About RonNell Andersen
RonNell Andersen Jones is the Lee E — Teitelbaum Endowed Chair and Professor of Law at the S.J. Quinney College of Law at the University of Utah. In addition to her teaching role, she serves as the Associate Dean of Faculty and Research. Her academic journey includes a significant tenure at Brigham Young University, where she held the position of professor of law and associate dean of Academic Affairs and Research. During her time there, she was honored twice as Professor of the Year, reflecting her dedication to both teaching and scholarship. Professor Jones earned her Juris Doctor summa cum laude from The Ohio State University Michael E.
Moritz College of Law in 2003, graduating first in her class. This achievement shows her commitment to academic excellence. Prior to her law degree, she completed a Bachelor of Arts at Utah State University. Following her graduation from law school, she gained inexperience by clerking for Justice Sandra Day O'Connor on the U.S. Supreme Court, as well as for Judge William A. Fletcher on the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.
These clerkships provided her with a unique perspective on the judicial process and shaped her future scholarship. Her research primarily focuses on First Amendment law, with a particular emphasis on the intersection of media and the courts. Professor Jones has published extensively in leading law reviews, contributing to the academic discourse on press freedom and constitutional rights. She is also a regular public commentator on issues related to press freedom. Her op-eds have appeared in major news outlets, including CNN and The New York Times, showcasing her ability to engage with broader audiences on critical legal issues. In 2023, Professor Jones was named a visiting scholar at Columbia University's Knight First Amendment Institute.
During her tenure there, she engaged in research and public discussions about the future of the press in the United States, further solidifying her role as a thought leader in this area. Additionally, she is an Affiliated Fellow at Yale Law School's Information Society Project, where her work continues to influence discussions on media law and policy. Recognized for her teaching innovations and mentorship, Professor Jones is a widely cited national expert on reporter’s privilege and newsgathering rights. She frequently speaks on emerging areas of social media law, addressing the evolving landscape of legal challenges in the digital age. As a member of the Ohio State Bar, she remains actively engaged in the legal community, contributing her expertise to both academic and professional settings. Her multifaceted career reflects a deep commitment to advancing understanding of First Amendment rights and the role of media in society.
