The William S. Richardson School of Law launched the Soifer Lecture Series, a platform for critical discussions on law, justice and society featuring leading legal scholars.
The inaugural lecture was delivered by Professor Ellen P. Goodman, distinguished professor at Rutgers Law School and co-director of the Rutgers Institute of Information Policy & Law. Goodman explored a timely question: “Should we Americans still revere the law, and if so, how can that reverence be made justifiable and effective?”
Drawing on Abraham Lincoln’s Lyceum Address, she examined the role of law in today’s society, emphasizing human agency and power amid the challenges posed by technology-driven subordination.
The series honors Professor Emeritus Avi Soifer, a renowned constitutional law scholar and former dean whose impact on legal education and scholarship continues to resonate. This new series is made possible by a generous gift from the Hundt Family Foundation and other supporters.
Following the lecture, attendees celebrated Soifer’s contributions to the legal community and the law school. Soifer served as dean from 2003 to 2020 and continued teaching and writing until his retirement in summer 2024. Known for his unwavering commitment to justice, he has mentored countless students and colleagues throughout his distinguished career.
The next lecture is scheduled for March 2026.
