Sharon Geuea Jones is the sole owner of the Jones Advocacy Group, where she serves clients and trains professional lobbyists. She works to connect organization leaders to key legislative decision-makers to help maximize opportunities to inform and collaborate on legislative proposals. Before receiving her law degree from the University of Missouri School of Law, Jones held several positions at the Missouri Association of Trial Lawyers.
What is something you wish more Missouri lawyers understood about the legal field or profession?
“We are more than a profession. We are a key part of the system of checks and balances. That is a duty we should take more seriously.”
How do you think lawyers can play an impactful role in educating the public (specifically students) about civic education and governmental processes?
“I think it is important to say ‘yes’ to opportunities to speak to groups of young people. We should also be informally mentoring and nurturing people who are interested in the process.”
Why do you think mentorship is important within the legal profession?
“There are so many parts of this profession that cannot be learned in a classroom or from books. You have to walk through it and have someone leading the way.”
Who is your legal mentor?
“I am blessed to have worked for the Missouri Association of Trial Attorneys for many years and had many of their members encouraging me along the way. It was Ken Vuylsteke and Tim Dollar who pushed me to go back to school and get my (law) degree. Sly James and John Boyd Sr. gave me the confidence to speak up and find my way through novel legal issues and policy puzzles. Even now, I find myself leaning on colleagues like Nimrod Chapel Jr. as I continue to expand my skills as a lawyer.”
What tips would you give to lawyers on effective ways they can “translate” complex legal or legislative jargon into information that their non-lawyer clients can use?
“Don’t assume your audience has a knowledge base. It is usually better to over-explain and be clear than to under-explain and try to clean up misunderstandings later. That said, you need to be sure you are not condescending, but just providing clear information and direction.”
If you could be in a TV show, which one would you choose and why?
“‘Stargate SG1.’ I love the idea of exploring new worlds.”
Answers have been edited for clarity, brevity, and style. Know a lawyer who you think should be featured in “Meet #MOLawyers”? Submit their name to Journal@MoBar.org.