Black studies major Jay Jackson ’25 lives in Washington, D.C., where he is a litigation paralegal at Wilkinson Stekloff LLP. Jackson, 22, shares this reflection on the opportunities his chosen career is affording him:
Jay Jackson ’25 (right) and friends with Honorable Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson (second from right).
I’m originally from Columbus, Ohio. Moving to D.C. and stepping into the legal profession full-time has marked a significant new chapter in my life — one defined by growth, curiosity, and constant learning.
Before beginning my legal career, I majored in Black studies at Denison, an experience that deeply shaped how I understand history, power, and the law.
That academic foundation pushed me to think critically about equity, justice, and social change, and to understand how legal systems both reflect and shape society. It sharpened my ability to analyze complex narratives, question existing structures, and appreciate the human impact behind legal disputes — skills that continue to guide me in my professional work.
As a litigation paralegal, I work closely with my team to support attorneys at various stages of the litigation process. At this stage of my post-grad life, my goal is to be a sponge — to learn as much as I can, grow professionally, and still enjoy the experience of living and working in such a dynamic city.
One of the most remarkable moments of my journey so far came on Oct. 15, 2025, when I had the opportunity to attend oral arguments before the U.S. Supreme Court in Louisiana v. Callais and to meet Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson (no relation, HAHA).
Witnessing the Supreme Court in action and hearing arguments at that level was both humbling and inspiring. It reinforced not only why I was drawn to the legal field but also how my academic and professional experiences have come together to prepare me for this moment, and for what lies ahead.
