Law Student Tony Jones Thriving as School's Inaugural Pro Bono Fellow

Tony Jones shares popcorn and his pro bono experiences with fellow law students at “Pro Bono Pop-in.”

Tony Jones shares popcorn and his pro bono experiences with fellow law students at “Pro Bono Pop-in.”

Tony Jones shares popcorn and his pro bono experiences with fellow law students at “Pro Bono Pop-in.”

Tony Jones shares popcorn and his pro bono experiences with fellow law students at “Pro Bono Pop-in.”

University Relations

Tony Jones

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Third-year law student Tony Jones was named the inaugural University of Arkansas School of Law Pro Bono Fellow last fall by Dean Margaret Sova McCabe. 

Each year, the dean will select one or more promising students to serve as a University of Arkansas School of Law Pro Bono Fellow during their third year of law school. The title, along with a stipend, recognizes and supports exemplary law students committed to pro bono (legal services performed free of charge or at reduced fees for the public good). Fellows encourage their peers to engage in pro bono and other forms of community service.

Jones was selected as the inaugural fellow in recognition of his interest in and commitment to pro bono service, significant leadership potential and prior performance of substantial pro bono work. He volunteers with Legal Aid of Arkansas on domestic violence matters and with Arkansas Immigrant Defense on cases involving unaccompanied minors. Over the summer, he initiated planning for the Disaster Relief Clinic in response to significant flooding in parts of Arkansas. The one-day clinic, a partnership between the law school and the Center for Arkansas Legal Services, was held last September in Fort Smith. 

Fellows serve as student leaders of the law school's Pro Bono and Community Engagement program. They attend outreach events with other law students, participate in one-day clinics, assist with recruitment of law students for pro bono service and engage in planning related to the program.

"Tony has demonstrated his leadership repeatedly this year," said Annie Smith, associate professor and director of the Pro Bono and Community Engagement program. "He is always among the first to sign up for opportunities and has proposed successful innovations to our program. He also created a video to teach his fellow students how to volunteer for pro bono opportunities."

Jones continues his advocacy this semester with drop-by chats for law students to discuss what pro bono is, why it's important and how to get involved. The first one was held Wednesday, Feb. 5, and more are planned for later in the semester. 

In addition to his pro bono work, Jones is active in student organizations within the law school. He serves as vice president of the National Lawyers Guild, treasurer of the Black Law Students Association and a member of the Honor Council. He graduated from the University of Arkansas–Fort Smith, cum laude, with a Bachelor of Arts in media communication. Last December, he returned to his undergraduate alma mater to deliver their fall commencement address. 

After graduation in May, Jones intends to pursue a career in public interest and public service.