Suzanne Jackson grew up in Red Bank, NJ as one of four sisters. She is so close to them and their children that at least three are following in her footsteps. "One is in the military training to be a navy seal; one is planning to go to law school and one is studying homeland security," says Jackson.

She has always challenged herself and has not been afraid to reach beyond her comfort zone. That has been key to her success in all aspects of her life.

"I did two years of college before going into the military. I joined because I wanted to see if I could complete the basic training," she says with a laugh.

Jackson not only completed it but also went on to serve two years in the Army Reserves. Later she joined the Air Force where she served for four years. "I had to do their basic training, so I actually completed two basic trainings in all," she says proudly.

One of her jobs in the military was being a weapons instructor specializing in small arms/ hand weapons and tank mounted weapons.

Since she knew that a career in the military wasn't for her, Jackson went back to school and graduated from Kean University with a degree in Management Science.

She then began a career in advertising and worked her way up to Director of an advertising agency in New York City. "I was making good money and I had bought a house, but public service has always been my calling. I wanted to do something for my community and my country."

And that is when she decided to become a prosecutor. "I was always interested in the law but growing up I didn't see many black lawyers and let alone black women lawyers."

In 2005 she began law school at Georgia State University. Since the school was in Atlanta, it allowed her to be closer to two of her sisters who had moved to Florida with their families.

The summer after her second year of law school, she interned at the SAO. And before leaving she interviewed for an ASA position. "I did all three interviews the same day!"

 

Fall 2008 was the beginning of Jackson's prosecutorial career at the SAO. She started off in misdemeanor DV Court where she became a CTA. During that time the position of Assistant Chief of DV Court opened up and she applied. "Of course, I didn't get it because I didn't have the experience," acknowledges Jackson.

So, she went to juvenile for four months and then to the Felony Division. "I was a C for 14 months! The position of Assistant Chief of DV opened up again and again I applied. This time Chief Assistant Don Horn came to my office to speak to me. He explained that I was not yet ready for that position. And then he proceeded to tell me what path to follow to be successful at my next attempt. He told me what types of cases I needed under my belt to make me a qualify as a serious candidate. For that I am grateful."

After 14 months as a C, she had tried attempted murder cases, kidnapping and other substantial types of cases. Then the office posted an opening for the position of Chief of County DV Court. "I had been a B for 6 weeks when I applied and got the job."

After she fulfilled that commitment, she became Chief of County Court where for the next three years, she guided new ASAs in learning how to be prosecutors and hone their skills.

Jackson followed that by spending one year in Career Criminal. "I had applied to the I.C.E. in Atlanta where I had done an internship after my first year of law school. I was fortunate that my current chief was deputy chief when I was interning there."

Jackson now works as Assistant Chief Counsel at the Office of the Principal Legal Advisor, Department of Homeland Security, U.S, Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Atlanta, Ga., where she represents the government in civil immigration cases.

 

"The trial experience and training that you receive at SAO is unmatched anywhere. When I speak with coworkers and other colleagues I realize that the evidence and ethics training, in addition to the experience of doing trials is like none other."

 

"What I have always loved about SAO is that State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle and Chief Assistant Don Horn always emphasizes justice over winning. You learn to think of the effect of the things you do in a case," Jackson reflects. "As prosecutors we see bad people but we see a lot of good people that make bad decisions. We need to do what is right and fair."

 

Those who know Jackson know that she is also an accomplished master baker. "My mother passed away when I was at SAO. To deal with my feelings of sadness and depression, I began to bake. In the beginning, I would give the goodies to my two doormen who enjoyed the treats."

Jackson who reading all that she could about cake making had no idea how this hobby would become an important part of her life.

"Then one day at my niece's birthday, I was admiring the cake and I said that I could make one just like that. My brother-in-law said I couldn't. And I showed him," she laughs.

Jackson went on to have a cake business for four years. Many at SAO were able to sample the delicious creations. "I even made cakes and cupcakes for our holiday party."

Upon moving back Atlanta, there wasn't much time for baking. She focused on her legal career and last year applied and was selected as an Immigration Judge.

While she prepares for the next step of her journey, she offers our current ASAs advice:

"Take time to learn and perfect your craft. Take advantage of the learning opportunities and advice from more experienced lawyers. Listen to those above you who have the experience and knowledge that will guide you correctly. Don't limit yourself. And most importantly, if you have a path in the office that you are interested in, tell someone that can help you create a plan for you to fulfill on it. SAO is full of opportunities."

 

We wish Suzanne Jackson the best on her new endeavors and are proud to have her represent the SAO a distinguished former ASA.