lloyd-jones was educated at st marylebone grammar school, university college, london and jesus college, oxford. at oxford, he was an exhibitioner and obtained b.a. degrees in english (1923) and also in jurisprudence (1924). whilst at oxford, he was president of the oxford union society in the summer term of 1925. he was called to the bar by inner temple in 1926 and practised as a barrister on the wales and chester circuit. he was appointed a queen's counsel in 1949. he also held the positions of recorder of chester (1952–58) and of cardiff (1958–60).