Jonathan Jeffress is an experienced trial lawyer specializing in white-collar criminal law. He provides criminal defense and government investigations services as a partner at Kaiser PLLC. Jonathan Jeffress’ activities in this position involve defending both individual and corporate clients, typically in cases involving false statements, bribery, fraud, or public corruption.
Mr. Jeffress began his career as an associate at Williams and Connolly LLP, providing legal services to clients throughout the Washington, DC, metropolitan region. After four years in this role, he joined the Office of the Federal Public Defender of the District of Columbia as assistant federal public defender. Over more than 12 years in this role, he gained experience supporting clients at every phase of federal criminal cases.
Jonathan Jeffress studied political science as an undergraduate at Williams College in Williamstown, Massachusetts. He was a recipient of the school’s Mead Scholarship, which is distributed in recognition of government service. After graduating cum laude with his political science degree, he obtained his juris doctor at the University of Virginia. Mr. Jeffress’ professional affiliations include the Edward Bennett Williams Inn of Court and the Rising for Justice Board of Directors. His personal interests include fly fishing and running road races.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
My typical day is spent working on my cases, which means helping my clients with their matters and making sure all of their questions and concerns regarding their particular legal situation are addressed. This often involves explaining next steps and how those measures fit into the overall strategy of securing the best possible result for them.
How do you bring ideas to life?
Working closely with my colleagues and the client. Making sure we have thoroughly examined all plausible options and the pros and cons of each in light of our experience and the specific institutions and personalities at issue in the case.
What’s one trend that excites you?
Alternatives to disabling felony convictions for those who pose a minimal risk and, relatedly, alternatives to incarceration.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
Getting up very early and exercise.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Always get up early and exercise.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?
Most people have a lot of good in them.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
Step back and think about why you are doing what you do for a living in the first place, especially when it’s hard, because the true reason is competing with other interests.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
Get a good night’s sleep and address the issue fresh.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
Fight hard but fair. That is the best reputation one can have as a defense lawyer.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
Letting myself become so invested in a case and my client’s well-being that I failed to step back and see the larger picture. You have to slow down and take breaks sometimes; it helps you, and it helps you be a better lawyer.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
I like our CARAT timekeeping and accounting system. There’s tons of stuff in there to analyze the financial health of your firm.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
My favorite book is Moby Dick. I am struggling with podcasts right now, music can really brighten my mood.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
I was a huge GOT fan after reading all the books. I like this South African author, Deon Meyer; his characters are great and real. Only problem is that each book needs to be translated from Afrikaans, which takes a while!
Key learnings
- Daily exercise and rising early support productivity.
- A criminal defense lawyer’s credibility is their most important asset.
- Tend to your client’s legal well-being, but never neglect the emotional impact the criminal justice process has on you as well.
- Fight hard but fair.