Featured Faculty: Robert L. Jones, Jr.
Bob Jones, Jr., clinical professor of law and director of the Notre Dame Legal Aid Clinic, is a seasoned litigator. He knows that attorneys can make or break a case on a technicality, so it’s with a mix of amusement and appreciation that he recounts a couple of exchanges at the Indiana High School Mock Trial State Finals, where he was on hand as a coach.
“The student lawyer asked the witness to spell his name, and the other lawyer jumped up and objected with regard to relevance,” chuckles Jones. “In another instance, the student lawyer for the prosecution asked the witness to state his name and spell it for the record, and the defense lawyer objected on the grounds of a compound question.” He says it’s fun to see young students learn litigation techniques and get a feel for the rules of evidence.
Jones’ team—St. Joseph High School in South Bend— finished second in the state this year. Jones says he integrated elements of his professorial expertise into his coaching. “There were certain aspects of coaching that came straight out of my work at the Legal Aid Clinic. I tried to work with the high school students the same way I work with law students.”
Jones adds that his experience as a parent makes communicating with the team easier, too—his daughter Rebecca competed for St. Joseph High School. So, will she follow in her dad’s professional footsteps someday? “It depends on which day you ask her,” replies Jones about his daughter’s aspirations.
Jones believes that mock trial in high school can influence a student’s career path. Current Notre Dame Law School student Drew Haase participated in mock trial in high school and as an undergraduate at Notre Dame. He served as an assistant coach for St. Joseph High School’s team this year as well. “Drew has already developed some fantastic litigation skills,” says Jones. “In fact, he could probably teach trial advocacy with all his experience.”
For more information about Professor Jones, visit his faculty profile page.
