Campbell Law 50th Anniversary Alumni Spotlight: Johnny C. Chriscoe ‘90
Johnny C. Chriscoe ‘90 was a practicing attorney, specifically focusing on litigation, who retired earlier this year from his position as a law professor at Campbell Law School, where over the course of 31 years he served first as Associate Dean for External Relations and then as a Professor of Law, leading trial teams and teaching the subjects of torts, insurance law, trial and appellate advocacy, remedies and personal property. Before attending Campbell, Chriscoe graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Pembroke State University in 1980. He is originally from Wagram, North Carolina.
Why Campbell Law?
A lifetime North Carolina resident, Chriscoe wanted to remain in the state to attend law school. He was originally set to attend Wake Forest University law school, but he and his wife discovered their first child was on the way. They then opted for Campbell instead and he and his wife moved to the Buies Creek area for family support. Chriscoe feels Campbell “turned out to be the right choice.” He added that his classmates “were all wonderful friends and remain some of the folks I most admire and respect.”
On practice
Originally Chriscoe worked as a litigator and then a professor, focusing largely on litigation-oriented courses. He was drawn to the disciplined creativity of teaching law.
A lesson that stuck
Through Campbell, Chriscoe learned “whether in a professional or personal setting, you should always be prepared. Do the work. Prepare, prepare, prepare and then get up tomorrow and prepare some more. Campbell Law professors drove this home, I listened and tried it, and life has been great since.”
People who shaped you
Chriscoe expresses that he admired all of his law professors for their dedication and work ethic. He feels the most influence came from Professors Bob Jenkins and Tom Anderson, in particular, who served as his trial advocacy professors and trial team coaches.
Advice to Current Students
“You have placed yourself in a position to have a wonderful personal life that flows out of professional service to others. Make the very best of it.”
The next 50 years
Over the next 50 years, Campbell Law school should focus on a continued commitment to its purpose and mission.
Outside of Work
- Currently reading/listening to: I am reading “Quest for Blackbeard” by Baylus C. Brooks and I listen pretty much exclusively to classical music and “rock n roll” from the 60s, 70s and a little from the 80s.
- Most Adventurous Thing: Giving up a job I loved as a litigator to become a law professor on the chance I might be able to pull it off.
- Favorite Raleigh Spot: We’ve celebrated many birthdays at Angus Barn, and the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, particularly their Astronomy Days event, is a must for kids and grand kids.
- Proudest Moment: More of a “who” than a “moment,” I am so proud of my family and what they have become.