Jeff attended the University of Missouri-Columbia, where he received his BA in History.  He graduated from the Washington University School of Law in St. Louis, Missouri, and interned with the Missouri State Public Defender’s Office in St. Charles, Missouri while completing his JD.  Prior to joining the Federal Defender’s Office, Jeff represented clients as a Missouri State Public Defender for over 10 years, first in New Madrid County, and later in Greene County.  During his time as a state public defender, Jeff represented clients in more than twenty jury trials.