Jackson, a member in Clark Hill Strasburger's Dallas office, has been diversity committee chair at the firm since 2015 and leads the franchise & distribution team. As diversity chair, Jackson oversees three core programs serving as cornerstones of the firm's diversity efforts: Clark Hill THRIVE, emphasizing multiculturalism (she's a committee co-chair); ClarkHill BOLD, preparing/promoting women for leadership; and ClarkHill PRIDE, supporting LGBTQ lawyers/staff. 

Jackson joined then-Strasburger & Price in 1998 after law school and over 20 years became one of the major forces behind the firm's diversity initiatives. In 2018, when Strasburger combined with Clark Hill, Jackson saw the opportunity to expand diversity programs coast to coast and bring novel initiatives across a much larger platform with a firm sharing the same core values/culture. Thanks to Jackson's efforts, CHS is now among the first-ever Dallas firms to participate in the nationwide Diverse Attorney Pipeline Program (DAPP), starting out with one law student in 2018 and increasing it to two in 2019. In February of this year, the firm also renewed its commitment in the Leadership Council on Legal Diversity's (LCLD) signature professional leadership development programs, selecting two of the firm's attorneys—one from Pittsburgh, one from Los Angeles. The firm doubled its participation in LCLD's 1L Scholar Program by selecting two students to clerk this summer.

Jackson has also been an active leader within the Dallas Bar Association Minority Participation Committee, chairing it in 2018. 

What is one thing law firms can do immediately to help improve diversity and inclusion within their organizations?

One thing firms can do immediately is to take a look at the diverse members of the firm and determine ways that the firm can better support the current members. Don't be afraid to ask diverse lawyers about what support they believe is needed. Consider explaining the pathways to success at the firm and encouraging diverse team members to seek leadership positions internally and externally. Our focus is not only on recruiting but retention.  Retention starts with creating an inclusive environment where people feel like they are part of a team.

What is one piece of advice you would give someone that you wish you had starting out?

Developing critical relationships in firms are a must. We are often taught to keep our heads down and work hard. This is just not enough. Success in any organization is driven by your ability to develop critical relationships with key stakeholders.

Name an important opportunity you got early in your career and what you did with it?

Early on, I had the opportunity to help a partner write an article for a franchise publication. She explained how important it was to write for professional publications. She used this for client development. I took her advice to heart and started writing and speaking at conferences. In 2016, I co-authored a book, ("Annual Franchise and Distribution Law Developments") for the American Bar Association Forum on Franchising. In 2018 when I was asked to update a chapter in another publication, ("Franchise Desk Book") I invited a talented associate on our franchise team to edit it with me. When it is time for the chapter to be updated again, I intend to have her completely edit the chapter. I take to heart the advice of paying it forward.

An awards ceremony will be held on Sept. 18 at the Belo Mansion in Dallas. The Attorney of the Year award winner will be announced at the ceremony.

Click here for booking information. For information about sponsoring the event, contact Andre Sutton at 757-721-9020 or email [email protected].