Early Life & Career

Jacob Runyon is a North Texas native who was raised in the Dallas–Fort Worth Metroplex. His desire to become an attorney was solidified by his participation in a mock trial competition his senior year of high school, where he qualified and competed at the State Capitol in Austin. While in high school, Jacob also gained a greater appreciation for neglected seniors, as he volunteered at nursing homes and spent considerable time with residents. After high school, Jacob attended Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, where he studied political science and business. In 2008, he finished his undergraduate studies and received a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science as well as a minor in business.

While in school, Jacob took time off to serve a two-year service/religious mission in Minas Gerais, Brazil. It was during this time he became fluent in Portuguese, and this experience helped improve his communication skills and increase his desire to help others in need.

Legal Training

While attending law school in Chicago, Jacob also worked as a law clerk. There he gained comprehensive legal skills and a love for practicing law. Jacob also worked as an intern at the public administrator’s office, where he helped protect the assets of those who died without wills. Jacob has since continued his legal training and desire to teach, a passion he is able to maintain through his work as an Adjunct Professor at Loyola University Chicago School of Law. He teaches legal research to students in the health and business law M.J. programs, as well as a master’s thesis course.

Career at Smith Clinesmith

Jacob began working for Smith Clinesmith in 2017. In 2019, Paul Downey and Jacob won the largest trial verdict for nursing home abuse in the state of Texas. After several years of hard work and success with nursing home litigation, Jacob was promoted to a Senior Associate Attorney position within the firm. Jacob also manages many appellate cases, and in August of 2020, won a large ruling from the 5th Court of Appeals in Dallas regarding medical malpractice in Texas.