Family law cases, unlike most types of litigation, involve ever-changing facts. Successful representation requires strategic thinking and a broad skillset. Mr. Jackson collaborates with other attorneys to settle cases, but when necessary, litigates the most difficult issues presented in family law cases. He frequently represents clients who come from other attorneys and are dissatisfied with their one-size-fits-all approach. Mr. Jackson understands that all too often, attorneys have an always settle or always litigate mentality. One of the most important aspects of his representation is advising a client when to be aggressive and when to collaborate. “I will tell you when to tap the breaks and when to hit the accelerator.”

 

Among his many career achievements, Mr. Jackson has earned recognition to “The Best Lawyers in America” list since 2016 and was honored as one of Law Bulletin Media’s “40 Under Forty Illinois Attorneys to Watch” in 2018. Mr. Jackson has also been named to the Illinois Leading Lawyers list and to the Illinois Rising Stars list by Super Lawyers since 2014. He has been called upon as a speaker and lecturer on family law issues including tax issues, property division, bifurcation, and arbitration for bar associations and as a guest lecturer at DePaul University College of Law.

​

A published author, Mr. Jackson has written articles for the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin, Law Journal Newsletters, and he has also co-authored the chapter on Marital Settlement Agreements for multiple editions of “Illinois Family Law: Property and Financial Aspects of Dissolution Actions” for the Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education.

​

Mr. Jackson’s notable post-law school training includes the Harvard Law School Negotiation Institute Workshop and the American Bar Association / National Institute for Trial Attorneys’ Trial Advocacy Institute.

​

An active leader in his community, Mr. Jackson has served as President of the Lake Forest Caucus – a non-partisan volunteer organization that identifies, vets, and slates individuals for community leadership positions including mayor, alderman, and school board. He served as President as part of four (4) years of service in that organization. He currently serves as Trustee for the Lake Forest Library, and on the Board of Directors of NICASA, a not-for-profit behavioral health services organization.

​

Education

• DePaul University, J.D. (2005)

• University of Wisconsin - Madison, Bachelor of Arts (2002)

​

Notable Legal Training

• Harvard Law School Negotiation Institute Workshop

• American Bar Association/National Institute for Trial Attorneys' Trial Advocacy Institute

​

Admissions

• Illinois (2005)

• United States District Court - Northern District of Illinois (2005)

​

Honors and Awards

• Illinois Super Lawyers (2022-2024)

• Forty Under Forty, Chicago Daily Law Bulletin (2018)

• Best Lawyers In America (2016-2022)

• Illinois Rising Star by Illinois Super Lawyers (2014-2020)

​

Memberships

• Lake County Bar Association

• Illinois State Bar Association

• Jefferson Inns of Court

• Justinian Society of Lawyers

​

Press and Appearances

• Featured in Sheridan Road Magazine "Legal Leaders", August 2021

• Interview for the Lake Forester: "Shout Out:  Joshua Jackson, Family Law Attorney," November 2015

​

Speaking Engagements

• Lawyer's Panel - Lake County Bar Association Fall Seminar (2021)

• Arbitration - A Bargain for Finality - Lake County Bar Association Seminar (2017)

• Tax Aspects of Divorce - DePaul University College of Law (2017)

• Gifts and Purchases in Contemplation of Marriage - Lake County Bar Association Family Law Section Conference, Las Vegas, Nevada (2015)

• Dissolved But Not Done: Bifurcated Judgments - Lake County Bar Association, Family Law Committee (2014)

• Panel Member - Illinois CPA Society Chapter meeting (2014)

• A Primer on Divorce - Divorce Workshop (2013)

​

Select Articles and Publications

• Family law arbitration can be quick, but also damaging to loser, Chicago Daily Law Bulletin, June 22, 2017

• Supplement - Illinois Family Law: Property and Financial Aspects of Dissolution Actions - Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education (2013)

• Buyer Beware: Are You Making It Marital