Campbell Law 50th Anniversary Spotlight: The Honorable James Herring III ‘84
The Honorable James Herring III ‘84 is the Clerk of Court for the Army Court of Criminal Appeals. He is currently a member of the Campbell Law Alumni Association Board of Directors. Originally from Fayetteville, North Carolina, he earned his bachelor’s degree in Peace, War and Defense from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Herring joined the Army Judge Advocate General’s Corps with a direct commission in 1987. He earned an LL.M. degree with the highest honors in International and Comparative Law from George Washington University Law School in 1998.
Current Role: Clerk of Court for the Army Court of Criminal Appeals
Why Campbell Law?
When Herring attended, the law school was only five years old, so it had not had a chance to build a reputation. His family was from Harnett County, so he was familiar with the law school as it was still at its Buies Creek location. He credits the location for being “a very good place to study” because of its remote nature. “I was very interested in the law and knew I wanted to pursue something along those lines, so Campbell happened to be a good fit at the time.”
On practice
Herring currently works in Criminal Law, feeling that it is the most impactful kind of work, helping people through “probably the worst thing they’re ever going to go through in their life.” While the rise of technology and AI can help support the law, he believes the application of law has many personal aspects, and helping others should be a human act.
A lesson that stuck
“Do the right thing, even when it is hard. And it’s most important to do the right thing when it is hard.”
People who shaped you
Herring mentions Professor Stanley McQuaid, his torts professor, who shaped his law experience by his unique approach. McQuaid held many different titles including board-certified anesthesiologist, minister and attorney, which gave him a different viewpoint than many others in the field. Another professor that shaped Herring’s experience was Professor John Broderick, who came to Campbell from Notre Dame. He also had unique experiences that gave him an edge to mentoring law students.
Advice to current students
“Work. Really, if I could say one thing, it is just work and get to know the law. More importantly than knowing the law, knowing why it is the way it is. Know its purpose, because if you’re trying to support it, you can do that best if you know what it is trying to accomplish. If you are trying to change the law, the best way to do that is when you can make an informed, persuasive argument.”
The next 50 years
In the next 50 years, Campbell Law should be willing to adapt to changing times and new technologies without forgetting the core principles that define Campbell Law.
Sidebar
Currently reading: The second volume of Rick Atkinson’s “The Revolution Trilogy” on the American Revolution.
Most adventurous thing: A two-month long exchange program in Australia with the Australian Army
Favorite Raleigh spot: Angus Barn. I always have a very good meal there when I’m in town.
Proudest moment: The work I did when I was serving as a trial judge for several years, that’s weighty work when you realize you’re the decision authority, and it’s rare that you ever have that much control over other people’s fate.