J.T. grew up in Washington, Illinois and graduated from Washington Community High School.
J.T. attended Southern Illinois University - Carbondale. Originally planning to become a high school history teacher, he switched his focus to studying history.He graduated Summa Cum Laude in 2021 with bachelor's degrees in History and Political Science with a pre-law specialization. He was also a graduate of the University Honors Program and was a recipient of the Chancellor's Scholarship.
After undergraduate J.T. moved to Des Moines where his family had been living since he graduated high school where he attended Drake University Law School. At Drake he served as the Articles Editor for the Drake Law Review, the Social Chair of Delta Theta Phi, and Vice President of La Alizana. J.T. received a certificate in Legislative Practice Law during which he served as a Legal Intern for former Iowa State Senator Todd Taylor. J.T. Graduated in the top ten of his class in 2024 with Highest Honors.
After law school J.T. worked for the Davenport Civil Rights Commission as an investigator and then investigations manager. This role ignited a long-standing historical interest in the civil rights movement, now coupled with the ability to positively and tangibly impact victims of discrimination. His experience revealed how deeply discrimination and harassment permeate workplaces, leading him to realize that a neutral role offered limited impact.. He left to join Newkirk Zwagerman in 2025 to begin putting his passion to work directly advocating for those facing discrimination and harassment.