5 August 2021

From Laura Devine Immigration intern to partner, Christi Jackson’s experience at the firm has come full circle. We sat down with Christi to speak about her colourful career as a lawyer and what being made partner means to her.

Humble beginnings
Since she was a little girl, Christi knew she wanted to become a lawyer. “I don’t think it would surprise any of my family that I became a lawyer,” she says. “I think they knew I was destined to be a lawyer from the beginning.”

Having studied Sociology, Criminology and Psychology at Texas Christian University, Christi went on to study law at Texas Wesleyan University School of Law (now Texas A&M University School of Law).

But whilst she knew she wanted to become a lawyer; she didn’t always know she would end up specialising in immigration law.

“I fell into immigration law, actually. I knew that I wanted to work outside of the US. I knew that I needed to practice in an area that was federal so that I didn’t have to cross-qualify and become a UK-qualified solicitor or barrister. So, I had two choices, it was immigration law or international tax.”

As it transpires, there was only really one choice. Christi is not very good at maths – by her own admission – so immigration law it was.

“I knew that I had chosen the right path.”

Fortuitous encounters
During her last semester in law school, Christi studied in London. It’s here that she first came across Laura Devine Immigration as an intern.

“I loved it,” she says speaking of her experience at the firm. “I loved immigration law. That definitely locked in my desire. I knew that I had chosen the right path. So, that’s how I came to be familiar with the firm.”

But it wouldn’t be for another 13 years or so that Christi would step foot inside the firm again. After completing law school, she returned to the US where she took the bar exam. She then spent numerous years working as a lawyer between the UK and the US before receiving an opportune call that would reshape her career.

“I got a call from Laura and the team and they said, did I want to come back here to head the US practice. And it was perfect. It was perfect timing and of course, I wanted to come back and join the firm. So, I’ve been back here now five and a half years.”

“I’m excited to join a team of really accomplished women.”

From intern to partner
It wouldn’t be long before Christi made waves in the firm. From dealing with complex client matters to making international media appearances, she has had many career highlights at Laura Devine Immigration. But her proudest moment? Becoming partner.

“That is an achievement that I have been working really hard at for many, many years,” she says. “And I’m excited that it has finally happened.”

“I’m excited to join a team of really accomplished women. I’m happy for them to be my partners and work together so we can continue the vision of the firm. I believe in the firm, and I’m really excited to be a partner.”

Challenges on the horizon
And whilst you may have assumed that little could phase someone with as many accolades to their name as Christi, there is one hurdle that even she cannot surmount.

“The emails. It’s the emails. There are so many. I like working with people and I like working with clients. But those emails. So, if someone could figure out a way to get rid of those that would be great.”

Unfortunately, we don’t have the secret formula to handle those emails, but we do wish Christi the best of luck on this next stage in her career at the firm. We know she will be fantastic.