University Directory

Bill J. McDevitt, J.D.

Professor Emeritus

William J. McDevitt J.D.

Department

University
Contact
    • B.A.University of Notre Dame '72
    • J.D. Villanova University '75

  • Faculty Positions

    • Professor Emeritus, 2019 - Present
    • Associate Professor of Business Law, 1999 - 2019
    • Assistant Professor of Business Law, 1991 - 1999
    • Visiting Assistant Professor of Business Law, 1990 - 1991
    • Adjunct Lecturer of Management, 1987 - 1990

    Professional Experience

    • Sole Practitioner, 1993 to Present - General Practice of Law
    • Peck, Young & Van Sant (Partner), 1986-1992 - Litigation and General Business Law
    • Karabel & Morrow (Associate), 1985-86 - General Practice of Law
    • Hepburn, Willcox, Hamilton & Putnam (Associate), 1981-85 - Litigation and General Business Law
    • Hamilton, Darmopray & Malloy (Associate), 1975-81, Litigation and General Business Law
    • Delaware County District Attorney’s Office, 1972-74 (Part-time), Juvenile Prosecutor, Felony Case Aide

    Institutional Services
    A. UNIVERSITY

    • Academic Honesty Board, 1991-Present; Chair, 1997- 2017
    • Grievance Committee, 1997-2000, 2003-2006, 2015-2018
    • Faculty Review Board, 2002-2005, 2011-2014, 2015-2018
    • Pre-Law Advisory Committee, 2013-2019
    • Justice, Ethics & the Law Advisory Board, 2013-2019
    • Copyright Policy Committee, 2010-2018
    • Faculty Senate Parliamentarian, 2015-2019
    • iSJU, 2008-2016
    • Philadelphia Service Immersion Program, 2012-2018
    • Shared Governance Task Force, Subcommittee on Principles, 2014-15
    • Ad Hoc University Council Committee, SJU Policy Prohibiting Discrimination, Harassment & Retaliation 2015
    • Safe Environment Task Force, 2012-15
    • Advisory Board on Faculty Compensation, 2006-07, Co-Chair 2013-15
    • Appeals Panel (Discrimination, Harassment & Retaliation), 2013-14
    • Middle States Reaccreditation, Task Force 5, 2012-14
    • Honors Program Advisory Committee, 1999-2014
    • SJU Fund, 1999-2001, HSB Faculty Chair, 2011-13
    • Board on Athletic Policy, 2006-2012
    • Integrated Student Records and Financial Services, Holds on Student Accounts, 2011-12
    • Center for International Porgrams, Guidebook editor
    • W.W. Smith Scholarship Committee, 1992-1996, 1998, 2000-2008
    • Hearing Committee, 1998-2001, 2009-10
    • Project Appalachia, Adult Facilitator, 2010
    • GEP Implementation, Curriculum Working Group, Writing Intensive Courses, 2009-10
    • Advising Notes Task Force, 2009
    • Troubling Behavior in the Classroom: How Faculty Members Can Help, Panalist, 2009
    • In-House General Counsel Search Committee, 2004 & 2008
    • Comprehensive Curriculum Review Committee, Concentrations Working Group, 2004-2007
    • Commission on Status of Women, 2006
    • Director of Residence Life Search Committee, 2006
    • Living/Learning Program, 2001-06
    • NCAA Recertification, Governance and Rules Compliance subcommittee, 2005-2006
    • University Council, 1999-2000, 2001-2005, Executive Committee, 2002-03
    • Faculty Senate Ad Hoc Committee on the Feasibility of the Diversity Requirement, 2001-03
    • Law Professions Advisory Committee, 1997-2005
    • Middle States Taskforce II (Leadership, Governance Administration), 2003
    • Institutional Planning Committee, 1995-2002
    • Hearing Committee, 1998-2001
    • Faculty Senate Executive Council, 1993-95 and 1998-2000
    • Faculty Senate Executive Committee, 1999-2000
    • Faculty Senate Secretary, 1999-2000
    • Faculty Handbook Committee, 1999-2000
    • New Faculty Orientation, 1999-2001
    • Freshman Academic Orientation, 1997 - 2002
    • Graduation Marshall, 1995, 1997, 1998, 2000-10
    • Scholarship and Student Financial Aid Committee, 1991-1999
    • Graduation Name Reader, 1999
    • Faculty Policy and Procedures Committee, 1992 - 94; Chair, Subcommittee on Racial Abuse and Harassment Policy, 1992-93
    • Faculty Policies and Procedures Ad Hoc Committee on Mandates to Amend Faculty Handbook, 2000
    • Faculty Policies and Procedures Ad Hoc Committee on Evaluation and Review, 1997-98
    • Task Force on Administrative/Staff Representation on University Council,1995-96
    • Law & Court Administration Program Director, 1991-95
    • Multi-Cultural Mentor Program, 1991-92

    B. HAUB SCHOOL OF BUSINESS

    • HSB Executive MBA Admissions Committee, 2008-Present
    • HSB Academic Development Committee, 1995-2003, 2006-Present
    • HSB MBA Admissions Committee, 2008-10
    • HSB Career Development Advisory Committee, 2000-10
    • HSB Human Resources Admissions Committee, 2003-2007
    • HSB Strategic Planning Committee, 2003-2006
    • HSB Board of Governors, 2000-2006
    • HSB Executive Committee, 2000-Present
    • HSB Merit Evaluation Task Force, 2001-2003
    • HSB Academic Development Committee, 1995-2003, 2006-Present
    • HSB Teaching Forum Moderator, 1997-2003, 2006-15
    • HSB Career Development Advisory Committee, 2000-02
    • HSB Faculty Qualification Committee, 2000-01
    • New Faculty Orientation, 1995-96, 2000-01
    • Faculty Oversight Committee for Public Safety and Environmental Protection Institute, 1996-Present
    • College Council Executive Committee, 1993-1997; Chair, 1994-95; Secretary, 1993-94, 1996-97
    • Faculty Weekly Welcome to Prospective Students, 1994-96
    • Self-Study Committee on Students, 1992-95
    • Service Learning Committee, 1992-93

    C. MANAGEMENT & INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS

    • Faculty Recruitment Committees, 2000-Present
    • Represent Department at Admissions Office Open Houses, 1995-Present
    • Advising students majoring in Management, 1992-Present
    • Advising transfer students, 2000-Present
    • Executive Program Committee, 2008-09
    • Department Program Review Author, 2008-09
    • Faculty Resources Committee, 2006-07
    • Department Chair, 2000-06
    • Communications Committee, Chair, 1992-1999
    • Represent Department at New Student Orientation, 1993
    • Curriculum Committee, 1990-93
    • Graduate Research Assistant Coordinator, 1992-93
    • Special Project Researcher on MBA Waiver of Foundation Courses, 1991

    D. UNIVERSITY COLLEGE

    • Faculty Awards Selection Committee, 1998

    Community Service

    • Friends of Sellers Hall, 2009-Present (President)
    • St. Charles Boromeo Seminary, College Seminary Committee, 2015-2019
    • Monsignor Bonner High School Father and Sons Association, 1999-2003 (Secretary 2000-2003)
    • Upper Darby Historical Society, 1989-Present (Solicitor, 1989-Present; President, 1993-97)
    • Delaware County Historical Society, 1997-Present (Board of Directors, 1997-2001)
    • MANNA (Christmas 1995 and 1997; bi-weekly 1998-Present): deliver meals to AIDS victims.
    • Philabundance, 1999-Present (periodic volunteer)
    • Notre Dame Alumni Club of Philadelphia, 1976-Present (President, 1979-1981; Vice President, 1978-79; Secretary, 1977-78, 1982-83; Alumni Senator, 1980; Board of Governors, 1980-1994; Alumni Summer Services Project Coordinator, 1981-2006; Neeson Scholarship Review Committee, 1998; Long-Range Planning Committee, 1998; Universal Notre Dame Humanitarian Week Coordinator, 1992; Community Service Committee Co-Chair, 1991-93): 700 member local alumni organization, part of worldwide network.
    • University of Notre Dame, Office of Admissions, 1981-1991 (Chairman, Alumni Schools Committee for Southeastern Pennsylvania, 1981-1991): managed 35 alumni volunteers who covered 140 Southeastern Pennsylvania high schools.
    • Amnesty International, Legal Network (1987-1993)
    • Law Day Commemoration, Bywood Elementary School, 1995
    • St. Andrew the Apostle Lector, 1990-2010 (Coordinator, 1996-2010)
    • St. John the Baptist Parish Council, 1984-1986 (President, 1985-86)
    • St. John the Baptist Restoration Implementation Committee, 1984-86 (Chairman)
    • Upper Darby Youth Soccer League Coach, 1994-1998 (Championship 1997)
    • Drexel Hill Little League Assistant Coach, 1990-94 (Championship 1992)
    • YMCA Soccer Program Coach, 1991-93
    • 21st Ward Community Council, 1985-1987 (Board of Directors, 1986-87)
    • Wissahickon Neighbors Civic Association, 1983-1987 (President, 1985-87)
    • St. Thomas Players of Rosemont, 1976-1983 (President 1979-80; Chairman of Board of Directors, 1982-83)

    Professional Affiliations

    • Academy of Legal Studies in Business, 1994 - Present; Employment Law Section, 1995-Present (Chair, 1997-2000)
    • American Association of University Professors, 1997-Present (SJU Chapter, Sec'y/Treas. 1997-2015, President, 2015-Present)
    • Bar of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, 1975-Present
    • Delaware County Bar Association, 1993-Present
    • Philadelphia Bar Education Center, 1989-2001 (Vice-President of Programming 1998-1999; Program Committee Chair, 1992-1997; Member of Board of Directors, 1995-2001)
    • Pennsylvania Bar Association, 1976-2001
    • Pennsylvania Bar Institute Board of Directors, 2000
    • Philadelphia Bar Association (1976-2008) (Membership, Bar Placement Committee, 1983-1994, Chair 1984-1985 and 1993; Professional Education Committee, 1989-1992; Legal Line; Vecchione Project; Arbitration Program, panelist 1975-1992)
    • NASD Dispute Resolution, 1998-2007
    • American Arbitration Association, 1976-2004

    Courses Taught

    Undergraduate

    • Legal Environment of Business I - AACSB styled course required of all business majors
    • Legal Environment of Business II - supplemental business law course designed especially for accounting majors
    • Introduction to Law - Honors Program course which features a Moot Court exercise and a Mock Jury Trial
    • International Business Law - offered as part of the International Management Study Abroad experience
    • Employment & Labor Law - course in MHR major
    • Principles of Management

    Graduate

    • Business Law for Managers - comprehensive legal course for contemporary managers
    • Business Law for EMBA’s - MBA Business Law for Managers course adapted for EMBA program
    • Employment & Labor Law - Course for both MSHRM and MBA students.
    • Management Theory
    • Legal Issues in the Food Industry - law module for MS in Food Marketing program

    Independent Study

    • Supervised many undergraduate students doing independent study for Legal Environment of Business I and II, plus management and information systems internships.

    Other Teaching

    • Served as judge for Reimel Moot Court Competition, Villanova University School of Law, 1996-present.
    • Served as brief grader for Reimel Moot Court Competition, Villanova University School of Law, 2000

  • Refereed Journals/Law Reviews

    • "Curricular Enhancement: Bringing the Real World into an LEB course," Atlantic Law Journal, Vol. 21 Summer 2019)
    • “In the News: The Perfect Class Commencement,” Atlantic Law Journal, Vol. 18 (Summer 2016)
    • "Active Learning through Appellate Simulation: A Simple Recipe for a Legal Environment of Business Course," The Journal of Legal Studies Education, Vol. 26, No. 2 (Spring 2009).
    • "I Dream of GINA: Understanding the Genetics Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008," Villanova Law Review, Vol. 54, No. 1 (2009), pp. 91-115.
    • “Understanding and Applying the EEOC Enforcement Guidance on
    • Psychiatric Disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act,” Midwest Law Review, Vol. 16, (Spring 1999), pp. 55-79.
    • “Three Ready-to-Use Mock Jury Trials for the Classroom,” The Journal of Legal Studies Education, Vol. 16, No. 1 (Summer/Fall 1998), pp. 151-173.
    • “Defining the Term ‘Disability’ under the Americans with Disabilities Act,” St. Thomas Law Review, Vol. 10, No. 2 (Winter 1998), pp. 281-297.
    • “Evaluating the Concept of ‘Serious Health Condition’ under the Family and Medical Leave Act,” with Dr. David Daigle, Boston University Public Interest Law Journal, Vol. 6, No. 3 (Spring 1997), pp. 697-717.
    • “Seniority Systems and the Americans With Disabilities Act: The Fate of ‘Reasonable Accommodation’ After Eckles,” St. Thomas Law Review, Vol. 9, No. 2 (Winter 1997), pp. 359-388.
    • “The Family and Medical Leave Act Revisited: New Regulations and First Cases,” Employment and Labor Law Quarterly, Vol. 2, No. 3 (Winter 1997), pp. 1-17.

    Refereed Proceedings

    • “The Americans With Disabilities Act v. the National Labor Relations Act: Finding a Reasonable Accommodation,” Proceedings, 66th Annual Conference of the Academy of Legal Studies in Business, Milwaukee, WI, (August 1995) pp. 155-171.
    • “Teaching the Concept of Reasonable Accommodation Under the Americans With Disabilities Act,” Proceedings, 16th National Conference on Teaching Public Administration, St. Louis, MO, (March 1993) pp. 203-210.
    • “The Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990: Implications for Personnel Administration,” Proceedings, 15th National Conference on Teaching Public Administration, Charleston, SC, (February 1992) pp. 265-277.
    • Chapter to Author/Publisher Book
    • "Administrative Law Overview," in R.B. Termini (Ed.), Food Drug and Medical Device Law: Topics and Cases, FOI Services, Second Edition, 2004
    • “Administrative Law Overview,” in R.B. Termini (Ed.), Food Drug and Medical Device Law: Topics and Cases, FOI Services, First Edition, 2000

    Other Professional Publications

    • “Falling through the Cracks: Genetic Defects and the ADA,” Employment & Labor Law Section Newsletter, Academy of Legal Studies of Business, January 1999, Vol. 1, No. 1.
    • “The Family and Medical Leave Act in a Nutshell,” Society on Public Administration Education Forum, March 1995, Vol. 5, No. 3.
    • “Title I of the Americans With Disabilities Act: What Every Public Administrator Should Know,” Society on Public Administration Education Forum, September 1992, Vol. 3, No. 1.

    Monographs Published

    • “Philadelphia Sheriff’s Sales of Real Estate: Writs & Wrongs,” published by the Philadelphia Bar Education Center, September 28, 1993; updated November 9, 1995.
    • “Family and Medical Leave Act: An Update,” published by the Philadelphia Bar Education Center, May 25, 1995.

    Paper Presentations at Academic Conferences

    • "Forms of Business: A Drama in Two Acts," 79th Annual Conference of the Academy of Legal Studies in Business, Ottawa, Canada (August 2004)
    • "Curricular Enhancement: Writing Assignments for the Legal Environment of Business Course," 78th Annual Conference of the Academy of Legal Studies in Business, Nashville, TN (August 2003)
    • “In the News: The Perfect Class Commencement,” 77th Annual Conference of the Academy of Legal Studies in Business, Las Vegas, NV (July 2002)
    • “Piercing the FTC Vail: The Impact of the “Vail” Opinion Letter on Employment Harassment Investigations,” 75th Anniversary Meeting of the Academy of Legal Studies in Business, Baltimore, MD (August 2000).
    • “May It Please the Court: Conducting a Moot Court Exercise in a Business Law Course,” 70th Annual Conference of the Academy of Legal Studies in Business, Saint Louis, MO (August 1999).
    • “Genetics and the ADA: Into the 21st Century,” 69th Annual Conference of the Academy of Legal Studies in Business, San Diego, CA (August 1998).
    • “Psychiatric Disabilities and the ADA: New Guidance for the Workplace,” 68th Annual Conference of the Academy of Legal Studies in Business, Atlanta, GA (August 1997).
    • “Defining the Term ‘Disability’ Under the Americans with Disabilities Act,” 67th Annual Conference of the Academy of Legal Studies in Business, Quebec, Canada (August 1996).
    • “The Americans With Disabilities Act v. the National Labor Relations Act: Finding a Reasonable Accommodation,” 66th Annual Conference of the Academy of Legal Studies in Business, Milwaukee, WI (August 1995) (See Section I (B),
    • supra).
    • “The Family and Medical Leave Act: The Public Administrator’s Perspective,” 55th National Training Conference of the American Society for Public Administration, Kansas City, MO; abstract published in Proceedings (July 1994).
    • “Accommodating Individuals with Disabilities in the Workplace: The Challenge for Public Administrators,” 54th National Training Conference of the American Society for Public Administration, San Francisco, CA; abstract published in Proceedings, pp. 31-32 (July 1993).
    • “Teaching the Concept of Reasonable Accommodation Under the Americans With Disabilities Act,” 16th National Conference on Teaching Public Administration, St. Louis, MO, (March 1993) (See Section I (B), supra).
    • “Title I of the Americans With Disabilities Act: A Business Law Perspective,” 29th Annual Eastern Academy of Management Conference, Baltimore, MD.; part of Symposium, Americans With Disabilities Act: Emerging Legal and Organizational Realities (with Jean P. O’Brien and Donald A. Hantula) abstract published in Proceedings, pg. 45 (May 1992).
    • “The Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990: Implications for Personnel Administration,” 15th National Conference on Teaching Public Administration, Charleston, SC, (February 1992) (See Section I (B), supra).
    • “Impact on the Workplace of the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990,” American Society for Public Administration, Northeast Regional Conference, Rochester, NY (October 1991).

    Working Papers

    • “May It Please the Court: Conducting a Moot Court Exercise in a Business Law Course,” Saint Joseph’s University, Haub School of Business, Working Papers Series, W.P.#01-15 (December 2000)
    • “Genetics and the ADA: Into the 21st Century,” Saint Joseph’s University, Haub School of Business, Working Paper Series, W.P. #99-5 (February 1999)
    • “Overview of Title I of the Americans With Disabilities Act,” Saint Joseph’s University College of Business and Administration, Working Paper Series, W.P. #15 (October 1991).

    Reviews

    • Employment & Labor Law Quarterly, manuscripts for possible publication (2008)
    • The Legal Environment of Business, Meiners, Ringleb and Edwards, Thomson/West (for 10th Edition, copyright 2008)
    • Academy of Legal Studies in Business, 81st Annual Meeting, three (3) student manuscripts for presentation/proceedings (2006)
    • Academy of Legal Studies in Business, 80th Annual Meeting, three (3) student manuscripts for presentation/proceedings (2005)
    • Employment & Labor Law Quarterly, manuscript for possible publication (2003)
    • Academy of Legal Studies in Business, 78th Annual Meeting, three (3) student manuscripts for presentation/proceedings (2003)
    • Employment Responsibilities and Rights Journal, two (2) manuscripts for possible publication in special issue (2003)
    • Employment & Labor Law Quarterly, manuscripts for possible publication (2001)
    • Journal of Business and Behavioral Sciences, manuscript for possible publication (August 2000)
    • American Business Law in a Global Context, Prentice Hall (for possible publication 1999)
    • The Legal Environment of Business, Bixby, Beck-Dudley, Cihon, Prentice Hall (for 1st Edition, copyright 2001)
    • Employment Law: New Challenges in the Legal Environment, Moran, Prentice Hall (for 2nd Edition, copyright 2000).
    • Business Law, 2d Edition, Cheeseman, Prentice Hall (for 3rd Edition, copyright 1998).
    • Business Law Today, 3rd Edition, Miller and Jentz, West Publishing Co. (for 4th Edition, copyright 1997).
    • Managing in the Legal Environment, 2d Edition, Ringleb, Meiners, Edwards, West Publishing Co. (for 3rd Edition, copyright 1996).
    • The Legal Environment of Business, 4th Edition, Meiners, Ringleb, Edwards, West Publishing Co. (for 5th Edition, copyright 1994).

    Work in Progress

    • Curricular Enhancement: Learning about the Law in the Real World, to be submitted to JLSE
    • Wrongful Discharge: Protecting Workers in the 21st Century, to be submitted to Journal of Employment & Labor Law
    • Lifetime Service Award, 2017
    • Faculty Merit Award for Service, 2003-04 & 2012-13
    • Faculty Merit Award for Teaching, 1994-95 & 2009-10
    • Alpha Sigma Nu, Jesuit Honor Society, 2008
    • Beta Gamma Sigma, 2002
    • Upper Darby Historical Society Award of the Year, 2001
    • YMCA: Volunteer Recognition Award, 1991 & 1992
    • Northern Home for Children: Humanitarian Award, 1992
    • University of Notre Dame Alumni Association: Hesburgh/Joyce Special Commendation for Philadelphia Alumni Schools Committee, 1989 (decade of service as Chairman)
    • Notre Dame Club of Philadelphia: Award of the Year, 1981; Past President’s Award, 1984
    • Wissahickon Neighbors Civic Association: Award of Appreciation, 1987