1928-2006

James W. Jeans was an extraordinary teacher of trial advocacy, and one of the most sought-after continuing legal education speakers in the country. Well known as one of the driving forces behind, and an original founder of, the National Institute for Trial Advocacy, Jeans was a featured faculty member for The Professional Education Group, Inc. since its inception in 1981.

Jeans' highly-regarded career included an active law practice specializing in trial and appellate advocacy. He tried over 250 cases to completion and briefed and argued more than 60 cases before state and Federal appellate courts. He was a member of the International Society of Barristers and was inducted into the International Academy of Trial Lawyers.

He was a prolific writer, whose highly regarded scholarship includes the three-volume treatise, Litigation, 2nd Ed. (Michie, 1992), as well as the enduring Trial Advocacy, 2nd Ed. (West, 1993). Jeans was also a contributing author of the Missouri Approved Instructions 2nd Ed., and Blashfield's Automobile Law and Practice.

A life-long resident of the Show-Me state, Jeans served as a Professor of Law at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, teaching Torts and both Trial and Appellate Practice. The end of his career found Jim Jeans still doing what he loved - teaching and leading. He was the Distinguished University Professor of Law at Liberty University, where he developed the fledgling school's trial advocacy program. He received both undergraduate (B.A.) and law (LL.B) degrees from Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri.

Jeans lectured in virtually every state in the United States, as well as in Canada, Russia and the United Kingdom. His interactive, flexible style and the incredible breadth of his knowledge and experience were without rival in continuing legal education. His efforts led audiences to be educated, entertained and unconditionally inspired.