Ropes & Gray Chair Julie H. Jones Recognized With Burton Award for Law Firm Leadership

Julie H. Jones, Chair of Ropes & Gray LLP, will receive the Burton Award for Law Firm Leadership—one of the legal industry’s highest honors. The Burton Award recognizes an outstanding professional who, as a law firm leader, has helped promote their firm’s reputation and business success, protected the firm against formidable obstacles, demonstrated the highest ethical principles, and earned universal admiration in the legal community. The Burton Awards ceremony will take place on June 1, 2026, at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C.

Julie is a globally recognized leader whose strategic vision, legal innovation, and business acumen have distinguished her within the legal industry. Chair of Ropes & Gray since 2020, Julie has led a period of tremendous growth for the firm, while steadfastly protecting the firm’s culture and unique ethos of client service and teamwork. Respected for her integrity and loyalty, she inspires colleagues and clients alike through both her results and her character.

The Law Firm Leadership Committee—led by H. Rodgin Cohen, Senior Chairman, Sullivan & Cromwell LLP; Betty Whelchel, former Head of Public Policy & Regulatory Affairs, BNP Paribas SA; and William C. Burton, Founder and Chair of the program—selected Julie for this award. Burton said, “Julie is as esteemed a leader as she is an extraordinarily fine person. With all her rare talents and enviable qualities, she is truly deserving of this high honor, given to her by her colleagues and in the name of the renowned jurist, Robert A. Katzmann.”

“I am honored to receive this prestigious award, which recognizes the values held dear at Ropes & Gray,” said Julie Jones, Chair of Ropes & Gray. “Thank you to the Burton Awards for celebrating the importance of excellence, integrity and high ethical standards in law.”

One of the world's premier corporate lawyers, Julie has won countless accolades for her work on behalf of clients, including some of the world's largest and most influential companies and investors. Over the course of her career, Julie has led complex, multibillion-dollar deals across technology, healthcare, and retail, earning a reputation for steady leadership, fierce negotiating skills, and unmatched judgment.

Julie serves as a Trustee for the Conference Board’s Committee for Economic Development, a board member of the Partnership for New York City, and on the Board of Trustees at Wellesley College.