James C. Hill

In memory of the highly respected United States circuit judge, James Clinkscales Hill, the James C. Hill 48L Memorial Scholarship Endowment was established with generous gifts from his sons, James C. Hill, Jr. and A. Michael Hill.

Born on January 8, 1924, in Darlington, South Carolina, Hill had a strong connection to Emory University. He attended Emory University School of Law, where he obtained his J.D. in 1948. Additionally, he earned a B.S. from the University of South Carolina in the same year. Hill’s education provided a solid foundation for his successful legal career.

During World War II, Hill served in the United States Army Air Corps from 1943 to 1945. After the war, he embarked on a private legal practice in Atlanta, Georgia, which spanned from 1948 to 1974.Hill’s dedication to the field and his expertise as a defense trial lawyer earned him a stellar reputation within the legal community.

In recognition of his legal acumen, President Richard Nixon nominated Hill on July 9, 1974, to serve as a United States district judge for the Northern District of Georgia. Following confirmation by the United States Senate on August 8, 1974, Hill assumed the position the following day. However, his time on the district court was relatively brief, as President Gerald Ford elevated him to the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit on May 26,1976.

President Ford’s nomination on May 4, 1976, allowed Hill to serve as a judge on the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, filling the vacancy left by Judge Griffin Bell. Hill’s appointment received Senate confirmation on May 19, 1976, and he officially began his service on May 21, 1976. Following the reorganization of the federal courts, Hill was reassigned to the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit on October 1, 1981, where he continued to make valuable contributions to the judiciary.

Throughout his career, Judge James Clinkscales Hill maintained a strong connection to Emory University, the institution from which he earned his law degree. His exceptional legal career and dedication to justice left a lasting impact on the legal profession. James Clinkscales Hill passed away on March 31, 2017, in Stuart, Florida, leaving behind a legacy of integrity, expertise, and service to the American judicial system.