pinching will give smaller leaves, but less trunk development

I'd let the tree get pretty established before doing much pinching. You want to develop taper, and since this is a succulent, you should let it grow bigger and pinch back to leaves that are pointing in the direction you want them to grow. You won't reduce leaves on a jade, but you will be slowing down the growth and development of the tree. The best thing you can do for this one is let it grow.

Chris

pinch the trunk...it will make the trunk bigger