Gaynelle Griffin Jones facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Gaynelle Griffin Jones
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| United States Attorney for the Southern District of Texas | |
| In office 1993–1997 |
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| President | Bill Clinton |
| Preceded by | Ronald G. Woods |
| Succeeded by | Mervyn M. Mosbacker |
| Justice of the First Court of Appeals of Texas (Place 2) | |
| In office 1992–1993 |
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| Appointed by | Ann Richards |
| Preceded by | Jon N. Hughes |
| Succeeded by | Adele Hedges |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Gaynelle Griffin
November 20, 1948 Dallas, Texas, U.S. |
| Died | March 1, 2013 (aged 64) Houston, Texas, U.S. |
| Spouse | Robert Jones |
| Children | Athena |
| Education | Emerson College (BA) Boston College (JD) |
Gaynelle Griffin Jones (November 20, 1948 – March 1, 2013) was an important American judge and lawyer. She was known for being the first African-American woman to hold several key legal positions. She worked hard to make a difference in the legal world.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Gaynelle Griffin was born in Dallas, Texas, on November 20, 1948. She went to A. J. Moore High School. After high school, she continued her education. She earned her first college degree from Emerson College. Later, she went to Boston College Law School and got her law degree. This degree is called a Juris Doctor (J.D.).
A Trailblazing Legal Career
Gaynelle Griffin Jones had a long and successful career in law. She practiced law for 40 years. She worked in several states, including Massachusetts, Louisiana, and Texas. She focused on two main areas of law:
- Corporate law: This involves legal issues for businesses and companies.
- Criminal law: This deals with crimes and their punishments.
First African-American Woman in Key Roles
Gaynelle Griffin Jones broke barriers in her career. She was the first African-American woman to serve in two very important roles:
- Texas Courts of Appeals: From 1992 to 1993, she was a judge on the First Court of the Texas Courts of Appeals. This court reviews decisions made by lower courts.
- United States Attorney: In 1993, President Bill Clinton chose her for a big job. She became the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Texas. A United States Attorney is the chief prosecutor for the U.S. government in a specific area. They represent the government in legal cases. She held this position until 1997.
Later Work and Teaching
After her time as a U.S. Attorney, Gaynelle Griffin Jones continued to work in law. She became a litigation counsel for Hewlett-Packard Company. This means she was a lawyer who handled legal disputes for the company. She also shared her knowledge with others. She was a professor at the University of Houston Law School. There, she taught law students.
Personal Life
Gaynelle Griffin Jones was married to Robert Jones. They had one daughter named Athena.
Death
Gaynelle Griffin Jones passed away on March 1, 2013. She was 64 years old. She died in Houston, Texas, after battling cancer.
See also
- List of African-American jurists
- List of first women lawyers and judges in Texas
