Meet Jimmy Capella
James "Jimmy" Capella is a Syracuse native and Army veteran pursuing his J.D. at Syracuse University College of Law. His military service inspired him to attend law school and continue serving others through the law. After graduation, he hopes to return to the Army as a Judge Advocate (JAG) officer, with a particular interest in operational military law and national security.
Before law school, he volunteered with a veteran's legal clinic, an experience that reinforced his commitment to advocating for those who have served. He also worked in humanitarian aid and has travelled to Uganda for research in refugee camps.
At Syracuse Law, he looks forward to becoming involved with the Betty and Michael D. Wohl Veterans Legal Clinic and engaging with the College of Law community while building the skills necessary for a career in military legal service.
We asked Jimmy to share more about his journey and what he is most looking forward to at Syracuse Law.
What is your hometown?
I'm a Syracuse native, raised around the West End/Westvale neighborhood.
What's a specific moment that made you certain law school was the next step?
I was working in the international humanitarian aid non-profit space and came to realize how much international legal policy I failed to understand, particularly as it applied to conflict zones. I had always wished to earn a law degree and jumped at the opportunity to attend Syracuse Law.
What are you most looking forward to about student life at Syracuse Law?
I’m grateful for the opportunity to engage with my fellow veterans and younger classmates. It’s refreshing to be around many students who have shared my experiences, as well as surrounding myself with (and hopefully providing support to) my classmates who are just now entering professional life. Also, as a Syracuse native, I wouldn’t mind catching a few games at the Dome again for the first time in many years.