About James McCollum
James McCollum Jr. is a former attorney who practiced in College Park, Maryland. He earned his Juris Doctor degree from Howard University School of Law in 1983, a prestigious institution known for its commitment to social justice and public service. Prior to his legal education, he obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Telecommunications and Afro-American Studies from Indiana University in 1974. This diverse academic background laid the foundation for his multifaceted career in law. In 1985, McCollum was admitted to the Maryland State Bar, followed by his admission to the District of Columbia Bar in 1986.
His legal journey continued as he was granted the privilege to practice before the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland in 1986 and the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia in 1987. These admissions allowed him to represent clients in both state and federal courts, expanding his reach within the legal community. From 1988 until his disbarment in 2025, McCollum was the owner of McCollum & Associates, LLC — His firm specialized in various areas of law, offering legal services to clients. Prior to establishing his own practice, he gained inexperience as Associate Counsel for the Office of Independent Counsel during the Iran-Contra investigation from 1987 to 1988.
This role placed him at the center of one of the most significant political scandals in U.S. history. This gives a unique perspective on complex legal issues. His legal career began with prestigious clerkships that shaped his understanding of the law. McCollum served as a Law Clerk for the Honorable John Paul Stevens at the Supreme Court of the United States from 1984 to 1985. This experience allowed him to work alongside one of the most influential justices in American history.
Additionally, he was a Law Clerk for the Honorable Lawrence W. Pierce at the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit from 1983 to 1984, further honing his legal skills in a high-stakes environment. McCollum was an active member of both the District of Columbia Bar and the Maryland State Bar Association throughout his career. However, his legal journey took a significant turn when he was disbarred by consent in the District of Columbia on September 25, 2025. By the Supreme Court of Maryland on July 31, 2025, due to violations of professional conduct rules. These events marked the end of a notable career that spanned several decades, highlighting the complexities and challenges faced by legal professionals.
