Kimberlee Jones, JD/MBA
Kimberlee Jones, JD/MBA, is a seasoned attorney, business strategist, and intellectual property leader with more than three 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, corporate counsel, commercial real estate, and business 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.
• Project Management Certification
• Notary Public
• Licensed Illinois Attorney
• Registered Patent Attorney
• Certificate in Intellectual Property
• Chicago-Kent College of Law, Illinois Institute of Technology- J.D.
• Illinois Tech Stuart School of Business- M.B.A.
• Hampton University- B.A.
• Chicago Bar Association
• Illinois State Bar Association
• Black Women in Science and Engineering
• American Bar Association
• American Intellectual Property Association
• Black Women Lawyer's Association of Greater Chicago
• National Black MBA Association
• National Hampton University Alumni Association
• Patent Information User's Group
• Greater Food Depository (volunteer and donor)
• Board member of MS-focused nonprofit
• Board member of nonprofit supporting single fathers
• Quad County Urban League
What 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 my next generation, from the words of wisdom and people that sacrificed for me, I just have to be that change that I'm expecting. I have to be that person that can demonstrate that it can be done, and be that person that demonstrates that where there's a will, there's a way. So many people are paralyzed by fear and let it hold them back and not do things, and I would just be doing such a disservice to my life and my purpose to do that. It's the inner drive, I guess, to just be an example.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Don't ever sell yourself short; don't let others deter you from your goals; and recognize that 'nobody's coming to save you.'
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
It is hard work, but it's not work that you cannot do. Even though people will tell you, oh, it's hard, or it's difficult, it's tough, that's 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 it deter you. Don't let anybody deter you from a goal that you want to achieve. The biggest thing that people do is they're just intimidated by what they think, but the reality can be so different. Don't ever sell yourself short. You get into those rooms with brilliant people and you realize they're just fine, they're smart, but you're gonna probably be either smarter or think better. So don't be paralyzed by fear or intimidation.
What 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 overcome fear and confidently protect and commercialize their ideas. At the same time, balancing the demands of running a business while maintaining a high-level legal practice can be challenging, and there remains important work to do in creating greater representation within the field and addressing broader social issues that impact our communities.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide both my work and personal life are 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.