Herman Badillo was born in Caguas, Puerto Rico. When he was 11 years old, both of his parents died of tuberculosis and he was sent to live with his aunt in New York City. After graduating from the public school system, Badillo attended and earned a Bachelor's degree from the City College of New York in 1951. In 1954, he received an LL.B. from Brooklyn Law School graduating first in his class. The following year he was admitted to the New York State Bar. In 1956, he also became a certified public accountant.

 Herman Badillo was the first Congressman of Puerto Rican origin in the history of the nation (New York's 21st District in the Bronx). He was also the First Puerto Rican to be elected Bronx Borough President. He served as Deputy Mayor of New York City in the Koch administration and was special counsel for the Fiscal Oversight of Education during Mayor Giuliani's administration. Herman was also Chairman of the Board of the City University of New York. Among his many other "firsts", he was a co-founder of the Puerto Rican Bar Association, and of the Puerto Rican legal Defense and Education Fund.

 After graduating Magna Cum Laude from City College, Herman then finished first in his class at Brooklyn Law School. Herman was admitted to the bar in 1955 and is also a CPA.