Description of field of expertise

Janene Jackson is the executive partner of Holland & Knight’s Washington, D.C. office and a partner in the firm’s Public Policy & Regulation Group. In addition, she is the leader of the group’s D.C. Business Team. Ms. Jackson utilizes her extensive experience to help clients navigate the legislative and regulatory aspects of local government. Having worked in all branches of the government of the District of Columbia, Ms. Jackson brings a 360-degree approach to assisting clients with their government relations and lobbying needs, business development interests and legal representations in administrative proceedings.

Ms. Jackson’s recent successes include:

• Converting the District of Columbia sports wagering regime from a sole operator model to an open competitive model
• Securing $20 million in capital funding from the government of the District of Columbia
• Repealing unfavorable local anti-business tax laws
• Negotiating redevelopment agreements with the government of the District of Columbia
• Negotiating public-private partnership (P3) agreements

Ms. Jackson uses her comprehensive background to understand how to influence and help clients navigate the issues and opportunities they face. Her leadership and experience includes:

• Serving as deputy chief of staff and director of the Office of Policy and Legislative Affairs where she was responsible for the regional, federal and local relationships for the mayor, as well as lobbying the Council of the District of Columbia and Congress.
• Serving as senior vice president for government affairs at the DC Chamber of Commerce, the largest business membership organization in the District of Columbia. As the chief lobbyist for the organization, she was responsible for crafting and executing legislative strategies and negotiating with the executive and legislative branches of government.

 

What advice would you offer to new attorneys interested in your field?

I’d recommend focusing your energies on setting a solid foundation for your career. And they can do that by doing excellent work, building a stellar reputation, and establishing solid personal and professional relationships. 

I also think it is important to have a learner’s mindset so that you’re always developing and growing. It helps to learn not only from your mistakes but also from your success. In learning from your mistakes, you are guided by what not to do again and in learning from your success you are guided by what you should always do.

 

Final thoughts…

I would encourage all lawyers to stay abreast of technological advancements that can help them in their practice.