Scholarship Established to Honor Jerome C. Eisenberg's Legacy as Renowned Litigator

Peter and Elizabeth Eisenberg were inspired to establish a scholarship and designate Rutgers as a beneficiary in their estate plans as a tribute to Peter’s father, Jerome C. Eisenberg, a graduate of Rutgers Law School’s Class of 1925.

Jerome Eisenberg’s reputation as a brilliant litigator was solidified when he partnered with Judge Alfred Clapp, Dean of Rutgers School of Law—Newark from 1951 to 1955, to form Clapp & Eisenberg, one of New Jersey’s 10 largest law firms at the time. Known for its intellectual rigor, the firm gained a reputation as a legal “brain trust.” Eisenberg himself was known for his cross-examination skills. His son recalls a guiding principle his father lived by: “A good attorney always knows the answer to a question before he asks his client.”

The Eisenbergs’ motivation stemmed from a desire to help students embark on successful legal careers and achieve their aspirations. “We felt it was time to look at what we could do now,” they explained, recognizing the importance of giving back. As they reevaluated their estate plans, they saw an opportunity to make a meaningful impact by supporting future lawyers. Given Peter’s father’s ties to Rutgers, the law school rose to the top of the list.

Through the scholarship, the Eisenbergs hope to empower students to build distinguished and enduring legal careers like Jerome Eisenberg. Over the course of 58 years as a litigator, he shaped legal precedents in areas such as matrimonial law and unfair competition. His commitment to the law and his ability to navigate its complexities left a lasting mark on the legal community.

“At Rutgers, students learn how the legal system evolves over time and how they must work within it to best serve their clients. They develop the essential communication skills needed to be effective attorneys,” Peter Eisenberg said. “That’s what Dad got out of Rutgers—it made him one of the shining attorneys in New Jersey for more than 50 years.”

Jerome Eisenberg was also known for his keen and advanced knowledge of the English language, grammar, and syntax. His mastery of language not only sharpened his litigation skills but also left a lasting impact on those who worked alongside him, reinforcing the power of clear and precise communication in the practice of law.

By funding this scholarship, Peter and Elizabeth Eisenberg hope to inspire future generations of lawyers to carry on that same dedication and excellence. “You need the right people to help,” they said. “If someone can benefit from this, and society can benefit from it, that’s the true importance of education.”