Her Story
About Kimberlee
Kimberlee Jones, JD/MBA, is a seasoned attorney, business strategist, and intellectual property leader with more than two decades of experience helping organizations protect, manage, and maximize the value of their innovations. As Managing Attorney and founder of Jones Legal Advisors, she leads a global practice focused on intellectual property law, corporation counsel, commercial real estate, and business & IP strategy. A registered patent attorney with extensive experience serving startups, entrepreneurs, and Fortune 100 and 500 companies, Kimberlee is known for her ability to bridge the gap between legal protection, innovation, and long-term business growth. Throughout her career, Kimberlee has built a reputation for solving complex challenges at the intersection of research and development, business strategy, and intellectual property. Her expertise spans patents, trademarks, copyrights, licensing, data privacy, risk management, compliance, and competitive intelligence. In addition to her legal practice, she serves as an adjunct professor at Chicago-Kent College of Law, helping prepare the next generation of legal professionals. Her background as a consultant, analyst, and strategic advisor has enabled her to guide organizations across diverse industries, including consumer products, pharmaceuticals, energy, and technology. Originally planning a career in medicine, Kimberlee discovered her passion for law and innovation, a pivot she now considers one of the best decisions of her life. She believes strongly in leading by example and creating positive change through service, mentorship, and community involvement. Beyond her professional work, she supports charitable organizations through board service and volunteer efforts, including causes focused on multiple sclerosis, single fathers, and food insecurity. Recognized as one of the Influential Women representing Illinois for 2026, Kimberlee continues to empower businesses and innovators to protect their ideas, achieve their goals, and make a lasting impact.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Kimberlee
01What do you attribute your success to?
I can only attribute my success to being the change that I want to see in the world. All the things that I want to see in other people, that I expect from the next generation, from the words of wisdom and people that sacrificed for me, I just have to be the change I'm expecting. I have to be the person who demonstrates it can be done, and be the embodiment of "where there's a will, there's a way." So many people are paralyzed by fear, allowing it to hold them back and I would be doing such a disservice to my life and my purpose to do the same . It's the inner drive, I guess, to just be an example, to inspire and uplift; feeling the fear and doing it, whatever it is, anyway.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Communication is key. Whatever you are doing be the best at it. Don't ever sell yourself short; don't let others deter you from your goals; and recognize that nobody's coming to save you.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
It is hard work, but it's not work that you cannot do. People will tell you, "oh, it's hard, or it's difficult, it's tough, and that is okay. You can still do it, and you'll be successful at it. Several people have come before you and done the same thing, so don't let "hard" deter you. Don't let anybody deter you from a goal that you want to achieve. The biggest challenge is overcoming a thought about something. Being intimidated by a thought, but the reality can be so different. Don't ever sell yourself short. Get into those rooms with people you think are brilliant and you will realize they're just regular. Sure, they may be smart, but you are likely just as smart or smarter. Don't be paralyzed by fear or intimidation. They are only imagined. Imagine yourself a conqueror.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest opportunities in intellectual property law is helping innovators and entrepreneurs realize their brilliance, protect it properly and communicate effectively to exploit the value to the fullest. Harnessing the power of AI. Creating and driving greater representation within the field; addressing broader social issues impacting our communities.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide both my work and personal life are diligence, integrity and leading by example. Demonstrating what is possible for the next generation, showing resilience in the face of challenges, and using my skills and experiences to serve and uplift others.
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