commitment to liberty and justice for all.
Jada A. Rivera, treasurer of Delaware Law’s Latin American Law Students Association, or LALSA, was named the 2025 recipient of the Louis L. Redding Scholarship by the Delaware Barristers Association. Established in 2015, the $5,000 scholarship honors Redding’s legacy, a prominent Delaware lawyer, civil rights advocate, and the first African American admitted to the Delaware Bar. 

Professor Emerita Serena Williams was also recognized at the gala with the Excellence in Education Award. At Delaware Law School, Williams taught and conducted research in property and housing law and served as assistant dean in the Office of Student Affairs from 2006 to 2011 and again from 2018 to 2023. Additionally, she taught in Delaware Law’s Trial Admissions Program, a summer initiative admitting students based on demonstrated ability to succeed in coursework, and in the Jurist Academy, a summer pre-law program hosted at the Wilmington-based campus.

Rivera and Williams’ recognition reflected the lasting influence of Redding’s civil rights advocacy and his pivotal role in Brown v. Board of Education, underscoring the values of equity and justice that continue to guide Delaware’s legal community.

View the 2025 Redding Gala photo album →

Watch the 2025 Redding Gala honoree videos →

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Delaware Law School held the 47th annual Judge G. Fred DiBona Intrascholastic Moot Court Competition, giving its second, third, and fourth year law students the opportunity to demonstrate their oral advocacy skills. With no written brief requirement, the five-round contest placed emphasis on clarity, persuasion, and courtroom presence as competitors advanced through each stage.

The competition culminated in a final round attended by all participants, with the top two earning eligibility for Moot Court Honor Society membership. Congratulations to this year’s winner, Jacob Shobe, and finalist, Marisa Miraglia. Special thanks are extended to Judge Cappelli, Judge Holt, and Dean Clark for serving as judges and providing valuable feedback.

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Hugh P. O’Neill III, a 1993 graduate of Delaware Law School, has been inducted into the American College of Trial Lawyers, one of the most prestigious legal associations in North America. Membership is by invitation only and limited to the top 1% of trial lawyers in each state or province. His induction into the College reflects decades of courtroom excellence, ethical leadership, and professional integrity.

O’Neill has been a partner with Thomas, Thomas & Hafer LLP in central Pennsylvania for more than 25 years. Throughout his career, O’Neill has shared his expertise with numerous organizations on topics including risk management, nursing best practices, medical tort reform, sex trafficking litigation, and insurance coverage. He has authored insights on the adoption of electronic medical records and the associated risk considerations and has provided guidance to clients and insurers on the evolving role of artificial intelligence in medical practice.

Read more: https://www.tthlaw.com/tth-attorney-hugh-p-oneill-iii-inducted-into-the-american-college-of-trial-lawyers/

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Nicole Stokes, Esq. ’21 has been named President-Elect of The Barristers’ Association of Philadelphia—an organization that has advanced advocacy, professional development, and community service since 1950. Her election reflects the strength of Delaware Law School’s alumni community and her commitment to expanding access, opportunity, and excellence within the legal profession. We proudly celebrate Nicole’s leadership and impact across Philadelphia’s legal landscape.

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Atlantic City has formally recognized the Young Lawyers Division, or YLD, of the Atlantic County Bar Association with an official resolution from the city for its outstanding contributions to public service and civic engagement. The resolution, which was adopted in August 2025, commends the YLD’s ongoing efforts in community outreach, legal education, and service initiatives that have made a meaningful impact across Atlantic County.

The resolution highlights the leadership and dedication of current YLD Board Members, including three Delaware Law School alumni from the class of 2022: Dennis M. Tuohy Jr., Emanuel Sanfilippo III, and Rachel Koutishian. For Delaware Law School, the recognition is a proud moment that underscores the values instilled in its graduates.

Beyond its commitment to nurturing the next generation of attorneys, the YLD plays an active role in public service. Its members lead and participate in community outreach initiatives across Atlantic County, New Jersey—bringing legal resources, education, and support to residents in need. Through this dual mission of mentorship and civic engagement, the YLD continues to strengthen both the legal community and the broader public it serves.

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Chris Cabott ‘05L, a Delaware Law School graduate and CEO of Equity Sports, has been named one of The Hollywood Reporter's Top Sports Lawyers of 2025—a prestigious recognition that cements his status as a powerhouse in the world of sports law. This honor highlights Cabott’s exceptional track record of negotiating more than $1 billion in contracts, including landmark deals for NFL stars like Patrick Mahomes and Jerry Jeudy.

The accolade is part of The Hollywood Reporter’s  inaugural Sports Power Lawyers list, which celebrates attorneys who are driving billion-dollar deals, shaping athlete branding, and influencing the future of sports business. Cabott stood out for his ability to secure not only massive player contracts but also strategic endorsement deals with global brands such as Nike, Adidas, Amazon, Netflix, and Visa. His work has also helped clients gain ownership stakes in major sports leagues, including MLB, MLS, and the NWSL.

Cabott’s recognition by The Hollywood Reporter affirms his role as a leading force in sports law—driving high-value deals, empowering athletes, and shaping the future of the industry. 

Read more about Chris’s story here.

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Lee A. Solomon '78L, a retired New Jersey Supreme Court Justice, has been named a 2025 recipient of the prestigious Medal of Honor by the New Jersey State Bar Foundation. The recognition is reserved for individuals who have made significant contributions to the justice system and the legal profession in New Jersey. Justice Solomon, who was the first Delaware Law School alumnus to serve on a state Supreme Court, is a celebrated member of the legal community whose decades-long career is marked by integrity, public service, and judicial excellence across all three branches of government.

Justice Solomon’s impact spans from his early days as a trial attorney and legislator to his leadership roles as Camden County Prosecutor, Deputy U.S. Attorney, and ultimately Associate Justice of the New Jersey Supreme Court. Beyond his rulings, he made lasting contributions by championing mental wellness in the legal community, spearheading efforts through the Supreme Court Committee on Wellness in the Law to nurture a healthier, more compassionate profession.

Now with Archer & Greiner, P.C., Justice Solomon continues to shape the legal landscape with the same dedication that earned him this distinguished accolade. His Medal of Honor reflects a career devoted to justice, compassion, and the betterment of society.

Read more about Justice Solomon’s story here.

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Both Delaware Law School and Commonwealth Law School have been included in the 2025 Princeton Review list of Best Law Schools.

Delaware Law also ranked third – up from a seventh-place ranking in 2023 and fourth place last year – on their list of the country’s 10 Best Law Schools for State and Local Clerkships. That recognition is based on the number of 2024 graduates who secured employment as judicial clerks. 

The law schools were among the 168 chosen for the unranked best law school list, out of more than 200 schools nationwide. Selections were made based on the results of law school student and administrator surveys and institutional data that included admissions statistics, career outcomes, academic rigor and more.

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Loreto (Larry) P. Rufo ’87, managing partner at Rawle & Henderson’s Wilmington office, has been named a lifelong Friend of the Court by the Superior Court of the State of Delaware—an accolade reserved for only six attorneys in the past three decades. 

The rare recognition highlights Rufo’s decades-long service to the Court, most notably his work as the defense coordinating counsel and defense medical coordinator in Delaware’s asbestos litigation. Appointed by the Delaware Superior Court, Rufo has played a pivotal role in managing complex litigation and ensuring its efficient administration. 

“Larry Rufo exemplifies the highest ideals of Delaware Law—dedication, service, and unwavering integrity,” said Dean Todd Clark. “We are proud to count him among our alumni and celebrate this extraordinary recognition of his lifelong contributions to justice.” 

Read more about Mr. Rufo’s award and contributions here. 

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Distinguished alumni from both Delaware Law School and Widener Law Commonwealth have been named to the prestigious 2025 Super Lawyers list.

Super Lawyers is an online resource that connects users with legal guidance and services. It recognizes the nation's top attorneys across various practice areas and firm sizes through a patented process involving independent research and peer input. This recognition includes both highly experienced lawyers and those deemed "rising stars" early in their careers.

The following alumni were named: 

• Larry Bendesky (DLS ’87): Top 100 Philadelphia, Top 100 Pennsylvania
• Alfred J. Carlson (MBA ’92, DLS ’92): Top 100 Philadelphia, Top 100 Pennsylvania
• Scott B. Cooper (WLC ’93): Top 100 Pennsylvania
• Regina M. Foley (WLC ’92): Top 100 Philadelphia, Top 100 Pennsylvania, Top 50 Women Pennsylvania
• Timothy R. Lawn (DLS ’89): Top 10 Pennsylvania
• Christopher M. Miller (DLS ’96): Top 100 Pennsylvania, Top 50 Pittsburgh
• Alexander Murphy, Jr. (DLS ’76) Top rated Entertainment & Sports attorney in West Chester, Pennsylvania
• Eric B. Pearson (DLS ’94): Top 100 Philadelphia, Top 100 Pennsylvania
• Fortunato N. Perri, Jr. (DLS ’88): Top 100 Philadelphia, Top 100 Pennsylvania
• Timothy F. Rayne (DLS ’95): Top 100 Philadelphia, Top 100 Pennsylvania
• Thomas F. Sacchetta (DLS ’86): Top 100 Philadelphia, Top 100 Pennsylvania
• Carol A. Shelly (DLS ’86): Top 100 Philadelphia, Top 100 Pennsylvania, Top 50 Women Pennsylvania
• Bernard W. Smalley, Sr. (DLS ’80): Top 100 Philadelphia, Top 100 Pennsylvania
• Heidi G. Villari (DLS ’97): Top 100 Philadelphia, Top 100 Pennsylvania, Top 50 Women Pennsylvania

Congratulations to all the recognized alumni for their outstanding achievements and contributions to the legal profession! 

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Intelligent.com, a respected source for higher education rankings and research, has recognized multiple programs at Widener in its 2025 rankings. The recognition across multiple disciplines, reinforces the university’s status as a leader in higher education.

The honors included:

Best online master of social work programs of 2025 – ranked 13 nationally.

Best accredited online paralegal certificate programs of 2025 – ranked 18 nationally for the program at Delaware Law School.

Best master of social work programs of 2025 – ranked 45 nationally.

The outlet uses data-driven methodology to evaluate programs across a broad range of criteria, including academic quality, graduation rates, cost and return on investment and student resources.

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