What date did Ketanji Brown Jackson become an attorney? On May 13, 1993, Ketanji Brown Jackson took her first steps into the legal profession, embarking on a journey that would eventually lead her to the highest judicial offices in the United States. Born on April 28, 1970, in Miami, Florida, Jackson’s passion for law was evident from an early age, and her dedication to the field has been unwavering ever since.
Ketanji Brown Jackson’s path to becoming an attorney was paved with hard work and determination. She attended St. John’s College High School in Washington, D.C., where she excelled in her studies and developed a strong interest in law. After graduating from high school, Jackson went on to earn her undergraduate degree from Harvard University, where she majored in government. She then attended Harvard Law School, where she was an editor of the Harvard Law Review and graduated magna cum laude in 1996.
Following her graduation from law school, Jackson began her legal career as a law clerk for Judge Abner Mikva of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit. After her clerkship, she joined the U.S. Department of Justice, where she worked in the Office of Legal Counsel and the Civil Rights Division. Her experience at the Department of Justice provided her with valuable insights into the workings of the federal government and the legal challenges it faces.
In 1999, Jackson joined the faculty of the Harvard Law School, where she taught courses on criminal law, federal courts, and civil procedure. During her time at Harvard, she also served as a visiting professor at the University of Chicago Law School and the University of Virginia School of Law. Her commitment to legal education and her passion for criminal justice issues became evident through her research and teaching.
In 2004, Jackson returned to the federal government, this time as a federal prosecutor in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. She handled a wide range of cases, including those involving violent crime, fraud, and public corruption. Her work as a prosecutor earned her recognition as one of the most talented young lawyers in the country.
In 2012, President Barack Obama nominated Jackson to serve as a judge on the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. She was confirmed by the Senate and took the bench on June 11, 2013. As a district judge, Jackson demonstrated her commitment to fairness and justice, handling complex cases with a keen intellect and a compassionate approach.
On June 30, 2021, President Joe Biden nominated Ketanji Brown Jackson to serve as an Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, making her the first Black woman to serve on the nation’s highest court. Her confirmation to the Supreme Court on August 6, 2021, marked a historic moment for the legal profession and the nation as a whole.
In conclusion, Ketanji Brown Jackson’s journey from becoming an attorney on May 13, 1993, to her current position as an Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court is a testament to her dedication, intelligence, and unwavering commitment to the law. Her life and career serve as an inspiration to countless individuals who aspire to make a difference in the legal profession and the world at large.
