The Jock Lawrence papers span the years 1927-1989 and encompass 0.7 linear foot. The collection consists solely of subject files. The files contain clippings, miscellaneous correspondence, scrapbook leaves, U.S. Army World War II service records, and photocopied material regarding the 1941 war film hearings. Writings by Lawrence include a 1985 memoir titled "Include Me In: Hollywood's Golden Age—A Few Glimpses," a 1986 memoir regarding his Army service titled "You Can't Shoot an Empty Gun," and miscellaneous magazine articles.

Jock Lawrence (1903-1987) was born Justus Baldwin Lyman Lawrence in Cleveland. He graduated from Yale University in 1927 and became a Hearst newspaper reporter and magazine writer. Press stints at RKO and Paramount followed. In 1934 Lawrence became Samuel Goldwyn's press representative and worked his way up to Goldwyn's production assistant. Leaving Goldwyn in 1940, he then handled press relations for the Association of Motion Picture Producers, a post he held until he entered the service in World War II. From 1942 to 1945 he was the chief public relations officer in the European theater of operations for the U.S. Army. Rejoining civilian ranks, he represented the J. Arthur Rank organization in New York as vice president in charge of public relations. He later opened his own public relations firm, J. B. Lawrence, Inc.