The Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe signed a treaty with the US government in 1855 that ceded the vast majority of their historic territories but left them rights to access traditional food sources, especially fish. However, for years, the Washington state government failed to honor those rights, leading to large-scale protests during the civil rights era by the S’Klallam and other tribes. It wasn’t until a landmark 1974 decision in a federal lawsuit that the state was compelled to recognize these rights.

Anthony Jones, a member of the S’Klallam tribe, grew up in this environment of struggle and perseverance. This history instilled in him a deep sense of justice, which eventually led him to pursue a career in law.

Today, Anthony practices a unique combination of Native law and patent law. His background as a mechanical engineering student at MIT and his passion for tinkering have allowed him to successfully navigate both fields. While his two primary practice areas may seem distinct, his early willingness to follow his passions has paved the way for his diverse legal career.

During his teenage years, Anthony’s love for learning and exploration extended beyond the realm of law. When he wasn’t on the beach, he was busy dissecting electric guitars to understand their inner workings. This curiosity led him to programs like the Summer Science Program at New Mexico Tech, where his interest in astrophysics began to blossom.

His experiences at MIT, where he eventually enrolled, further shaped his intellectual journey. The cultural transition from Port Gamble to Cambridge was challenging, but it also provided him with invaluable lessons and opportunities to grow.

COURTESY OF ANTHONY JONES

COURTESY OF ANTHONY JONES

As Anthony navigated his academic and personal journey, he found outlets for his diverse skills. Hands-on classes, such as a robotics competition course, allowed him to indulge his innate curiosity. Additionally, completing the undergraduate business minor at the Sloan School of Management provided him with a unique balance between technology and human-focused studies.

Anthony Jones’s journey from advocating for Native rights to practicing patent law is a testament to his passion for justice and his commitment to following his interests. His story serves as an inspiration for aspiring lawyers and innovators alike.