Judge Woody Clermont, a devoted family man and legal expert, has built a life rooted in service, experience, and a commitment to justice. He recognizes the responsibility that comes with judicial roles and is committed to impartiality and fairness. His diverse educational background as an attorney and public servant, extensive legal experience, and active community involvement position him to understand the people he serves.
At the School of Law, Clermont was a night student. "I was married with children when I attended," he said. "I worked as an insurance adjuster from 8 to 5 during the day and commuting to UM Law for night classes each night. I sat in classes with other working professionals: doctors, investigators, engineers, business executives, police officers, and detectives."
As a first-year student, Clermont participated in the moot court program, winning first place with his partner Gerald Chen-Young, and was a Black Law Students Association member.
"The training I received at UM Law was very rigorous and ultimately helped me to pass the Bar—I took the Bar Exams in Florida and New Jersey, being admitted to each state based on my exam results in each jurisdiction," he said. "I waived into New York in 2022, based on reciprocity from the New Jersey Bar with my years of legal experience.
Born in Brooklyn, New York, to Haitian immigrant parents, Clermont's upbringing was a tapestry of hard work and cultural richness. Motivated by a desire to embody the wisdom of figures like Booker T. Washington, Clermont's academic prowess and dedication were apparent early on.
Clermont attended the highly competitive Regis High School, an all-boys Catholic school in Manhattan where alumni include Dr. Anthony Fauci, former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and former chief medical advisor to the president, former U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald, prosecutor of John Gambino (of the Gambino mafia crime family), 12 of the terrorists involved in the 9/11 bombing, Chief of Staff to Vice President Dick Cheney Scooter Libby, and former Illinois Governor Rod Blagoyovich. (Regis High School turned down the late Justice Antonin Scalia.)
His classmate, James Sciutto, is CNN's chief national security correspondent.
Clermont received his Bachelor of Science in mathematics from Mayville State University, his Master of Business Administration and Master of Science in economics from Florida Atlantic University, and a Master of Science in data analytics from Western Governors University.
Clermont has 20 years of experience as an attorney, having held various positions, including Medicaid Fair Hearing Officer and Assistant State Attorney. He has managed over 30 jury trials, including homicide cases, and has significant experience in complex business litigation. His resume includes work as a senior trial court law clerk and in various civil service roles, reflecting his deep understanding of the judicial system and commitment to public service.
Beyond his professional achievements, Clermont is an active community member who is deeply involved in philanthropic efforts. He has served as a role model through programs like Big Brother and Big Sister and engages in ministry work through his church, New Mount Olive Baptist. His affiliations with organizations such as the NAACP and the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity demonstrate his commitment to social justice and community service.
Clermont's journey has been shaped by determination, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to justice.
"I am a proud Hurricane and alumnus of UM Law, and I feel my experience contributed to a very successful law career," he said.
