Part-Time Faculty
Jeffrey D. Jacobs
Distinguished Visiting Professor of Law
Jeffrey D. Jacobs is the architect behind the growth and development of one of the most successful and powerful brand names in the world: Oprah/Harpo. From 1984 to 2002, Jacobs partnered with Oprah Winfrey to build a global multi-media empire around Oprah-branded entertainment and content, first as Oprah's attorney and manager, and then as co-founder and president of Harpo Entertainment Group. Prior to partnering with Winfrey, Jacob's enjoyed a successful private practice as a trial lawyer where he eventually developed a niche in sports and entertainment law. He has represented many of Chicago's athletes and television and radio personalities including legendary baseball announcer, Harry Caray.
During the course of his work with Oprah Winfrey and Andrew Vachss (author and child protection advocate) to pass the National Child Protection Act, Jacobs developed a vision of the Civitas (Latin for "community") Initiative. In 1993 Jacobs established the Civitas ChildLaw Center, a center for child advocacy at Loyola University Chicago School of Law. The nationally recognized center provides direct representation to hundreds of children and families while allowing students to develop courtroom advocacy skills under the supervision of experienced faculty. The Civitas ChildLaw Center recently played a critical role in passage of Illinois' first prevention-driven childhood lead poisoning legislation. In recognition of the center's outstanding work, Loyola received the Environmental Protection Agency's 2006 Children's Environmental Health Award.
Jacobs is the 1994 recipient of Loyola University Chicago School of Law's Francis J. Rooney/St. Thomas More Award, and the 2007 recipient of Loyola University Chicago's Damen Award. He has served on the boards of the Association of Volleyball Professionals (AVP); the Children's Museum and KDB classical radio in Santa Barbara, California; and Granite Broadcasting. He is a trustee of the University of Chicago Medical Center, as well as a member of YPO/WPO. Jacobs earned a BA from Bradley University and a Juris Doctorate from the Loyola University Chicago School of Law. As a distinguished visiting professor of law at Loyola, Jacobs brings a variety of unique talents, skills, and real-life experience to the classroom.
| Education: | B.A., Bradley University J.D., Loyola University Chicago, 1974 |
| Present Position: | Principal, Jacobs Endeavors |
| Course taught: | Entertainment Law and Counseling Seminar |
| Contact: | jeff@jacobs2.com |
