I appeared for Judge Jackson for many years, and found him to be one of my favorite judges in D.C.
I appeared for Judge Jackson for many years, and found him to be one of my favorite judges in D.C. Superior. He was always punctual, he was well prepared, and it was not uncommon for him to identify relevant legal issues that the parties themselves did not think of. He does follow the general tendency of some judges in D.C. Superior to deny motions to dismiss without seriously grappling with the legal issues, which causes problems later when he basically has to reverse himself on summary judgment (and the other side pleads "law of the case"). In one particular case, I believe he did not pay the case enough attention early on, but as the case evolved he was very, very attuned to it. I also had the opportunity to observe him handling other matters, and was particularly impressed with the way he handled pro se litigants: fair, courteous, friendly, but also not SO solicitous that it rendered the proceedings unreasonably unfair to the other side. The matter has been over for years, but I can honestly say that I looked forward to each appearance before Judge Jackson, and would consider him an excellent draw in any future case regardless of which side of the v my client appeared.