School of Law Dean Jan Jurden Honored with Official Portrait at Delaware Superior Court
Dean Jan Jurden’s portrait will hang in a reception area at the Leonard L. Williams Justice Center in Wilmington. (Courtesy of Delaware Courts)
Recently, the Delaware Superior Court, Delaware Superior Court Historical Society, and the Delaware State Bar Association unveiled official portraits honoring retired President Judge Jan R. Jurden, dean of Wilmington University’s School of Law, and the late Judge John A. Parkins Jr.
The ceremony took place in courtroom 7E at the Leonard L. Williams Justice Center in Wilmington, where members of the judiciary, the bar, family members, and colleagues gathered to recognize two former Superior Court judges whose service left a lasting mark on Delaware’s legal community.
For Dean Jurden, the portrait honors a judicial career defined by leadership, service, and a commitment to the people who come before the courts. “To have a portrait placed in the Superior Court chambers is such an honor,” Jurden said in her remarks at the unveiling. “I receive it with thanks and humility, and with deep gratitude and appreciation for all those who made this journey possible.”
“Hanging portraits of our past judges in our courthouses is a revered tradition in the Delaware Courts,” Superior Court President Judge Eric M. Davis said in a statement from Delaware Courts, noting that Dean Jurden and Parkins each left a meaningful mark on the judiciary.
Dean Jurden joined Superior Court in May 2001 and made history in January 2015 when she became the first woman to be named President Judge of Superior Court. During her tenure, she served on the Complex Commercial Litigation Division, launched and presided over the Superior Court Mental Health Court, oversaw the Conflict Attorney Program, and presided over the Veterans’ Treatment Court.
Her leadership extended across some of Delaware’s significant legal matters. She presided over high-profile civil and criminal trials, sat on the Delaware Supreme Court by designation on several occasions, and guided the Superior Court through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
For Dean Jurden, the portrait is a profoundly personal honor, one she accepted with humility and gratitude. In her remarks, she also reflected on the many people who helped shape her judicial career. “Any work I’ve been fortunate enough to do has never been done alone,” she said. “It has always depended on gifted colleagues, dedicated court staff, mentors, friends, and family members who offered guidance, support, and grace.”
“Any work I’ve been fortunate enough to do has never been done alone. It has always depended on gifted colleagues, dedicated court staff, mentors, friends, and family members who offered guidance, support, and grace.”
— Judge Jan R. Jurden
She described the law as “a profession of service” and said the recognition recalled the people and institutions that helped sustain her throughout her years on the bench.
Dean Jurden’s career has earned recognition across Delaware’s legal community. She was inducted into the Delaware Women’s Hall of Fame in 2019, received the Honorable Aida Waserstein Award in 2022, and earned the Delaware State Bar Association’s Outstanding Service to the Courts and Bar Award in 2011, among other accolades.
Before joining the bench, Dean Jurden practiced law at Young Conaway Stargatt & Taylor LLP from 1988 to 2001. A U.S. Army veteran, she earned her law degree from Dickinson School of Law and her undergraduate degree from Muhlenberg College. She stepped down from Superior Court on Feb. 28, 2025, and was named dean of Wilmington University School of Law in 2025.
Dean Jurden’s recognition reflects the kind of leadership that continues to shape law students at Wilmington University. “Dean Jurden brings distinguished experience, judgment, and integrity to our School of Law,” says Wilmington University President Dr. LaVerne Harmon. “Her words at the unveiling reflected the humility, compassion, and gratitude that define her leadership. She reminds our students that the law is a calling rooted in fairness, responsibility, and service to others.”
The ceremony also honored Judge Parkins, who served on Superior Court from 2008 until his retirement in 2019. A U.S. Army veteran, Parkins built a respected career in public service and private practice before joining the bench. Colleagues remembered him for his sharp legal mind, wit, and warmth.
The portrait of Dean Jurden was painted by Chicago-based artist Sergei Chernikov. In accordance with court guidelines, Dean Jurden’s portrait will hang in a reception area at the courthouse until her official retirement from the Delaware Bar.
For WilmU, the recognition carries special meaning. Dean Jurden’s portrait now joins a courthouse tradition that preserves the legacy of Delaware judges whose work continues to influence the courts, the profession, and the next generation of lawyers.
— Maria Hess
Dean Jan Jurden’s portrait will hang in a reception area at the Leonard L. Williams Justice Center in Wilmington. (Courtesy of Delaware Courts)
Recently, the Delaware Superior Court, Delaware Superior Court Historical Society, and the Delaware State Bar Association unveiled official portraits honoring retired President Judge Jan R. Jurden, dean of Wilmington University’s School of Law, and the late Judge John A. Parkins Jr.
The ceremony took place in courtroom 7E at the Leonard L. Williams Justice Center in Wilmington, where members of the judiciary, the bar, family members, and colleagues gathered to recognize two former Superior Court judges whose service left a lasting mark on Delaware’s legal community.
For Dean Jurden, the portrait honors a judicial career defined by leadership, service, and a commitment to the people who come before the courts. “To have a portrait placed in the Superior Court chambers is such an honor,” Jurden said in her remarks at the unveiling. “I receive it with thanks and humility, and with deep gratitude and appreciation for all those who made this journey possible.”
“Hanging portraits of our past judges in our courthouses is a revered tradition in the Delaware Courts,” Superior Court President Judge Eric M. Davis said in a statement from Delaware Courts, noting that Dean Jurden and Parkins each left a meaningful mark on the judiciary.
Dean Jurden joined Superior Court in May 2001 and made history in January 2015 when she became the first woman to be named President Judge of Superior Court. During her tenure, she served on the Complex Commercial Litigation Division, launched and presided over the Superior Court Mental Health Court, oversaw the Conflict Attorney Program, and presided over the Veterans’ Treatment Court.
Her leadership extended across some of Delaware’s significant legal matters. She presided over high-profile civil and criminal trials, sat on the Delaware Supreme Court by designation on several occasions, and guided the Superior Court through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
For Dean Jurden, the portrait is a profoundly personal honor, one she accepted with humility and gratitude. In her remarks, she also reflected on the many people who helped shape her judicial career. “Any work I’ve been fortunate enough to do has never been done alone,” she said. “It has always depended on gifted colleagues, dedicated court staff, mentors, friends, and family members who offered guidance, support, and grace.”
“Any work I’ve been fortunate enough to do has never been done alone. It has always depended on gifted colleagues, dedicated court staff, mentors, friends, and family members who offered guidance, support, and grace.”
— Judge Jan R. Jurden
She described the law as “a profession of service” and said the recognition recalled the people and institutions that helped sustain her throughout her years on the bench.
Dean Jurden’s career has earned recognition across Delaware’s legal community. She was inducted into the Delaware Women’s Hall of Fame in 2019, received the Honorable Aida Waserstein Award in 2022, and earned the Delaware State Bar Association’s Outstanding Service to the Courts and Bar Award in 2011, among other accolades.
Before joining the bench, Dean Jurden practiced law at Young Conaway Stargatt & Taylor LLP from 1988 to 2001. A U.S. Army veteran, she earned her law degree from Dickinson School of Law and her undergraduate degree from Muhlenberg College. She stepped down from Superior Court on Feb. 28, 2025, and was named dean of Wilmington University School of Law in 2025.
Dean Jurden’s recognition reflects the kind of leadership that continues to shape law students at Wilmington University. “Dean Jurden brings distinguished experience, judgment, and integrity to our School of Law,” says Wilmington University President Dr. LaVerne Harmon. “Her words at the unveiling reflected the humility, compassion, and gratitude that define her leadership. She reminds our students that the law is a calling rooted in fairness, responsibility, and service to others.”
The ceremony also honored Judge Parkins, who served on Superior Court from 2008 until his retirement in 2019. A U.S. Army veteran, Parkins built a respected career in public service and private practice before joining the bench. Colleagues remembered him for his sharp legal mind, wit, and warmth.
The portrait of Dean Jurden was painted by Chicago-based artist Sergei Chernikov. In accordance with court guidelines, Dean Jurden’s portrait will hang in a reception area at the courthouse until her official retirement from the Delaware Bar.
For WilmU, the recognition carries special meaning. Dean Jurden’s portrait now joins a courthouse tradition that preserves the legacy of Delaware judges whose work continues to influence the courts, the profession, and the next generation of lawyers.
— Maria Hess
