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The William S. Richardson School of Law proudly launched a new lecture series on March 7, 2025, with the first installment of the Soifer Lectures. Thanks to a generous gift from the Hundt Family Foundation and other supporters, this event series honors Professor Emeritus Avi Soifer, a prolific constitutional law scholar and former dean of Richardson Law, whose contributions continue to impact legal education and scholarship.
The inaugural speaker, Professor Ellen P. Goodman, Distinguished Professor at Rutgers Law School and Co-Director of the Rutgers Institute of Information Policy & Law, delivered a compelling lecture that engaged faculty, students, and community members alike.
Professor Goodman explored the timely and thought-provoking question: “Should we Americans still revere the law, and if so, how can that reverence be made justifiable and effective?” Drawing inspiration from Abraham Lincoln’s Lyceum Address, her discussion examined the role of law in contemporary society, emphasizing human agency and power in the face of tech-fueled subordination.
Following the lecture, attendees gathered in the law library for a reception celebrating Avi Soifer’s profound contributions to the legal community and the law school
A distinguished legal scholar, Soifer served as dean of the law school from 2003 to 2020 and continued teaching and writing until his retirement in the summer of 2024. Throughout his career, he has been recognized for his unwavering commitment to justice and his mentorship of countless students and colleagues.
The Soifer Lectures will continue to feature distinguished legal scholars, providing a platform for critical discussions on law, justice, and society. The next lecture will be held in March 2026.