GRAND BOARD MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
Spotlight on Grand Board Member Robert L. Jenkins, Jr. Esq. O ver the last 25 years, Grand Board Member Robert L. Jenkins, Jr., Esq. (Xi 1992) of Bynum & Jenkins Law has continues to exists and thrive for the next generation. Q. Where did you get your sense of style? “My service is a reflection of my appreciation for those
successfully defended clients accused of complex criminal, bankruptcy and tax-related violations as well as with congressional and federal agency inves- tigations. “I have tried over 100 jury trials in feder- al and local courts,” Jenkins said. “I use my voice in the community to educate citizens about their legal rights and help to ensure our Constitution functions as intended for all.” The esteemed lawyer represents cor- porate entities as well as individuals nationally and internationally. Jenkins’ dedication to the community has been recognized with several accolades. In 2020, he was named to the top 10 list of defense attorneys in Northern Virginia by Attorney And Practice Magazine and has also been listed as one of the top lawyers in the Washington metropolitan area by Washingtonian magazine. Brother Jenkins is a member of the Vir- ginia State Bar and is admitted to prac- tice before the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, United States District Courts for the Eastern District of Virginia, Western District of Virginia and District of Columbia. He also has special permission to appear in matters before the United States District Courts for several other states and holds professional memberships in the National Trial Lawyers of Criminal Defense Lawyers and The National Trial Lawyers’ Top 100 Trial Lawyers.
Kappa. That’s what first caused me to take notice of Kappa. And it was love at first sight. Q. When did you know you wanted to become an attorney? Jenkins: I have wanted to be an at- torney for as long as I can recall. I was raised by my mother who was a widow. She was a teenage mother who dropped out of high school around the time I was born. As a consequence of her not completing her education she always believed it limited her. She wanted better for me. She had a great value for education. She taught me to read and write before I started school. She was the first person that told me I should be a lawyer. Growing up poor in public housing motivated me to want a better life with financial security. My mom convinced me that lawyers lived better lives and didn’t ever worry about where the next meal would come from. who came before me and built the Kappa that has influenced my life in so many positive ways.”
Jenkins: That’s a great question. Again, I would go back to my childhood. For as long as I can remember I have enjoyed getting “dressed up.” My favorite part of Easter was getting a new suit for church. Unlike many kids I wasn’t uncomfortable in a shirt and tie. In fact, it was just the opposite. I loved it. Per- haps, as a poor kid it made me feel like I was rich like the important people I saw on TV always dressed in a suit. I also appreciate that we are visual creatures who are greatly influenced by what we see. People immediately draw impres- sions about those we encounter, for good or bad, based on how they perceive our appearance. As a result I have always given great attention to my appearance. Q. What advice would you have for undergraduates who want to pursue a career in your profession? Jenkins: Stay focused. The most impor- tant thing is not to become distracted from your goal. Pursuing a demanding career in the legal profession requires
an enormous about of dedica- tion. Along the path there will be other things that will com- pete for your attention. Some, if permitted, will take you off your path. You can never for- get the most important reason you are in college. It is not to enjoy the
Q. What motivates you to serve?
Jenkins: I am motivated due to my love of the Fraternity. My service is a reflection of my appre- ciation for those who came before me and built the Kappa that has influenced my life in so many positive ways. I owe it to them to give back as much as I can to ensure that the Fraternity
social life. It is to gain knowl- edge and prepare
Q. How did you find Kappa?
yourself to the best of your abilities for law school. Once in law school your goal is to again gain knowledge and pre- pare yourself to enter the profession.
Jenkins: I became interested in Kappa my freshman year at Howard Uni- versity. I was a “first to college kid” in my family. So I didn’t have much knowledge of fraternities when I got to campus. I became friends with a group of upperclassmen who wanted to pledge
THE JOURNAL ♦ WINTER 2021 - SPRING 2022
PUBLISHING ACHIEVEMENT IN EVERY FIELD OF HUMAN ENDEAVOR
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