Dawson Jones

Dawson Jones is a law clerk at Hurst Limontes LLC, an Indiana-based personal injury law firm dedicated to representing people and families whose lives have been changed by catastrophic injury or wrongful death. Dawson began working at Hurst Limontes during his first year of law school while simultaneously serving as a police officer and raising three young children. With a strong interest in the intersection of legal AI and traditional legal advocacy, he brings a unique perspective to his work.

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Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

  • [2:27] Dawson Jones reflects on balancing law school and raising three young children
  • [4:46] Lessons from his father about the value of hard work and education
  • [6:20] What to expect when taking the Indiana Bar Exam and how to prepare
  • [16:56] Coping with burnout and mental fatigue while preparing for the bar exam
  • [27:55] The emotional pressure of waiting for bar exam results and its impact on family life
  • [30:16] Why the bar exam doesn’t necessarily measure what makes a great lawyer
  • [54:40] Dawson’s #1 piece of advice for aspiring lawyers

In this episode…

Balancing the demands of law school while raising a family can push even the most disciplined people to their limits. Between family life, late-night study sessions, extensive reading, and the looming pressure of the bar exam, many aspiring attorneys struggle to manage it all without burning out. How can future lawyers find balance, stay motivated, and succeed academically while raising a family?

Dawson Jones reflects on his journey through law school and bar exam preparation while balancing life as a father of three. Drawing on a framework consisting of discipline, teamwork, and structure, Dawson emphasizes the importance of setting clear expectations with family, pacing study schedules, and choosing supportive environments both at home and school. He also offers insights on managing burnout, prioritizing mental breaks, and maintaining perspective when faced with the overwhelming nature of bar prep.

In this episode of Circle City Conversations, Alex Limontes interviews Dawson Jones, law clerk at Hurst Limontes, about balancing parenthood, law school, and studying for the bar exam. Dawson discusses practical study habits, strategies to prevent burnout, and how family support played a key role in his success. He also reflects on lessons from his upbringing, the value of perseverance, and why real-world experience is as valuable as classroom education.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Quotable Moments:

  • “I would definitely have them participate in the process along the way and kind of lay some ground rules like, hey, we’re going to do this together.”
  • “Just choose the right spouse, someone who has the mutual mindset that this is for us and our family.”
  • “Secure transactions are a tough one to try to relearn, but if it’s on the bar exam, just take the course.”
  • “The pressure wasn’t necessarily the exam itself; it was the effect this exam had on your future.”
  • “There’s a lot more that goes into being a good lawyer than your ability to take an exam and pass.”

Action Steps: 

  1. Plan your study schedule early: Creating a clear, consistent routine helps reduce last-minute stress and improves information retention before the bar exam.
  2. Include your family in the process: Involving loved ones builds understanding and support, which can ease emotional strain during demanding study periods.
  3. Take bar-related courses in law school: Focusing on subjects tested on the bar provides a strong foundation and reduces the need to learn complex material from scratch.
  4. Prioritize mental breaks and rest: Stepping away from study sessions allows your brain to recharge, preventing burnout and maintaining long-term focus.
  5. Find accountability partners or mentors: Connecting with peers or seasoned attorneys provides steady support, guidance, and encouragement throughout the challenging moments of preparing for the bar.

Sponsor for this episode…

This episode is brought to you by Hurst Limontes LLC — a personal injury law firm based in Indiana.

Founded in 1981, Hurst Limontes LLC is one of the few firms whose practice focuses exclusively on victims of negligence and their families.

With more than 116 years of combined experience among our attorneys, you can trust us to handle your cases with valuable and extensive expertise. We have the knowledge to handle any case — from automobile accidents to construction site accidents, firearm discharge accidents, slips and falls, and more.

No matter how complex the case or how significant the injury is, we aim to make the process as stress-free as possible for clients.

Our attorneys have represented thousands of injured clients and obtained hundreds of millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts.

Have you or a family member been a personal injury victim in Indiana? Contact our dedicated team of personal injury lawyers at hurstlimontes.com or email alimontes@hurstlimontes.com.