2019 Break Out Awards, South: Leland Jones IV
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LELAND JONES IV
Partner
Wiley Rein LLP
Washington
Age: 34
Leland Jones joined law firm Wiley Rein LLP as an intern even before graduation from law school at George Mason University. Now a partner, he spends his days representing professional liability insurance clients and training for the next race in his spare time.
How do you see your job changing over the next 10 years?
I don’t know that it will change much. I think we will continue to provide legal advice to our clients on their most complex risks and exposures. As clients are facing larger exposures from large lawsuits and regulatory investigations of policyholders, the stakes that are at issue in these disputes are just going to become much higher.
What advice would you give to someone starting out in the business?
Listen and learn as much as you can from those who have been in the industry for a long time. I found that when I was just starting, listening to those folks who have invaluable knowledge is the best way to learn about the industry and find your niche within it.
What surprised you about the insurance industry?
How many people have a bias against the insurance industry and don’t have a good understanding of the benefits that insurance provides to business and society as a whole. There’s a misperception and misconception about what insurers do … (that) does not take into account the vital role that the industry plays.
What is something most people don’t know about you?
My personal hobby of running. Some people view running as tedious or boring, but it’s what I do to relieve stress and clear my mind. I do races every couple of months.
What is your favorite app or gadget?
The Venmo payment app. It’s so useful for going out to dinner or getting drinks with friends. It makes life a lot easier.
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