Memories of the honorable Theodore T. Jones: an admired judge.

• Author: Buchanan, Sandra H.
• Position: New York Court of Appeals - Testimonial

This past November 2013 marked one year since the passing of our distinguished jurist the Honorable Theodore T. Jones, Jr., Associate Judge of the New York State Court of Appeals. Following the initial shock and sadness of his untimely passing, colleagues, admirers, family and friends have honored Judge Jones's memory, celebrating his life and recounting the moments when this giant was in our presence. I personally worked as a law clerk to Judge Jones for three years. During those years, I witnessed Judge Jones work tirelessly for New York State, the Court of Appeals, and our legal community. And it was always with a smile. Judge Jones delegated responsibility well and communicated his thoughts with precision. Even more so, he was particularly good humored, and his amiable nature withstood life's challenges and work's pressures. Indeed, Judge Jones had many attributes, but his leadership skills and affable nature are qualities that I seek to emulate.

For a young attorney, clerking for a Court of Appeals Judge is extremely challenging. One can anticipate that the travel schedule will be arduous and the workload never-ending, but even speaking to former law clerks can shed little light as to chambers and its inner workings as each chamber is a unique reflection of its Judge. A personal clerkship seems to be a passage almost, which is further enhanced by your individual Judge. Judge Jones made my clerkship an extremely memorable and rewarding experience. And certainly, I credit this sentiment to his ability to lead and communicate well and, above-all, his kindness.

For a Court of Appeals law clerk, the moments are never dull, and the work is ever challenging. The fast-paced schedule--reviewing and analyzing motions, criminal leave applications and appeals in a timely manner--is a pressure that is compounded by the Judges' additional roles in the legal community. In particular, Judge Jones was co-chair of the New York State Justice Task Force on Wrongful Convictions, chair of the Court of Appeals' Diversity Committee (which he turned into a statewide initiative to increase minority presence in non-attorney positions in the Unified Court System and later minority presence in upstate jury pools), a member of the Board of Trustees at St. John's University, a supporter of seemingly all bar associations in New York and often an honored guest at various events throughout the State of New York. Judge Jones effortlessly navigated through all of these...