Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P. President | St. John's University website

On May 20, 2024, St. John’s Law School celebrated its Commencement Exercises for the Class of 2024, which included 266 J.D. graduates and 42 LL.M. degree candidates. The event marked a significant milestone for both the students and Dean Michael A. Simons, who is concluding his 15-year tenure as dean to return to full-time teaching at St. John’s Law.

Dean Simons addressed the graduates with reflections on finding joy and meaning in their legal careers. “There will be joy and meaning to be found in your work as lawyers—in solving a client’s problem, in speaking up for someone who has been wronged, in using the power of the law to make our communities more just, more fair, more free, and more equitable,” he said. He emphasized the importance of relationships in professional success: “Keep your focus on people. Those relationships will make you a better lawyer, they will make you a better person, they will make you a better life.”

The Commencement speaker was Honorable Rowan D. Wilson, Chief Judge of the State of New York and New York Court of Appeals. After receiving an honorary Doctor of Laws from St. John’s University President Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P., Judge Wilson spoke about the responsibilities that come with entering the legal profession at a pivotal time.

“Clergy minister to the soul, doctors minister to the body, and lawyers minister to the worldly disputes humans have with each other,” he stated. “You soon-to-be lawyers will be part of that third true, original profession... what you have undertaken is not a job; it is a calling.”

Judge Wilson encouraged graduates to draw inspiration from St. Vincent de Paul and St. Thomas More by embracing agape—charity—as their guiding principle in alleviating human suffering through their legal practice.

Following the conferral of degrees, incoming Dean Jelani Jefferson Exum and Alumni Association President Alain Massena ’00 welcomed new graduates into an alumni community numbering 17,000 worldwide.

“I’m excited for what the years ahead hold for each of you,” said Dean Jefferson Exum. “I look forward to celebrating your accomplishments as alumni and partnering with you in shaping the future of St. John’s Law."