Episode 4.2: The Art and Heart of Advocacy with Kimball Jones: $550 Million Reasons to Listen
In this episode of The Heart of Law, host Mirena Umizaj Dumas sits down with Kimball Jones, managing partner at Bighorn Law in Las Vegas, to explore what it truly takes to operate at the top of the legal profession.
Kimball shares his extraordinary journey, from a modest upbringing and a career in military intelligence to becoming one of the most successful trial lawyers in Nevada and the country, known for record-breaking verdicts, including a historic $550 million single-plaintiff verdict.
They discuss:
The mindset and discipline behind sustained courtroom success
Lessons from loss, resilience, and redefining success
Balancing family, health, and high-stakes litigation
The truth about what separates great trial lawyers from good ones
This conversation offers a rare look into the psychology of a high-performing litigator and the heart behind his drive to seek justice for real people.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Authenticity Wins Trials: Kimball emphasizes the power of emotional honesty and genuine connection with juries.
Growth Through Adversity: His biggest transformation came after losing a case that “should have been a win,” reshaping how he approaches every trial.
Preparation Is Everything: Every major verdict came after relentless hours of strategy, training, and emotional discipline.
Define Success Beyond Money: Kimball’s drive began with wanting financial stability but evolved into a deeper pursuit of legacy, purpose, and impact.
Health and Routine Matter: Staying physically and mentally strong is integral to his courtroom performance and longevity.
Family as Foundation: His wife’s unwavering support and their shared alignment have been essential to sustaining his career’s intensity.
ABOUT OUR GUEST:
Kimball Jones is the Managing Partner at Bighorn Law and one of the most successful trial lawyers in Nevada and the country. Raised in a small Arizona town, he graduated magna cum laude in Economics from BYU–Idaho before earning his law degree from BYU Law School, where he received the Dean’s Scholarship for academic merit each year.
Known for his relentless pursuit of justice, Kimball has secured multiple record-breaking verdicts, including three nine-figure awards in under a year and a $550 million single-plaintiff verdict—the largest in Nevada history. His career reflects not only skill and preparation but a deep sense of purpose in advocating for real people.
A U.S. Army veteran, Kimball’s commitment to service continues beyond the courtroom. He and his wife, Ashley, recently celebrated 21 years of marriage and are proud parents of four children.
CHAPTERS:
00:00 – Intro & Kimball’s Background
04:12 – From Military Intelligence to Law School
09:45 – Early Career & First Big Verdict
14:38 – Mindset of a Trial Lawyer
20:10 – Emotional Toll & Resilience
25:22 – Losing a Big Case & Bouncing Back
32:15 – $550M Verdict & What It Took
38:40 – What Success Actually Means
43:18 – Legacy vs. Money
47:50 – Discipline, Health, and Family
54:03 – Advice for Young Lawyers
59:40 – Jury Connection & Authenticity
1:06:18 – Behind the Scenes: Prep & Team
1:13:45 – Why Trial Work Still Matters
1:20:22 – Final Reflections & Wrap-Up
