Chris Jackman is an experienced attorney and the founder of The Jackman Law Firm, specializing in personal injury, mass torts, sex abuse cases, and immigration law. Originally from Dallas, Texas, Chris built his career on the principles of advocacy, strategy, and resilience, ensuring his clients receive the strongest legal representation possible. Since founding his firm in 2014, he has secured nearly $50 million in settlements, expanding his practice to Seattle, Denver, Houston, and Bellevue to better serve a national client base.
Chris’s legal journey began with a law degree from Creighton University, where he served as an editor for the law review and clerked for a federal judge, sharpening his analytical and litigation skills. His approach to law is rooted in empathy, meticulous preparation, and adaptability, allowing him to navigate complex cases with confidence.
Beyond the courtroom, Chris Jackman is passionate about legal education, mentorship, and community outreach, offering scholarships and pro bono services to those in need. He also maintains a strong focus on personal well-being, balancing his demanding career with tennis, scuba diving, and travel. His dedication to justice and his clients continues to define his success in the legal field.
What originally drew you to the legal profession, and did you always know you wanted to be a lawyer?
I wouldn’t say I always knew I wanted to be a lawyer, but I was always drawn to challenges that required strategic thinking and a sense of purpose. Growing up, I was fascinated by how laws shape societies, protect people, and hold powerful institutions accountable. That interest deepened over time, and once I got involved in legal studies, I knew this was the right path for me. Law isn’t just about arguing in court—it’s about problem-solving, advocacy, and making a tangible impact on people’s lives.
What do you think separates a good lawyer from a truly exceptional one?
A good lawyer knows the law. A great lawyer understands people. The best attorneys don’t just memorize statutes and case precedents; they know how to read between the lines, anticipate challenges, and build connections. Empathy plays a huge role. If you can genuinely understand your client’s perspective and also predict what the opposing side is thinking, you have a major advantage. Adaptability is another key factor—laws evolve, industries shift, and if you’re not willing to grow with them, you’ll be left behind.
Many young lawyers experience burnout early in their careers. How do you maintain motivation and avoid burnout?
Burnout is real, especially in this profession where there’s constant pressure, long hours, and high stakes. I had my share of moments where I felt stretched too thin, but I learned that sustainable success isn’t about pushing yourself to exhaustion—it’s about pacing yourself. I set clear boundaries and carve out time for things outside of work, whether that’s exercise, travel, or just stepping away to reset. Also, having a strong reason why you do what you do makes a difference. If you’re only chasing a paycheck, you’ll burn out quickly. But if you’re driven by purpose, that keeps you going even on the toughest days.
What’s one of the most difficult legal battles you’ve faced, and how did you navigate it?
There was a case early in my career where the odds were completely stacked against my client. It was one of those situations where the opposing party had significant financial resources, and every trick in the book was being used to intimidate us. But I knew we had a strong case, and instead of getting overwhelmed, I focused on strategy. I broke everything down into manageable steps, anticipated every counter-move, and leaned into creative problem-solving. We ultimately secured a favorable outcome, not just because of legal arguments but because we refused to back down. That case taught me that preparation and resilience can level almost any playing field.
The legal industry is evolving rapidly with technology and new challenges. How do you stay ahead?
You can’t afford to be stagnant in this field. I stay ahead by constantly learning—whether it’s keeping up with legal tech innovations, attending industry conferences, or even studying disciplines outside of law that intersect with my work. Technology is changing everything, from how cases are handled to how legal research is done. If you don’t embrace these changes, you’ll fall behind. I also think surrounding yourself with sharp, forward-thinking people makes a huge difference. If you’re the smartest person in the room, you’re in the wrong room.
Many people view lawyers as just problem solvers, but you talk a lot about strategy. Can you expand on that?
Absolutely. Being a lawyer isn’t just about reacting to problems; it’s about anticipating them. A good lawyer can defend a client when something goes wrong. A great lawyer can help prevent things from going wrong in the first place. That’s why strategy is so critical. Every case, every negotiation, every legal maneuver involves thinking ten steps ahead. Whether I’m dealing with a high-stakes case or advising a client on risk management, my goal is always to put them in the best possible position before problems even arise.
What’s one piece of advice you wish you had received earlier in your career?
I wish someone had told me that failure isn’t a setback—it’s a necessary part of growth. When you’re just starting out, every mistake feels huge, every lost case feels like the end of the world. But the reality is, you learn more from the tough moments than from the easy wins. The key is to take lessons from failures, adjust, and come back stronger. Resilience is what separates those who thrive in this field from those who burn out.
What qualities do you look for when building a strong legal team?
First and foremost, integrity. I want people who are committed to doing the right thing, even when no one’s watching. Beyond that, I look for adaptability and intellectual curiosity. Laws change, industries shift, and the best legal minds are the ones who never stop learning. Communication is also key—a lawyer can be brilliant, but if they can’t clearly articulate their thoughts or work collaboratively, they won’t be effective. Lastly, I value a certain level of grit. This job isn’t easy, and I want people on my team who can handle pressure and rise to the occasion when challenges come.
What do you see as the biggest misconception people have about lawyers?
That we’re all just looking for the next paycheck or that we’ll say anything to win a case. That’s a stereotype that doesn’t reflect the reality of most lawyers I know. The best attorneys I’ve worked with care deeply about justice and about their clients. Another big misconception is that all legal work is dramatic and trial-focused like it is on TV. In reality, a lot of what we do is meticulous research, long hours of preparation, and careful negotiations—things that aren’t always glamorous but are absolutely essential.
If you could change one thing about the legal industry, what would it be?
I’d change how inaccessible the legal system feels to the average person. Many people don’t seek legal help when they need it because they assume it’s too expensive, too complicated, or too intimidating. I think the industry needs to do a better job of making legal services more transparent and approachable. Whether that’s through better education, clearer pricing structures, or technology that simplifies the legal process, we need to bridge that gap. A legal system only truly works if the people who need it most can actually use it.
About The Author
