W. Edward Sell, Distinguished Service Professor of Law Emeritus and Law Dean Emeritus

W. Edward Sell was the Dean of the University of Pittsburgh School of Law from 1966 to 1977. Sell joined the faculty of the School of Law in 1947 and served as a full-time Professor, teaching at Pitt Law for more than five decades, longer than any other person in the history of the School. His personal vision as Dean led to the construction of the present Law Building and to the enhanced national reputation of the School.

Sell graduated magna cum laude from W&J in 1945 with a bachelor’s degree in economics and was later awarded an honorary doctorate by his alma mater. He earned his legal degree from Yale Law School in 1947.

Sell taught in a broad range of legal subjects, often teaching a full course load, but specialized in corporate law. Many view him as the father of Pennsylvania business corporation law. In honor of Dr. Sell’s 50th year of teaching, a bust of him was placed in the lobby of the law school, with a plaque reading: "In Honor Of W. EDWARD SELL. BUILDER...TEACHER....SCHOLAR. W. Edward Sell joined the faculty of the School of Law in 1947 and served as a full-time Professor of Law longer than any other person in the history of the School. His personal vision as Dean (1966-1977) led to the construction of the present Law Building and to the enhanced national reputation of the School. Great teachers touch the future. Ed not only touched, but shaped the future with his dedication, love of the law and sense of deep commitment to all those who labored and learned with him. His impact on the Pitt Law School, on generations of law students and on the legal profession is indelible and will live in perpetuity. On the occasion of his retirement from the faculty and appointment as Emeritus Distinguished Service Professor of Law, the alumni, faculty and staff of the University of Pittsburgh School of Law hereby express their admiration, their appreciation and their friendship. May 1994."