Sandra Jackson, Staff Attorney in the Montgomery Office, always knew she wanted to be a lawyer. Having clerked for Family Court, 15^th Judicial Circuit, opened a solo practice, worked for the U.S. Senate, at Alabama State University and in many positions within the Alabama Education Association (AEA), Jackson has more than 20 years of experience as a professional and community advocate. Jackson began with LSA on May 20.

A native of Gainestown, AL (Clarke County), Jackson is the third youngest of 11 and comes from a close-knit family. Growing up in a rural community, Jackson stated, is what sparked her desire to be an “advocate” for the less fortunate.

“Although I initially chose several different career paths, they all involved some type of advocacy,” Jackson said. “I never lost the desire to become an attorney or to be in some type of legal profession.”

Specializing in all general practice areas, Jackson earned a B.S. in Computer Information Systems from Alabama State University, and a J.D., and LL.M in Alternative Dispute Resolution from Jones School of Law (2017). While in law school, Jackson participated in the Family Violence Clinic and Mediation Clinic. She has served as the Executive Director for the community organization for State Senate District 26 Together Everyone Achieves More (T.E.A.M.), as well as Treasurer for the NAACP, Metro Montgomery Branch. Jackson, who started law school after retirement from the AEA, has a true desire to be an advocate.

 “There were a lot of things I saw growing up and throughout my career that I believed were wrong,” Jackson said. “I felt maybe I could make a difference.”

For Jackson, she believes changes in policy as well as advocacy will make the greatest impact for future generations. The combination, Jackson said, is important for those who may need a little extra assistance.

“My career has been a journey [for me],” Jackson said. “I have to follow and trust [God]. I have always had this pull toward advocacy for the disenfranchised – for people that I feel do not have the advantages others may have.”

At LSA, Jackson said, it is an opportunity for her to build on and expand that past advocacy. Additionally, she believes her experiences growing up, as well as her passion and empathy, will help her with relating to clients.

“Making a difference and hopefully making the lives of the people who come here for assistance a little easier, is some of what happens here at LSA,” she said. “I hate it when poor people are taken advantage of. My thought process is – and has always been simple – just do the right thing.”

In her spare time, Jackson enjoys spending time with her siblings and daughter, Danykia, who is an athletic trainer in Atlanta. Jackson stated she is an avid reader and a political junkie.  “I attend [community] events when I can. I also love the beach.”

For more information about our advocates, please visit: www.legalservicesalabama.org.