Chris Jackman is a formidable presence in the legal field, known for his dedication to fathers’ rights and his leadership in managing The Jackman Law Firm. With a career spanning over a decade, Jackman has built a reputation not only for his legal acumen but also for his commitment to customer service and community engagement. Starting with a single office in Seattle, Washington, he has expanded his practice across three states, aiming to extend his services nationwide. Jackman’s firm stands out for its dedication to fathers seeking custody and legal representation during critical family transitions. In this interview, Jackman shares insights into his professional journey, the values that drive his firm, and his approach to personal and professional growth.
Background and Professional Journey
Could you share a bit about your journey and how you came to establish The Jackman Law Firm?
Starting The Jackman Law Firm was a personal mission aligned with a professional goal. I began my career with a clear intention to empower fathers, who often find themselves at a disadvantage in custody battles. Our firm, which began in Seattle, has grown significantly. We’ve expanded into Colorado and Texas, and our aim is to have a presence in all 50 states over the next decade. This growth is driven by a clear vision to help fathers regain or maintain custody of their children, a vision that has been realized in many successful cases.
What inspired you to focus on father’s rights?
The inspiration came from observing the disparities in legal outcomes for fathers. Often, fathers face an uphill battle in custody cases, not due to lack of merit but because of systemic biases. I saw an opportunity to make a meaningful impact by focusing our legal expertise in this area. Our firm prioritizes a customer-focused approach that values transparency, accountability, and excellence, which has been key to our clients’ successes.
Key Strengths and Growth
What is your key strength at work, and how do you leverage it for success?
My key strength lies in working effectively with people and fostering leadership within our team. I believe in empowering others by placing them in leadership roles and trusting them to lead and enhance our firm’s culture. We hold quarterly meetings to align on goals and strategies, ensuring that our leadership tools are supporting our growth. This approach not only optimizes our operations but also cultivates a robust team capable of driving innovation and success.
How do you handle criticism and feedback to improve professionally?
Handling criticism is inherently challenging, but it’s essential for growth. Initially, I was defensive, but over time, I’ve learned to embrace feedback as a crucial learning tool. Most customers are correct in their assessments, and their criticism often highlights areas for improvement. By viewing feedback through this lens, I’ve transformed it into an opportunity for personal and professional development.
Planning and Goal Setting
How do you plan and set goals to ensure continued growth?
I follow a structured approach to goal setting, with timelines spanning 10 years to quarterly periods. This method ensures that goals are not only clearly defined but also tied to specific timeframes, significantly increasing the likelihood of their achievement. Reviewing goals daily keeps me aligned with our strategic objectives and facilitates ongoing progress.
What strategies do you use to maintain and build your professional reputation?
Building a professional reputation is about aligning with like-minded, successful individuals. A concept I’ve embraced from the book “Never Eat Alone” is that surrounding yourself with influential, goal-oriented people can elevate your own trajectory. I focus on nurturing valuable relationships that advance my professional standing and contribute positively to my personal development.
In this segment of the interview, Jackman has provided a glimpse into the strategies that have shaped his career and the values that continue to propel his firm’s growth and impact in the field of fathers’ rights.
Expertise and Achievements
How do you stay informed about changes in your industry to ensure your brand remains relevant?
Staying informed is critical, and I make it a point to always be learning. Traditionally, this meant attending industry conferences and reading extensively. Recently, I’ve expanded my learning methods to include podcasts and YouTube videos, which provide diverse perspectives and insights. I also look beyond the legal field to industries like health and fitness, which emphasize branding and innovation. By adopting strategies from various sectors, I keep our firm dynamic and relevant.
What are some of your proudest achievements in your career?
One of the most fulfilling achievements has been our firm’s growth and the impact we’ve had on fathers’ rights. Starting with just a single office and expanding to multiple states in a short period is something I’m incredibly proud of. We’ve helped hundreds of fathers navigate complex legal challenges, regain custody of their children, and transition to better phases in life.
How do innovation and new tools impact your business strategy?
Innovation, particularly in the form of AI, is gradually transforming the legal landscape. While the law evolves slowly, tools like CRMs have revolutionized how we manage client interactions and workflows. These technologies help us understand client sources better, be it social media, search engines, or referrals, which in turn allows us to refine our marketing strategies for better returns on investment.
Vision for the Future
What are your plans for the future of The Jackman Law Firm?
Our strategic vision is to extend our reach to all 50 states within the next decade. This expansion is driven by the demand for our specialized services in fathers’ rights and our commitment to providing exceptional legal support. As our firm grows, we aim to maintain our core values of customer focus, ownership, and a culture of excellence.
How do you balance openness and privacy in your professional interactions?
In today’s digital age, maintaining privacy while being open is a challenge. Despite the transparency that the internet demands, we ensure our clients’ sensitive information remains confidential through secure channels and VPNs. This balance is crucial for trust and is an integral part of our firm’s reputation.
As our conversation with Chris Jackman draws to a close, it is clear that his dedication to fathers’ rights law is matched only by his commitment to innovation and growth. Through The Jackman Law Firm, Jackman continues to champion underrepresented voices and aims to extend his firm’s reach across the nation. His strategic vision and adaptability ensure that the firm will remain a dynamic force in the legal landscape for years to come.