John D. Feerick

John D. Feerick
Name	John D. Feerick
Birth date	27 September 1936
Birth place	New York City, New York, U.S.
Alma mater	Fordham University (BA), Fordham University School of Law (JD)
Occupation	Lawyer, law professor, academic administrator
Known for	Constitutional law, 25th Amendment expert, Dean of Fordham University School of Law
Spouse	Emalie Feerick

John D. Feerick is an eminent American legal scholar, attorney, and academic administrator renowned for his expertise in constitutional law and his pivotal role in the drafting and interpretation of the 25th Amendment to the United States Constitution. His distinguished career spans private practice, significant public service on major governmental commissions, and a transformative tenure as dean of the Fordham University School of Law, where he also served as the university's president. A dedicated advocate for ethics and public service, Feerick's work has profoundly influenced American legal education and the functioning of the United States government.

Early life and education

John D. Feerick was born on September 27, 1936, in New York City, the son of Irish immigrants. He was raised in the South Bronx and attended Cardinal Hayes High School, a Catholic institution. He pursued his undergraduate studies at Fordham University, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1958. He then enrolled at the Fordham University School of Law, where he served as an editor of the Fordham Law Review and earned his Juris Doctor degree in 1961, graduating first in his class.

Legal career

After law school, Feerick joined the prestigious New York law firm Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom, where he became a partner and specialized in corporate and securities law. His legal practice was interrupted by his deep engagement with public constitutional issues. He gained national prominence for his scholarly work on presidential succession, authoring the influential book From Failing Hands: The Story of Presidential Succession. This expertise led to his direct involvement as a consultant to the Senate Judiciary Committee during the drafting and passage of the 25th Amendment to the United States Constitution in the aftermath of the assassination of John F. Kennedy.

Fordham University tenure

Feerick began his academic career in 1982 when he joined the faculty of the Fordham University School of Law as a professor. He was appointed dean of the law school in 1982, a position he held with great distinction until 2002. During his deanship, he oversaw significant growth, including the expansion of the law library and the enhancement of clinical programs. His commitment to Fordham University continued as he served as the university's president from 2002 to 2003. He later founded and directed the Feerick Center for Social Justice at the law school, focusing on issues like access to justice and professional ethics.

Public service and commissions

Throughout his career, Feerick has been called upon for numerous high-profile public service roles. He served as a member of the New York State Commission on Government Integrity under Governor Mario Cuomo. He was appointed by Chief Justice William Rehnquist to the Judicial Conference's Advisory Committee on the Federal Rules of Evidence. Feerick also chaired the New York State Commission on Public Integrity and served on the New York City Charter Revision Commission. His counsel was sought during the Watergate scandal regarding the potential invocation of the 25th Amendment to the United States Constitution.

Awards and honors

Feerick has received widespread recognition for his contributions to law and public service. He is a recipient of the American Bar Association's ABA Medal, one of the legal profession's highest honors. Fordham University awarded him its highest honor, the Insignis Medal. He has also received the New York State Bar Association's Gold Medal for distinguished service and the Legal Aid Society's Servant of Justice Award. Several institutions, including Pace University and the City University of New York, have awarded him honorary Doctor of Laws degrees.

Personal life

John D. Feerick is married to Emalie Feerick, and the couple has seven children. He maintains strong ties to his Irish American heritage and is a devout member of the Roman Catholic Church. His personal and professional life has been guided by a deep commitment to ethics, community service, and the Jesuit principle of "men and women for others," a core value of Fordham University. He remains an active scholar and advocate, frequently writing and lecturing on constitutional law, legal ethics, and social justice.

Category:American legal scholars Category:American law school deans Category:1936 births Category:Fordham University alumni Category:Living people