Jackie is a member of the Washington and California State Bar Associations. In addition to her state practice in Washington, she has practiced in federal courts in Alaska, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, New York, and Washington. Washington State and Federal Courts have appointed her as learned counsel on capital cases at the trial level. As learned counsel, she, along with her team, has successfully obtained less than life sentences in capitally charged cases, convinced federal and state prosecutors not to authorize the case as capital and has convinced the United States government to dismiss a triple homicide indictment in a potential capital case.

She has presented at national and international conferences on various aspects of capital defense representation. The Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers honored her with the President’s Award in 2005 for her distinguished service to the criminal defense bar, and in 2023, she was presented the association’s highest award, the William O. Douglas award in recognition of her extraordinary courage and commitment in the practice of criminal law.

Counsel Project. The Project monitors all federal death penalty cases and consults with counsel throughout the country in areas ranging from the Department of Justice authorization process to developing mitigation and working with experts. Resource counsel responsibilities also include: identification and recruitment of qualified defense counsel for possible appointment; development of capital litigation training programs and materials to assist federal defenders and court-appointed private counsel; responding to judicial inquiries concerning appointment of counsel, case budgeting, and the defense function in federal capital cases; responding to Congressional inquiries directed to the federal defender system relating to proposed capital punishment legislation; and maintaining a liaison between the federal public defender system and responsible officials of the Department of Justice regarding the administration of federal death penalty statutes.

Jackie also has extensive experience in handling plaintiff personal injury cases. She has successfully represented clients who have suffered catastrophic injuries, including traumatic brain injuries. Her zealous representation has resulted in substantial awards, verdicts and/or confidential settlements for her clients.

Due to her experience, which spans more than three decades, she has taught courses to other lawyers on the impact of traumatic brain injuries and other neurological and cognitive deficits.