A Definite Purpose from the Start
Chris Jackman did not intend to create another law firm. When he formed The Jackman Law Firm over a decade ago, he had one goal: Protecting the rights of fathers. Today, the firm operates across three states, with plans to expand nationally. The firm has come a long way from its humble start as a small local practice in Seattle. It has become a multiple-office law firm supported by six attorneys and over twenty support staff. Yet, from the beginning, the firm’s purpose drives every decision being made.
Chris Jackman Attorney founded a practice after acknowledging a lack of legal support for fathers in family law matters. Many men felt they were automatically disadvantaged in custody, visitation, and parental rights firmly established through the Family Code. Jackman felt it did not have to be that way. In the early stages of this work, the firm demonstrated a hands-on approach, as Jackman undertook his jury trials, arbitrations, and mediations while keeping a primary focus on the emotional and legal challenges facing his clients. In addition, Jackman worked tirelessly in estate planning and bankruptcy, so he could create opportunities to present different solutions from a legal standpoint when life demanded it.
The Responsibility of a Modern Lawyer Leader
In the legal industry, it can feel like a firm’s leadership looks like managing cases and growing a business. In Chris Jackman’s case, it means mentoring and advocating outside of the courtroom as well. He mentors young people through Big Brothers Big Sisters and runs the firm’s internship program that uses the Washington Practice as the teaching tool to train the next generation of lawyers. Jackman is a leader through empathy, open communication, and standards of practice.The significance of the phrase ‘Set the standard,’ according to his team, is something Jackman values greatly. It embodies both his expectations for himself and his team to set the standard for professionalism, client care, and long-term impact. His commitment is also personal. As a father, he considers his performance by the way he hopes his daughter views him. That vision shapes the firm’s values and Jackman’s own accountability.
Facing Growth and the Human Factor
There are many challenges to the growth of a law firm, but Jackman gives a lot of the credit to his team. Building that team, of course, has not been easy. “We have made some hiring missteps and balancing the responsibilities of a rapidly-growing firm is not easy,” he reflected. However, he also believes that there are good people out there–people who can relate to clients as human beings while providing professional advice. Finding them is one of the firm’s priorities.
A recurring theme in Jackman’s answers is the idea of “bedside manner.” He believes that law is more than a profession; it is a service industry. Most of the time, clients reach out to The Jackman Law Firm when it is one of the most challenging times of their lives. Therefore, they need legal support but almost as importantly they need emotional support in conjunction with legal support. Finding the balance of compassion and competence is something that Jackman seeks in new hires.
Chris Jackman Attorney on Industry Shifts
Artificial intelligence is one area Chris Jackman Attorney has been monitoring closely.He recognizes both the promise and danger, especially for legal uses. While AI tools may be more accurate and useful over time, Jackman believes clients will always want human representation, that is, someone to explain to them how the law applies to them personally and someone who will stand with them in court. “We are counselors in the truest sense of the word,” he notes.
That said, he is willing to adopt any tools that will help legal work run smoother or help clients communicate better. In his mind, it comes down to making useful changes while not losing the human element of the law.
Client Communication as a Distinction
One policy of the firm is that clients should receive a response to inquiries within 24 hours. While it may seem basic, in an industry where many clients feel like they are forgotten about, in Jackman’s mind, it’s a game changer. “We put the customer’s interest first, “ and that includes making sure they know they’re heard.
This focus on communication establishes trust, which is necessary for legal work that centers on personal type matters. Jackman and his staff are dedicated to providing clients with a sense of support, regard, and input throughout the entire process of their case.
Expansion with Intent and Purpose
Jackman Law Firm now has a presence in Seattle, Denver, and Houston. Each office is selected as much for business potential as it is for its own service as part of the firm’s mission. Jackman views every office opening as an opportunity to help more families and fathers who are struggling with complicated family law matters.
With a long-term goal of operating in all fifty states, Jackman is not merely growing for the sake of growing. He states this in distinctly a moral framework. “If we can help more families stabilize and move forward, we have a moral responsibility to do that,” he states.
A Community Mindset Towards Legal Success
Outside of the clients’ work, the firm has a heavy commitment to involvement in the community. Whether through mentoring, internship experiences or public (community) education, Jackman pushes his team to engage in the greater community. Community work aligns with the firm’s values of ownership, excellence and customer/matter focused.
Jackman also provides some practical advice to those entering the legal profession; his most important point was to remember the role of the client from day one. In law school he can recall that clients were an afterthought. Now, he sees the clients as the focal point of everything done. For inexperienced lawyers, this change in mindset could make all the difference.
Future Vision to Be Based on Today’s Principles
Looking out, Jackman sees a future of not only new tools but of the principles that have never changed over time. Even as technology changes, and there are new legal issues to face, the heart of Jackman’s work to advocate and protect clients remains the same. Jackman’s hope is to continue to scale his firm while remembering the principles that helped him grow in the first place.
Even as Jackman has moved from the courtroom, to court, to now his role being focused mostly on the operational part of running the firm, Jackman’s role as a legal thought leader has never been clearer. He speaks and educates regularly on ethics as it relates to the practice of law, law firm management, and leading with principles of integrity. Colleagues consider him to have made a real impact on law not only through his case work, but also with the culture and the community he built.
Final Thoughts on a Career Continuing to Grow
Chris Jackman Attorney has already accomplished great things, but he is far from done. His firm’s success and beyond continues to be purpose driven, principle rooted and there is a belief that it should be personal, consistent and compassionate when representing a client. From Jackman’s perspective, the future of the law does not belong to those who figure out how to integrate new systems of technology– but to those who figure out how to read and understand people, and that is the legacy he seeks to build.
What it really means to set the standard
In every sense, Chris Jackman Lawyer Washington is setting a different kind of standard. Through mentoring, thoughtful leadership and by being committed to the principles cited above, Jackman is revolutionizing what it means to run a modern law firm. Jackman’s example not only provides a model for legal practitioners but for any leader who values trust, communication, and real impact.
