Jess Johnson graduated first in his class from the University of Georgia in 2006, where he attained degrees in political science and sociology. He then graduated cum laude from the University of Georgia School of Law in 2009. During law school, Jess focused primarily on trial advocacy and criminal defense. As a third year law student, he was elected to the Mock Trial Executive Board and was a member of three different mock trial teams. Jess was also heavily involved in UGA's Criminal Defense Clinic where he represented indigent clients accused of serious crimes in the Superior Court of Athens–Clarke County.

Prior to joining Pate & Brody, Jess worked for an Athens personal injury firm which focused on negligence claims as well as victims' rights. Today, he remains committed to helping people who have been charged with crimes or harmed due to the negligence of others.