Chris Jackman, Attorney is a prominent attorney known for his dedication to fathers' rights and his successful practice, The Jackman Law Firm, acknowledged as America's Premier Father's Rights Law Firm. Jackman founded the firm twelve years ago with the mission of defending fathers at pivotal times in their lives. As a seasoned litigator, he has tried numerous cases in front of both juries and judges, as well as arbitrated and mediated hundreds of cases. His expertise extends beyond family law to include estate planning and bankruptcy reorganization. The firm has expanded from a single office in Seattle, Washington, to a robust practice across three states, and it aims to provide services nationwide in the coming decade.
The following interview delves into Jackman's background, his professional journey, and the insights he has gained along the way.
Background and Beginnings
How did you get started in the field of law, and what motivated you to focus on fathers' rights?
I initially went into law because I wanted to make a meaningful impact on people's lives. My focus on fathers' rights emerged from witnessing firsthand the struggles many fathers face in the family court system. It was apparent to me that fathers often did not receive the same level of support or representation, and I wanted to address this imbalance. The decision to focus on this area was driven by a personal commitment to fairness and equality.
What would you say were some of the early challenges you faced in establishing your practice?
Starting with just one office in Seattle presented numerous challenges. There was the constant pressure of building a client base from scratch and ensuring we delivered the highest level of service. Scaling the practice across multiple states was daunting as well, but it was a necessary step to reach more clients who needed our services. We had to be strategic about our growth and ensure that our foundational values remained intact.
Professional Journey and Growth
What has been your approach to growing The Jackman Law Firm, and how do you maintain quality service?
Our growth strategy is centered around three core values: staying customer-focused, complete ownership of our work, and creating a culture of excellence. We maintain high-quality service by ensuring communication with clients within 24 hours and always putting their interests first. As we've expanded, these values have been non-negotiable, and they continue to guide how we operate daily.
Could you share a significant challenge you faced in your legal career and how you handled it?
In law, challenges are part of the daily routine, but one significant challenge was a case involving a business dispute over proprietary trade secrets. Despite our confidence in the facts and the law, the judge ruled against us. It was a reminder that outcomes aren't always predictable, but perseverance and dedication to advocating for our clients must remain unwavering.
Insights and Reflections
What has been the toughest decision you've had to make recently, and what did you learn from it?
Recently, I faced the difficult decision of letting a key team member go. While challenging, it reinforced the importance of aligning with our core values and the continuous need for effective training and cultural fit within the firm. It taught me that building a strong team culture is crucial for long-term success.
How do you balance your personal life with the demands of running a law firm?
Balancing personal and professional life is crucial. My typical day starts early, balancing work before my daughter wakes up, followed by family time, then focusing intently on clients' cases during the workday. My wife and daughter have had a profound impact on me, teaching me about patience and the importance of being present.
Expertise and Achievements
What are some of the key achievements that stand out in your career so far?
One of my proudest achievements is growing The Jackman Law Firm from a single office in Seattle to a multi-state operation, employing over six active lawyers and more than twenty staff members. We've been able to help hundreds of fathers and parents gain or regain custody of their children, which is incredibly rewarding. Additionally, expanding our services to include estate planning and probate cases has allowed us to meet more of our clients' needs.
How do you stay informed about industry trends and emerging technologies?
I make it a point to attend industry conferences several times a year—usually two to three events. These conferences are invaluable for keeping up with the legal landscape's evolution. With technologies like ChatGPT becoming more prominent, we're always exploring new ways to leverage these tools to enhance our practice's efficiency and better serve our clients.
Vision for the Future
What is your vision for the future of The Jackman Law Firm?
Looking ahead, my vision is to expand our services across all 50 states within the next decade. By doing so, we aim to support even more fathers and families going through challenging times. Our growth strategy focuses on maintaining our core values of customer focus, ownership, and excellence, which will be integral as we navigate new markets.
How do you plan to adapt to the changing legal environment?
Adaptation is crucial. I believe that investing in technology and continuous learning are key. For instance, embracing new legal tech solutions can significantly streamline our operations. Additionally, ongoing education for both myself and my team is vital to staying at the forefront of legal advancements.
What advice would you give to young lawyers just starting their careers?
I would advise them to stay resilient and always focus on learning. The journey in law is full of challenges, but persistence and a dedication to personal growth are critical. It's also essential to maintain strong ethical standards and to prioritize client interests above all else.
In closing, Chris Jackman's dedication to advocating for fathers' rights and his strategic vision for the future of The Jackman Law Firm highlight his commitment to both legal excellence and social justice. His insights provide invaluable guidance for aspiring lawyers and anyone interested in making a difference through the practice of law.
