Meet an Alumnus: Ronald M. Jacobs

Ronald M. Jacobs, J.D. '01
Chair, Political Law Practice, Venable LLP

Growing up, Ron Jacobs always had the “political bug,” and knew he wanted a career related to politics. After earning a bachelor’s degree in international affairs from GW, he returned to his hometown of Cincinnati, Ohio to work for the Congressional representative in his district. After working as a field representative for a year, Ron chose to return to DC and attend The George Washington University Law School.  For Ron, GW Law was a place where he could become an effective practitioner and would provide opportunities to connect with top law firms and lawyers.  As a 1L, Ron began to explore ways that he could combine his passion for politics and law.  He put this passion into practice during a summer internship when he worked at a small law firm and gained experience in election law and campaign finance. During his second year, classes like Separation of Powers and Administrative Law helped him develop a strong interest in regulatory law.

After his 2L year, Ron worked as a summer associate at Venable, LLP, where he still practices today as a partner and chair of the political law practice.  At Venable, Ron has helped to build the firm’s political law practice. He represents companies, trade associations, political candidates, and most recently, Our Destiny PAC, a “super” political action committee supporting Jon Huntsman’s campaign for the Republican nomination for president.  Super PACs are a new and exciting facet of political law, and Ron is excited for the professional opportunity.  “If you have a whole new structure [of law], and no one has done it before, you have the opportunity to break into a new space,” Ron said.

GW Law prepared Ron with the skills, education, and opportunities to help shape the field of law and in the areas of campaign finance and lobbying regulation.  His career has shown to be the perfect combination of law and politics.

Written by Michelle Seger (J.D. candidate '14) 

In the News

November 1, 2012 
Tarkanian Files Complaint on Horsford Ad 
The Las Vegas Review Journal

July 29, 2012 
Conservative Group Challenges Red Line Dividing Candidates, Super-PACs 
The Hill

December 28, 2011
Jon Huntsman Super PAC Seeks Filing Delay 
Politico

November 18, 2011
Ads show Close Ties Between Super PACs and Candidates
The Washington Post

December 1, 2010
CFTC Refers Forged Comment Letters to Justice Department 
Bloomberg