Seton Hall Law Professor William E. Garland, 64

Seton Hall University School of Law mourns the passing of one of its most beloved professors, William E. Garland. Dean Patrick E. Hobbs said, “Professor Garland was a phenomenal teacher of future attorneys. He knew the law, but more important, he knew how to inculcate professionalism and an ethical sense in his students. He was also extraordinarily patient, demanding from his students the precision necessary to be a good lawyer. His loss affects the entire legal and academic communities, as he was also very involved in law reform efforts, as well as public service. Even with his vast accomplishments, Bill was nothing less than a great man whose company you always enjoyed.”

Born in 1944, Professor Garland earned his Juris Doctor from Seton Hall University in 1969. He joined Seton Hall Law as an adjunct professor in 1970 and became a full professor in 1976. He served as associate dean from 1983 to 1984. Prior to joining Seton Hall Law, Professor Garland was a partner in Stanziale and Garland, a law firm in Newark. He served as the long-time representative of Seton Hall University to the New Jersey Law Revision Commission. The American Bar Association's Central and Eastern European Law Institute called upon Professor Garland's expertise in property law and commissioned him to prepare a commentary for Romanian legislators regarding that country's expropriation law. He was a member of Academics for the Second Amendment and the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education.

Over the years, Professor Garland taught many classes, but was most noted for teaching property and bankruptcy courses. He was also instrumental in the formation and multi-decade success of Seton Hall Law’s Legal Education Opportunity (LEO) program, tailored to provide gifted law school aspirants from economically and educationally challenged backgrounds with the opportunity to demonstrate their ability to succeed in the study of law. Professor Garland often referred to his participation in the LEO program as one of the highlights of his legal career.

The qualities of Professor Garland were best expressed by his former law school classmate and colleague, Dean-Emeritus Ronald Riccio, who said, “Bill Garland loved Seton Hall Law and had a heart of gold. No one was better at attention to detail. He was a superb lawyer, teacher, and good friend. He loved coming to work. His enthusiasm for the law, debate, and genuine affection for people, will be missed deeply.”

Professor Garland is survived by his sister, Sister Barbara Garland, SC, Councilor of the Sisters of Charity at the Convent of St. Elizabeth in Convent Station, NJ.