By: Rob Batsel, YLD Board of Governors, representative of the 5th Judicial Circuit
In 11th Grade American Government class, LaShawnda Jackson’s teacher told her that she had a “big mouth,” and that she should join the mock trial team. Her future participation and success on the mock trial team served as a pivotal period in Jackson’s life. Jackson recalls that her participation in mock trial provided a kid growing up in the projects (who knew no lawyers, let alone Black lawyers) with the exposure and opportunity necessary to cultivate hope that she didn’t know she so desperately needed.
Her initial sense of hope resulted in a lengthy, and well-deserved, list of honors and recognitions. Jackson was the first Black attorney to be promoted from Associate to Partner at Rumberger, Kirk & Caldwell, and the first Black President of the Orange County Bar’s Young Lawyers Section. Her contributions share a common theme of ardently promoting inclusion in the legal profession and educating disadvantaged youth facing obstacles. She was a founder of the Paul C. Perkins Bar Association’s “Street Law Program,” and works with her own firm’s Street Law Program. Both programs have changed the lives of numerous young people from underprivileged neighborhoods, by educating them about issues concerning law and government. She accepts the reality that not all program participants will have an opportunity to attend law school, and strives to give them an appreciation for the wide range of jobs in the legal field by hosting a “legal job fair” where students interact with local judges, court reporters, process servers, translators, accountants, and IT specialists working in the legal field. Jackson’s leadership through the Street Law Program attracted the attention of a national organization, who asked her to help lead a statewide diversity pipeline and street law program that continues to gain momentum today.
Jackson’s accomplishments outside of the office and courtroom are inspired by her personal and professional experiences. Despite graduating, with honors, from the University of Florida College of Law and swiftly becoming a Partner at a large, well-respected law firm, Jackson’s service is still largely informed by her experience as a kid growing up in the projects. Professionally, she can recount many instances in which she has been confused for a court reporter or support staff when appearing to represent major corporations and international manufacturers or distributors in matters involving casualty defense, product liability, insurance coverage, premises liability, personal injury, and wrongful death.
LaShawnda Jackson’s rise and continued service are nothing short of incredible. As Florida attorneys (and friends), we would be well-served to not only admire her grit and determination, but to go one step further. It is incumbent upon us to recognize the shortcomings and inequities within ourselves and the system in which we practice, make a meaningful effort to see our surroundings through Jackson’s lens, and work to create a more inclusive, equal, and balanced Florida Bar. In other words, we would all be better off if we allow our eyes, ears, and actions to be influenced by Jackson’s big mouth.