Donald Scarinci has spent his life following his curiosity

Donald Scarinci was born in Jersey City, New Jersey in 1956. From an early age, he developed a curiosity for ideas, history, and the written word.

That curiosity shaped his academic path, beginning with a double major in English and Philosophy from Montclair State University in 1978, followed by an MA in English Language and Literature from New York University in 1980. He continued his studies in the law, earning his JD from Seton Hall University in 1983 and beginning a legal career that would span more than four decades.

Over the years, Scarinci became widely recognized for his work in public law, constitutional issues, and government affairs.

Alongside his legal work, he cultivated parallel passions that became equally defining. He is an author, editor, and long-time commentator on constitutional history and the Supreme Court. He is also a dedicated numismatist whose knowledge of American coinage and medallic art has earned respect throughout the field.

Away from his work, Scarinci’s life is grounded in family. He and his wife, Lisa, who earned her MBA from Harvard University in 1984, have two children. Their daughter, Elizabeth, graduated from Middlebury College in 2013. Their son, Paul, graduated from Hamilton College in 2014 with a double major in Chinese and World Politics.

Today, Scarinci’s professional work and personal interests continue to intersect. Whether practicing law, writing about constitutional developments, or contributing to the study of American medals and coinage, he approaches each pursuit with the same sense of curiosity that began in Jersey City many years ago.