Andrew Jones, JD '26, Honored with Student Pro Bono Award

Andrew Jones, JD ‘26, has been named the recipient of the Louisiana State Bar Association’s Law Student Pro Bono Award.

This award from LSBA recognizes a law student who has demonstrated a dedication to providing legal services to the poor. One award may be given to each of the four Louisiana law schools each year.

“Andrew exemplifies the very spirit of service and justice that the LSBA award seeks to honor,” clinic professor Tim McEvoy said in Andrew’s nominating letter. “His tireless advocacy…for children in the foster care system and for survivors of domestic violence has given voice and dignity to those who are often unheard. His work ensures that vulnerable individuals are not left without protection or representation during some of their most traumatic moments.”

During his time at Loyola, Andrew has served as president of the Lambda Law Alliance, as a mentor for the Student Bar Association’s mentorship program, and as a staff member for the Danny and Mary Becnel Trial Advocacy Program. 

Andrew crafted his passion for pro bono and community legal work through his classes at Loyola and the opportunities he gained during law school. After his 1L year, he secured an internship with the Louisiana Center for Children’s Rights through the Gillis Long Poverty Law Center’s internship program and went on to gain experience as an extern at the Southern Poverty Law Center.

In his 3L year, Andrew served as a Rule XX student practitioner in the Stuart H. Smith Law Clinic’s newest section: child welfare and domestic violence.

“Working in the clinic this past year has really illustrated how so many things are interconnected when it comes to the law,” he said. “I’m representing a child in a case, but I also have to consider all of the factors that go into how we got here and where we go next, including the parents’ mental health and wellbeing, the child’s education and health, poverty, housing, and more.”

A native of Texas, Andrew plans to move back and work as an associate for a family law firm in Dallas that specializes in LGBTQ+ legal matters now that he's earned his JD.

“I’ve been privileged to attend Loyola, where care of the whole person is really emphasized,” Andrew said. “To be able to put the lessons and skills I gained here to work helping members of the community is the least I can do.”

Andrew will be honored at an awards ceremony held by LSBA at the Louisiana Supreme Court on May 19.