Judge Charles R. Jones – Retired (Of Counsel)

Former Chief Judge for the Louisiana Fourth Circuit Court of Appeal

Judge Charles R. Jones served on the Louisiana Court of Appeal, Fourth Circuit from 1991 until December 2012. Judge Jones became Chief Judge of the LA fourth Circuit Court on January 1, 2012, and was Chief Judge until his retirement. The Court has general jurisdiction and reviews all matters sought to be reviewed from Orleans, Plaquemines and St. Bernard Parishes, except for cases wherein a sentence of death has been imposed.

Education: 

Judge Jones, a Vietnam Veteran, graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree from Xavier University of New Orleans, and earned his Juris Doctorate from Loyola University of New Orleans School of Law. Judge Jones served as Faculty, National Institute of Trail Advocacy (NITA), Loyola and Louisiana State Universities.

Career:

Judge Jones first served in the Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office as Assistant District Attorney, and the Orleans Indigent Defender Program. He was Counselor for the Orleans Parish Prison Rehabilitation Program. He worked in private practice from 1978 to 1991. Prior to his judgeship, he served in the Louisiana Legislature Black Caucus, until he commenced service as an Associate Judge to his Court in 1992.

Awards and Associations:

Judge Jones was chosen as Legislator of the Year in 1985 and 1987, and awarded an Outstanding Achievement Award by the LA Legislative Black Caucus in 1991. Judge Jones received Golden Apple Awards, 1984-1991, from the National Educators Association for his continued dedication in the public schools, serving as a role model to encourage young people to higher public service. Judge Jones continues volunteering at Loyola University, Tulane, and Southern University Law Schools to assist aspiring young lawyers as a speaker and Judge a their Moot Court trials. In past years, Judge Jones has voluntarily served to grade the Louisiana Bar Exams.  Judge Jones was recognized in 2004 by the Loyola Law School’s BLSA for his continued commitment to Loyola Law School.

Judge Jones is a member of the Judicial Council of the American Bar Association, Judicial Council of the National Bar Association, a member of the Appellate Judges Conference of the American Bar Association, a member of the Louisiana Conference of Court Appeal Judges, a member of the Council of Chief Judges, State Court of Appeal, the Louis A. Martinet Legal Society, and the Fourth and Fifth Circuit Judges Associations. Judge Jones is also involved with numerous other civic boards and associations and is an active member of the St. Raymond & St. Leo the Great Catholic Parishes.

Judge Jones is married to Charlee Reed Jones, and they have five children.