“The Dean of the Bar” is just one of the numerous well-earned titles this year’s American Inns of Court James E. Coleman Jr. Award for Professionalism in the Fifth Circuit recipient carries in the briefcase he has filled in nearly 60 years of practice. Thomas R. Curtin’s colleagues observe with deep respect and mildly jealous awe that he still possesses today the “same strong zeal, ambition, and passion as the day he proudly graduated from the Notre Dame Law School in 1968.”
The Federal Bar of New Jersey calls him, “a quintessential mentor and ‘a lawyer’s lawyer.’” He employs a “strong sense of humor which he effectively uses to defuse tense litigation situations.” One judge, after 36 years on the bench, says Curtin stands out as one whose “calm and gentlemanly demeanor garner respect and get things done.” His mastery of the craft reflects not only the competency but also the civility and ethical behavior that define his mentorship. The bar observes that uniquely, lawyers “at every stage of their career have benefitted from Tom’s wisdom.”
An undeniably successful zealous advocate, he has contributed to the bar beyond just the high standard of his example in the courtroom, through an unmatched “generosity of spirit and commitment to professional excellence.” Curtin’s deep and broad service to the legal community illustrates his love for and commitment to the profession as a calling. From service as chair of the Lawyer’s Advisory Committee for the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey to service on the court’s historical society, and from commitment as trustee of and advisor to the Federal Bar Association to his critical role as founding member of the Bar Association of the Third Federal Circuit, Curtin has given immeasurably as a volunteer. His passion as a grandparent has made him a strong advocate for autism, a personal commitment that saw him recently elected president of Autism New Jersey.
“Tom never says ‘no.’” While deeply rooted in his home state of New Jersey, Curtin’s reach is national. With 25 years of service to the American Bar Association, service on the Council of the National Conference of Bar Presidents, and providing an example that has shaped and impacted lawyers across the nation, his service reflects “sterling character, unquestioned integrity, and steadfast commitment the highest standards of the legal profession and the rule of law” have raised the bar for the entire profession.
A mentee noted, “Integrity for Tom is not situational. Nor is it optional. It is the bedrock of his very existence.” A long-standing partner at McElroy Deutsch Law Firm reflected that “Tom’s moral compass remains firmly directed toward always doing the right thing, which is not often the easy thing.” Living the core Jesuit values instilled during his years at Fairfield University, he is the embodiment of magis: striving for excellence, acting with generosity, and discerning the best choice to better serve God and community.
As a lawyer, “Tom unhesitatingly put the client’s needs first.” As an advocate, he is “forceful but measured and always prepared.” As a mentor, “he shares freely what he has learned,” and as a leader, “he has vision and the ability to communicate that vision,” collaborating with all to bring it to life. And critically, “he knows when to be your cheerleader and is not afraid to be your strongest critic.”
Curtin fervently believes “lawyers help people find solutions to problems.” He professed that the recognition “came as such a shock.” And in preparing for his comments at the Third Circuit Judicial Conference in May, Curtin harkened back to guidance he once received from his priest about public speaking: “There are no souls saved after six minutes.”
Over a career spanning nearly a decade for each of those minutes, modeling the virtues and principles—professionalism, civility, fairness, a deep respect for the rule of law, and tireless giving—Thomas R. Curtin has set the highest bar, while providing unparalleled guidance and sage advice.