Jeff Barnes

Jeff Barnes is the Associate General Counsel at Rice University, a position he has held since 2019.12 He specializes in several key areas of legal practice for the university, including:

Areas of Expertise

• Employment law
• Faculty affairs
• Student affairs
• Litigation
• Public safety and police issues1

Education and Qualifications

Barnes received his J.D. from the University of Virginia in 2004 and his B.A. in history, magna cum laude, from Washington & Lee University in 2001.1 He is a member of the State Bar of Texas, having been admitted in 2004.16 Notably, Barnes is board certified in labor and employment law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, a certification he obtained in October 2011.5

Professional Experience

Before joining Rice University, Barnes had a diverse legal career:

• Senior Legal Officer at the University of Texas Health Science Center
• Partner at Fisher Phillips and Jackson Lewis, specializing in labor and employment law
• Associate at Baker Botts1

Professional Associations

Barnes is a member of the National Association of College and University Attorneys and the Labor & Employment Section of the State Bar of Texas.1

Recognition

He was named a Texas Rising Star for 11 consecutive years from 2007 to 20175, indicating his high standing among peers in the legal profession.

At Rice University, Barnes works alongside other legal professionals in the Office of General Counsel, contributing his expertise to the university's legal matters.34