Blank Rome LLP

Judge Nathaniel R. Jones is Blank Rome’s chief diversity and inclusion officer.  Prior to joining the Firm, he served as a judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit from 1979 to 2002.  As chief diversity and inclusion officer, Judge Jones leads and manages all aspects of Blank Rome’s diversity program, including the implementation and execution of the Firm’s diversity plan, coordination of diversity activities and events, integration of diversity into Blank Rome’s business plan, and communication on diversity both internally and externally.  In addition, Judge Jones identifies and implements best practices in the area of recruitment and training of a diverse workforce and maintenance of an environment of inclusion.

Judge Jones is also a practicing attorney at Blank Rome, concentrating his practice in the areas of litigation and dispute resolution.

Involved in countless professional and educational organizations, Judge Jones has made a tremendous impact on American society, particularly in civil rights.  In 2003, in recognition of his outstanding career as a jurist and civil rights leader, Congress passed a resolution naming the Nathaniel R. Jones Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse in Youngstown, Ohio. 

Judge Jones taught trial advocacy at Harvard Law School and is now an adjunct professor at the University of Cincinnati College of Law, Case Western Reserve School of Law, and Cleveland State University School of Law.  He is listed in Who’s Who in America and Who’s Who in Black America.

He is a member of more than two dozen civic and community organizations, including the Board of Directors of the Cincinnati Youth Collaborative, the Board of Directors of KnowledgeWorks Foundation, the Board of Trustees of the Legal Aid Society of Greater Cincinnati, the Board of Trustees of the Southern Africa Legal Services Foundation, and the Advisory Committee of the Urban Morgan International Human Rights Institute.  He serves as a member of the Toyota Motor Manufacturing North America, Inc., Diversity Advisory Board, and is honorary co-chair and board member of the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center.

Judge Jones received his law degree from Youngstown State University Law School and graduated with a bachelor of arts degree from Youngstown State University.  In addition, he holds honorary degrees from 18 educational institutions.