Sharing What Makes Life Meaningful

When Wendy Johnson Lario '92 started practicing law more than 25 years ago, she had to travel down to the basement of old court houses to find the ladies’ room. Things have changed as more women have entered the profession, but much work remains to ensure true parity, she says.

Toward that end, Wendy and her husband, Michael, have created a Women's Leadership Initiatives Support Fund and the Johnson Lario Family Endowed Scholarship at Seton Hall Law. Their goal is to ensure other women and those unable to afford law school can pursue careers in the law and realize their full potential.

Shareholder and Chair of the New Jersey Labor and Employment department at Greenberg Traurig, Wendy grew up in a family of lawyers – her grandfather, father and uncle were all lawyers. Yet, there was no female attorney to mentor her when she made the decision to embark on a career in law. Her desire is to ensure that does not happen to other women pursuing careers in law today, including her daughter Courteney, who earned her degree from Seton Hall Law and is an attorney at Greenberg Traurig. Wendy's father, Robert Johnson, also is a graduate of the Law School, as is her son-in-law, Tim Caine.

"I feel it is important for students and young attorneys to have mentors, sponsors and coaches who can encourage them along the way and make sure they are included in the room when decisions are being made," says Wendy. "I want to make sure there is a good path for my daughter and others to follow so they do not have to work through the same obstacles I encountered."

Before entering law school, Wendy worked at AT&T for several years as a marketing professional. Then when her daughter was born, she decided it was time to attend law school. When Wendy graduated, her father presented her with her diploma on stage, with her toddler Courteney in her arms. Then when Courteney graduated, Wendy and her dad presented the family's third-generation Seton Hall Law graduate with her diploma.

As a labor and employment law attorney, Wendy says her work is especially rewarding. "It involves trying cases in court, helping and counseling clients to navigate difficult situations and working in a still evolving area of law," she explains. "Just when you feel you have done it all, something new comes up."

She has represented clients in the healthcare, transportation, telecommunications, retail, pharmaceutical, electronics and chemical industries. She has appeared on national television, including CBS's The Early Show and been quoted in The Wall Street Journal, Philadelphia Inquirer, New Jersey Law Journal and other publications.

Grateful for the education that has allowed her to pursue a rewarding career, she not only supports Seton Hall Law financially but also is an active participant in the life of the Law School. She is Vice Chair of the Board of Visitors and assists with numerous special events at Seton Hall Law.

"It's such a privilege to be part of the Board and the ideas that go into leading the Law School into the next generation," she says. "I've been fortunate to serve on the Board with Dean Hobbs and Dean Boozang at the helm. They have marshalled the Law School to its highest heights. And Dean Boozang's vision and strategic leadership have been a personal and professional inspiration to me." She adds, "Ultimately, the education Seton Hall Law provides is outstanding because of its focus on each individual and its exceptional educators and administrators. I have been so very blessed personally and professionally. Sharing what makes my life meaningful by giving back is such a wonderful source of joy."