Christopher Jones is a third-year law student at the University of Pennsylvania, set to graduate in Spring 2025. Prior to pursuing his legal education, Christopher spent five years in transportation management, where he served as an operations manager for a public bus company. In this role, he supervised bus drivers, dispatchers, and customer service representatives, developing valuable leadership and organizational skills.

At Penn Carey Law, Christopher has distinguished himself through his involvement with the Law Review and as an active member of the Black Law Students Association. Following graduation, he will be joining Kirkland and Ellis in their Chicago office, where he will practice in the investment funds group.

His path from running transit operations to entering the legal world reflects a steady pursuit of growth, even when it means making big career shifts.

Carson is a final year law student at Penn Carey Law. He graduated from Middle Tennessee State University in 2017 with a degree in International Relations. While working as a musician and bartender, he hoped to find a graduate program to study the politics of language. Instead, he became a campaign manager for a Tennessee State House race, later serving as Deputy Field Director for Senator Michael Bennet’s presidential campaign and managing a congressional race in Tennessee’s Fourth District.

After the 2020 election, Carson worked as a legal assistant in Nashville before enrolling at Penn Carey Law in 2022. Upon graduation, he will clerk for the U.S. Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals before joining DLA Piper’s Washington, D.C. office in regulatory and appellate practice. His article is forthcoming in the University of Pennsylvania Journal of Constitutional Law!

This season , we’re exploring the many paths to law school through conversations with my Penn Law classmates—sharing their journeys, surprises, and advice along the way. Follow us on Instagram @thesidebarwithcatherine for more tips and updates!