Irving Jones Featured in Law.com’s “How I Made Partner” Series

Irving Jones, partner in the firm’s Birmingham office and member of the Litigation Practice, was featured in Law.com’s “How I Made Partner” series in an article published June 22, 2023. Irving discussed his career journey and the factors that contributed to his elevation to partner, which became effective January 1, 2023.   

Offering advice to associates aspiring to make partner, Irving emphasized the importance of becoming indispensable within a firm.

“Strive to make yourself irreplaceable,” Irving was quoted as saying. “By that, I mean commit yourself to producing your best product every time for your partners and senior associates, and take ownership over the cases to which you are assigned such that you become an integral part of case’s progression.”

Irving graduated from the University of Mississippi School of Law in 2014. When asked about his decision to join Balch, he emphasized the importance of a firm that values its people and clients, with a strong reputation in the legal community.

Irving highlighted his experience as a former counterintelligence agent for the National Security Agency, offering insight on his journey to selection as a partner. 

“As a former counterintelligence agent for the National Security Agency, I have a unique skill in conducting complex investigations for regulated industries,” Irving was quoted as saying. “My performance in that area for our nuclear clients was a major factor in the decision to promote me to partner. More generally, I developed a reputation for having a reliable work ethic and producing thorough and accurate work product that often exceeds our clients’ expectations. Aside from my work quality, I have devoted time to helping my firm promote diversity and inclusion through our many internal and external programs aimed at that goal. I am particularly proud of my work in that space and believe that trait was also a major factor in my partnership decision.”

Irving acknowledged the challenges faced by young attorneys, especially those without discernable privilege, and advised them to seek out mentors within the firm who genuinely invest in their success, even if they are of the same rank.

Irving focuses on internal investigations for regulated industries and litigating products liability, casualty, and medical malpractice matters. He represents corporate and utility clients across the southeast in both federal and state courts. Before practicing law, Irving was a counterintelligence agent for the National Security Agency where he conducted polygraph examinations and investigations.

Irving’s dedication to his practice has gained him respect across the profession. He was named a 2023 Leader in Diversity by the Birmingham Business Journal. Irving is listed in The Best Lawyers in America®, Ones to Watch; a Mid-South Super Lawyers, Rising Star and was recognized by the Birmingham Business Journal as a Rising Star of Law.