From the moment he met his first-year section, James McClammy ’98 felt a special bond with his classmates and Seton Hall Law. The Class of 1998’s universal drive to succeed was clear from their first day and is evident once again as they establish the Class of 1998 Endowed Scholarship fund in honor of their 20 year reunion.
A first-generation lawyer, James always knew that his passion was the law. While he enjoyed working in sales and management upon graduating from Yale University, he was ready for a new intellectual challenge and enrolled in Seton Hall Law.
The focus on hard work, practical application of the law, and access to professors that challenged students to think in class while providing guidance outside of class was invaluable to James. His Seton Hall Law professors, particularly Dean Riccio, Professor Cornwell and Judge Gibbons, helped him navigate and understand the various opportunities in the legal field including clerkships. After graduation, James clerked for two federal judges and is now a partner in the litigation department of Davis Polk.
James shares, “I was lucky enough to be accepted to Seton Hall with a meaningful scholarship to help offset the costs. The Law School proved to be everything I could have hoped for: challenging classes, engaged professors, students that worked hard and that you could connect with. It was a great place to have started the profession and I have made connections that last through to this day.”
The Class of 1998 holds a special place for James for many reasons, including meeting his wife, Madelyn Camacho McClammy ’98 their first year. Madelyn, also a first-generation lawyer, and James were in the same section and study group but did not begin dating until their third year.
James and Madelyn’s gift to the Class of 1998 Endowed Scholarship fund is as an expression of their gratitude for all that their parents and the Law School have done for them. Born and raised in New Jersey, James’ parents stressed education. His mother, a high school graduate, married his father, an army veteran, who worked in a pipe foundry and as a correction officer while pursuing a degree at night. Through support and sacrifice, they made it a priority to expose James and his brother to a variety of opportunities that they never had, which for James included pursuing a career in the law. “For me, making a meaningful gift in honor of our reunion was an important way to recognize and honor the support and sacrifices of my parents as well as the guidance of my professors,” said James.
The McClammy’s and Committee members, Chris and Stacy Adams, Shoshanna Schiff, Jamie Pukl-Werbel, Kevin and Hon. Lisa Walsh, and Elaine Rocha hope that the Class of 1998 Endowed Scholarship will inspire a new standard of giving and involvement not only for the Class of 1998 but also for all alumni. They further hope the scholarship will help others for years to come experience the challenge, support and guidance offered by Seton Hall Law and its faculty.
To make a gift to the Class of 1998 Endowed Scholarship, visit the fund page here.
For information on how to support students at Seton Hall Law School, please contact
the Office of Alumni and Development at 973-642-8711 or [email protected] or visit our giving page to learn about transforming legal education.
