Jake Evans

Jake Evans is a Shareholder at the law firm of Greenberg Traurig, LLP. He is also the former Chairman of Georgia’s Ethics Commission, former President of the Atlanta Young Republicans, and Chairman of the Republican National Lawyers Association’s Georgia Chapter. As a lawyer, Jake has achieved notable victories, including being the only lawyer in Georgia history to overturn two elections in the same race, being lead counsel for the Pennsylvania House all the way to the United States Supreme Court, and representing numerous religious institutions in their fight for religious liberties. Jake is consistently recognized as an elite lawyer and is established as one of the most influential people in Georgia.

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What is your current position?
Shareholder at Greenberg Traurig, LLP

What inspired you to choose this career path?

Law and problem solving is something that always intrigued me. I also love to compete. High stakes, complex litigation marries solving problems with competing, which is a great fit for me.

What are you currently working on?

I am working on a multitude of complex litigation matters. Many of the cases involve constitutional and public policy issues. Almost all my cases require creative problem solving and precise execution.

How did you hear about the Claremont Institute?

I heard about the Claremont Institute through a few past graduates.

What is your fondest memory of the Claremont Institute?

The discussions during the Claremont Institute Fellowship were my fondest memory. We had a very social group and had many great social outings. But it is rare to see a collection of political intellects in one setting, and this collection led to some of the best political discussions that I have ever had.

There are all sorts of educational programs out there for current and rising conservative professionals. What do you think makes the Claremont Institute’s Fellowships unique?

The caliber of the professors and the fellows make the Claremont Institute’s Fellowship unique.

Who is your favorite American founder or statesman who has shaped American history and American political thought?

This is a difficult question, but to keep it simple, I say George Washington

What would the artifact be, if you could hold one piece of history from the early founding of our country and why?

If I could hold one artifact from the early founding of the United States, it would be the original handwritten Declaration of Independence. This document symbolizes the struggle for freedom and the birth of the greatest nation in human history. Holding it would be a powerful reminder of the courage and vision of the Founding Fathers and the revolutionary spirit of the American people.

What are three qualities you have always admired about Abraham Lincoln?

The three qualities I have admired about Abraham Lincoln are: 1. Humility, 2. Integrity, and 3. Perseverance.

What Amendment do you believe is in the greatest danger of being lost and why?

The First Amendment is in the greatest danger of being lost. Censorship of voices is happening everyday and must be checked. Without freedom of speech, a democratic republic is in jeopardy of being lost.

What qualities do you believe will make outstanding statesmen/women in this century?

The qualities that make outstanding statesmen/women are: 1. Being Selfless, 2. Commitment to the Everyday Person and 3. Being Strident in Your Beliefs.

What do you believe is serving as the biggest “red pill” or wake up moment for Americans in our current moment as a country?

The strengthening of America’s enemies, including China, Russia, and Iranian-backed terrorist groups.

What do the words, “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” mean to you?

They mean the God-given rights that cannot be encroached upon by any government or other person.

What process do you follow when preparing a brief that requires a great deal of research and accuracy?

Research and absorb as much pertinent information as possible; synthesize and distill this information; develop a thesis; begin drafting and refine this thesis as the writing develops.

What book, speech, or movie has left a lasting impression with you and why?

Whew, many. The movie Forest Gump was impactful on me when I was younger. Now, I try to read as much as possible and develop my own beliefs instead of uncritically accepting other’s beliefs.

What books are you currently reading?

33 Strategies of War by Robert Greene

Do you have a favorite quote?  Why does it resonate with you?

“The future doesn’t belong to the fainthearted; it belongs to the brave.” – Ronald Reagan

What is the most distinctive attribute/character of the people in the state where you grew up that you genuinely admire?

Growing up in Georgia, I would say Southern Hospitality. Simple acts like opening doors for others and saying ‘yes and no ma’am’ is foreign elsewhere.

What is your favorite cultural/recreational pastime (or hobby) and why?

Attending college football games, which is still my favorite hobby.

Where do you see yourself in ten years?
I aim to be better tomorrow than I am today. I don’t know where that will take me, but I push myself as hard as I can to relentlessly and endlessly improve as a person and a professional.