Robert L. Jenkins, Jr., born and reared in Charleston, South Carolina, is the eldest of four children.  After the untimely death of his father, Robert, Sr., he was raised by his mother Alfreda Jenkins-Brown.  His younger brothers are Terrance, Sr., and Michael Brown.

After high school Robert attended Howard University in Washington, District of Columbia.  He graduated, with departmental honors, with a Bachelor of Science degree in history in 1992.  He was initiated into the Howard University chapter, the Xi of Kappa Alpha Psi®, Fraternity, Inc.  He was also inducted into the Phi Alpha Theta Historical Honor Society, served as president of both the Charles Hamilton Houston Pre-Law Society, and the South Carolina Club.  Academically he earned several scholarships while pursuing his degree.  His scholarships included the Daughters of the American Revolution Scholarship, Howard University Trustee’s Scholarship, and Phi Alpha Theta Historical Honor Society Merit Award.

After graduating from law school Robert was admitted to the Virginia State Bar.  In 1995 he opened a law practice in Alexandria, Virginia.  This practice grew into his current firm Bynum & Jenkins Law.  He is considered an accomplished trial lawyer.  His practice is concentrated in federal criminal defense. He maintains an active membership in the National Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys and is the former chairman of the Alexandria Bar Association Criminal Division. He is a Barrister in the George Mason Law School American Inns of Court.  Since 2018 he has been listed as one of the top lawyers in the Washington, DC area by the Washingtonian Magazine.  He regularly appears on both national and local media outlets as a trusted legal commentator.

In his spare time Robert is an endurance athlete.  He competes in marathons, and triathlons. He trains swimming, biking, and running.  He has completed 7 Ironman Triathlons.   His love of history contributes to his insatiable reading appetite.  He gravitates towards biographies.  Among his favorites are Edward William Bennett’s The Man To See, and Reginald F. Lewis’ Why Should White Guys Have All The Fun.  

Robert is motivated by the belief that all things are possible through dedication and hard work.  He strives to enjoy the very best life has to offer.  He is a Life Member of both Kappa Alpha Psi® Fraternity, Inc., and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. He has served as the Polemarch of the Washington (DC) Alumni Chapter, Eastern Province Counsel, Eastern Province Senior Vice Polemarch, and 28th Eastern Province Polemarch.  He currently serves as an Alumni Member of the Grand Board of Directors.  

His service to his community extends beyond his profession and fraternity.  As a member of Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity, Beta Nu Boule he serves on the Board of Directors of the Beta Nu Foundation.  He currently serves as a member of the Starlite Foundation and a past chairman of the board of directors for the Thurgood Marshall Center Trust.

He is a husband of 24 years.  His wife, Tanek, is a pediatric dentist.  They met while both were college students.  He credits her with being a supportive and driving force behind all that he does.  Together they have two daughters, Latrice age 20 and Renee age 9.  Latrice is a collegiate student at Spelman College.  Renee is a freshman in high school.