Ambassador Spotlight

Think about what you bring to the table. Everyone is unique, including you, and you bring your own perspectives and skills. Embrace those instead of following someone else’s example.

Jones-Molly-A_Headshot-square

Molly A. Jones

CMCP Ambassadors Council proudly announces Molly Jones as its 2026 elected Chair!

As part of Crowell’s Litigation and Intellectual Property practices, Molly draws on proven courtroom instincts to drive success in complex patent, trade secret, trademark, and copyright disputes, helping companies protect their technology and brand assets in complex disputes across the country. Representative matters include those in the software, biotechnology, higher education, health care, and food and beverage industries.

Combining her background as a patent litigator and stand-up trial attorney with core skill sets in a wide range of technology-related matters, Molly prides herself on delivering exceptional client service and building a strong rapport with the parties she represents.

Molly has co-authored amicus curiae briefs in two landmark patent cases at the U.S. Supreme Court. Molly has also built an active pro bono practice with special emphasis on immigration issues and impact litigation on the pressing issues of our day. She serves on the board of directors for the Family Violence Law Center in Oakland.

How does this moment in your career shape the way you think about leadership and service within CMCP?

The opportunity to take on leadership roles within CMCP has been central to my professional growth. It has not only contributed to my success at Crowell & Moring, but also honed my abilities to collaborate, advocate, and inspire, both within my firm and CMCP. While I owe a debt of gratitude to many attorneys, some of my deepest professional relationships have been formed in recent years through my involvement with CMCP. Making partner at Crowell & Moring has deepened my sense of responsibility—not only to mentor and uplift the next generation of attorneys from all backgrounds, but also to enhance CMCP so we can support even more members as they advance in their careers. When I think about leadership and service within CMCP, I focus on ensuring others have access to the same transformative experiences that shaped my journey, and supporting CMCP as it continues to grow, welcoming increasing numbers of attorneys into our community.

As a newly elected partner at Crowell & Moring LLP in San Francisco, what lessons from your professional journey have most influenced your commitment to mentorship and community-building?

Over the course of my career, I have seen firsthand the power of mentorship and authentic community-building. Early on, I was fortunate to learn from generous advisors and colleagues who encouraged me not only to take risks, but also to stay true to my values and advocate for myself and others. The lessons I’ve learned from these relationships, including the importance of being accessible, listening deeply, and celebrating others’ successes, have instilled in me a belief that our profession is strongest when attorneys lift one another up. Whether through formal mentorship, informal advice, or gathering for shared experiences, building community empowers attorneys from all backgrounds to thrive and find lasting satisfaction in their careers.

As I step into this new role, I’m committed to continuing that legacy: fostering an environment where colleagues support one another, grow together, and contribute meaningfully to the broader legal community.

What excites you most about leading the CMCP Ambassadors Council, and what impact do you hope the Council will have on early- and mid-career attorneys across California?

I’m most excited about two things: the chance to collaborate with some of CMCP’s most dedicated members, and the ability to shape programming that impacts attorneys at every stage of their careers. By creating meaningful business development and networking opportunities, we can ensure that a broad community of attorneys not only survives but thrives in this profession. For early- and mid-career attorneys, I hope our Ambassadors Council-led initiatives show them that they belong in the practice of law, that they have the agency to shape their own path, and that true fulfillment is possible. Equally important, I want to foster an authentic environment where these attorneys feel comfortable voicing questions, sharing challenges, and seeking guidance—resources that can be especially scarce for attorneys who may not see themselves reflected in traditional spaces. Ultimately, my goal is for the Council to serve as a supportive hub where all attorneys can access the tools and relationships they need to advance and flourish.

CMCP’s mission centers on access, opportunity, and excellence. How do you see the Ambassadors Council advancing that mission in the current legal and social climate?

The Ambassadors Council is comprised of bold leaders and steadfast advocates—not only for themselves, but for broader communities as well. In the current legal and social climate, our commitment to advancing access, opportunity, and excellence is more important than ever. Ambassadors consistently step up to do the hard work, demonstrating both professionally and personally a dedication to providing CMCP members with access to resources, opportunities, and networks that can drive positive social and legal change. I see our Council as a catalyst for expanding the reach and impact of CMCP’s mission, ensuring these vital spaces remain available and empowering for everyone who benefits from them. When our members attend CMCP programs, meetings, and the Annual Business Conference, they make a meaningful impact by advocating for themselves and their communities. I hope others will be inspired to join us as we to continue to promote excellence and foster a welcoming, supportive professional community for all.

Looking ahead to your term as Chair, what is one goal or initiative you’re especially passionate about—and what advice would you offer to attorneys considering deeper involvement with CMCP?

I’m particularly excited about our Ambassador-led initiative partnering with the CMCP Board to seek out new sponsors and member organizations—those who, like our current supporters, share CMCP’s longstanding commitment to access and opportunity. In a time of transition for our profession and broader society, it is crucial that firms and companies actively support organizations like CMCP and advocate for their people. By joining forces with our esteemed Board, I am confident we will identify prospective partners whose values align with ours and who wish to be recognized for their thoughtful engagement and commitment during this important time. For attorneys considering greater involvement with CMCP, my advice is simple: take the leap. Being part of CMCP creates opportunities for meaningful relationships, professional development, and the ability to help shape the future of our community. I look forward to welcoming new firms, companies, and colleagues into our supportive network.

Past Ambassador Spotlights

  • Ambassador Spotlight: Molly Jones

    August 25, 2026

    Molly Jones CMCP Ambassadors Council proudly announces Molly Jones as its 2026 elected Chair!  As part of Crowell’s Litigation and Intellectual Property practices, Molly draws on proven courtroom instincts to drive success in complex patent, trade secret, trademark, and copyright disputes, helping companies protect their technology and brand assets in complex disputes across the country. Representative matters include those in the software, biotechnology, higher education, health care, and food and beverage industries. Combining her background as a patent litigator and stand-up trial attorney with core skill sets in a wide range of technology-related matters, Molly prides herself on delivering exceptional client service and building a strong rapport with the parties she represents. Molly has co-authored amicus curiae briefs in two landmark patent cases at the U.S. Supreme Court. Molly has also built an active pro bono practice with special emphasis on immigration issues and impact litigation on the pressing issues of our day. She serves on the board of directors for the Family Violence Law Center in Oakland.

  • Ambassador Spotlight: Stephanie Roberts

    May 9, 2024

    Stephanie Roberts CMCP Ambassadors Council proudly announces Stephanie Roberts as its 2025 elected Chair! Based in Los Angeles, Stephanie is a Partner with expertise in litigation, specializing in real estate disputes, business matters, and employment law. Her commitment to legal excellence and advocacy for inclusivity in the profession, demonstrated through her active involvement in organizations like CMCP, makes her an invaluable asset to the council and the broader legal community.

  • Ambassador Spotlight: Malavika Lobo

    January 18, 2023

    Malavika Lobo CMCP Ambassadors Council recently elected Malavika Lobo to serve as Vice-Chair in recognition of her dynamic engagement in advancing professional and personal development opportunities for attorneys of color across California. Malavika Lobo is an associate in the Palo Alto office of Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, where she is a member of the firm’s litigation department. Prior to joining the firm, Malavika was a Brackett Denniston fellow at General Electric. During law school, she was a judicial extern to the Honorable Indira Talwani of the U.S. District Court for the U.S. District of Massachusetts. Malavika received her J.D., from Boston University School of Law, and her B.A., from the University of California, Berkeley.

  • Ambassador Spotlight: Nikolas Takacs

    January 11, 2022

    Nikolas Takacs Nik Takacs is a Senior Counsel at Visa supporting all aspects of Visa’s compliance program, including anti-money laundering, sanctions, anti-corruption, export controls, political law, and business conduct. Prior to joining Visa, Nik was an anti-money laundering and sanctions counsel at Wells Fargo. Before moving to in-house, Nik worked as an attorney in the international practice group of Armstrong Teasdale, where he represented clients in governmental investigations related to import, export, and sanctions laws. Nik is a long-time supporter of CMCP and is looking forward to serving as the 2022 chair of CMCP’s Ambassadors Council.

  • Ambassador Spotlight: Kenneth Trujillo-Jamison

    September 8, 2021

    KennethTrujillo-Jamison CMCP Ambassadors Council member Kenneth M. Trujillo-Jamison exemplifies what it means to support CMCP’s mission to advance professional and personal development opportunities for attorneys of color across California. On election to the Council, he served on the 2019 Annual Business Conference Planning Committee and has served as CMCPAC Appointments Committee Chair. Kenneth is a Senior Associate at Willenken LLP, a preeminent, minority-owned, majority-women trial and litigation boutique based in Los Angeles. Kenneth specializes in Intellectual Property and Business Litigation. Before joining Willenken, Kenneth practiced at Munger, Tolles & Olson LLP. He also served as a law clerk for The Honorable Judge Paul J. Watford of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. Kenneth has been selected to The National Black Lawyers Top 40 Under 40 List, and was named a Super Lawyers Rising Star, in 2021, and Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch, in 2020 and 2021.Kenneth received his J.D. from Yale Law School, his M.A. from Princeton University, and his B.A., magna cum laude from Washington University in St. Louis. In addition to his practice, Kenneth is a member of the Board of Trustees of the Los Angeles Copyright Society, a past president and current board member of the Housing Rights Center, and the Treasurer and board member of Inner City Law Center. He was also a 2018 Pathfinder in the Leadership Council for Legal Diversity program. Kenneth enjoys listening to podcasts and spending time with his wife and his two young children. “Progress for attorneys of color often stalls because they lack sponsors. I aspire to be a sponsor.” – Kenneth Trujillo-Jamison