Leslie McNair Jackson
Leslie McNair Jackson, JD, is a Deputy Public Defender with over nine years of dedicated service, representing indigent clients from the initiation of criminal charges through trial and appeal. Known for her strategic preparation, effective trial motions, and client-centered advocacy, Leslie ensures equitable access to justice while managing the operational and administrative needs of an office of approximately 45 staff members. She is committed to fostering professional growth within her agency, designing and delivering training on sentencing, plea bargaining, trial skills, and emerging legal issues at both local and national levels.
Leslie earned her Juris Doctor from Touro College Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Center, where she served as Associate Editor of the Touro International Law Review and was a LEAP Teaching Assistant. She also holds a Bachelor’s degree in English, Spanish, and Legal Studies from the University of Delaware, where she participated in the Honors Program and multiple honor societies, including Sigma Tau Delta and Mortar Board.
With extensive experience across municipal and public defense roles, including positions as Assistant City Attorney and Associate Attorney, Leslie combines deep legal expertise with a passion for mentoring and training future legal professionals. Fluent in Spanish, she integrates collaboration, strategic problem-solving, and professionalism into every case, ensuring that clients receive compassionate, informed, and effective representation.
Outside her professional life, she enjoys playing the piano, kickboxing, and doing photography.
• New Jersey Bar - 2000
• University of Delaware - BA
• Touro University - JD
• New Jersey State Bar
• Garden State Bar
• National Council of Negro Women
• Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success and achievements to a combination of timing, perseverance, and the influence of my family. After teaching a paralegal course, the Public Defender’s Office in Camden had an open job call in 2003 during a mass hiring, and I was fortunate to be selected. Growing up with family members involved in the justice system shaped my perspective, and I always knew I wanted to pursue a career in law. Building the right connections along the way opened doors that allowed me to grow professionally. One of the most rewarding aspects of my career has been the opportunity to train attorneys across the country and to meet, inspire, and mentor young attorneys as they begin their journeys. Being able to guide others while making a meaningful impact has been both fulfilling and motivating throughout my 25 years in the field.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve received is to don’t ask for permission to show up as yourself, no matter what is popular. Living with Integrity and making fair fact-based decisions are important to me. I also value connecting with people in meaningful ways, aligning those connections with shared goals. Often, there are preconceived perceptions about your profession, so it’s important to show others who you truly are beyond those notions and let your work and character speak for themselves.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
The advice I would give to young women entering the industry is to bring your whole self to the job and always be yourself. For me, having a second degree black belt in martial arts has surprisingly taught me lessons that translate directly to the law. In both, success comes from being prepared, knowing your stance, and choosing your approach wisely. What you say, how you position yourself, and how you respond—all of it is about mindset and mental strength. Embracing your full self allows you to navigate challenges with confidence and authenticity.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Public perception of public defense. Many people don’t fully understand the critical role defense attorneys play in serving the public. We are essential to ensuring that everyone’s constitutional rights are protected. Advocating for that is both our responsibility and our mission.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
In both my personal and professional life, I value gratitude, integrity, and the meaningful connections I build along the way. I never anticipated working with other attorneys in this capacity, and I’m constantly overwhelmed with gratitude when colleagues or even someone I’ve met recommend my work to others. The most rewarding part is seeing clients I represented 15 years ago come back, sharing pictures of their lives, and showing how my work—defending them—helped shape their path. Moments like that remind me why this work matters.