September 5, 2019

Meet Jackie Dodd of Dodd Law Offices

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jackie Dodd.

Jackie, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I was born and raised in El Paso, an international city located in far West Texas on the border with Mexico, and was actively engaged in my multicultural community. I went to Texas Tech University for both undergraduate and law school and am a lifelong Red Raider. I received my undergraduate degree in Human Development and Family Studies with an emphasis in Early Childhood Development. Prior to attending law school, I obtained my Texas Teacher’s Certification.

At a young age, I had a strong desire to help children and families in my community. Growing up with siblings who received special education services in the public school system created my lifelong passion to help others. I began my career at the Dallas District Attorney’s office and spent the majority of the time in the juvenile division. During this time, I was also actively engaged in my community by volunteering at Children’s Medical Center in Dallas and at the SPCA. After leaving the DA’s office, I expanded my career in juvenile law, family law, criminal law and special education law, representing parents and children in Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (TDFPS) cases. My love for children inspired my passion to protect their futures and in 2008 I obtained my Board Certification in Juvenile Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.

As the parent of a child with special needs, I have been in the special education arena as both a parent and an attorney. This February, I took a leap of faith and left my firm to open my practice. Our firm handles everything from attending special education ARD meetings, reviewing ARD/IEP paperwork, advocating for evaluations, and informal settlement negotiations, all the way through filing a request for a due process hearing and assistance in either mediation or a final trial. As a single mother of a son with Down syndrome, his special needs creates a heightened knowledge and experience in my legal practice. I realize that educational programs encompass all areas of a student’s life: academic, social, emotional, and behavioral. In my experience, I have worked with parents who were overwhelmed with the abundance of information provided by their school regarding its special education program and I am able to help families navigate their way through that system. I also aid in educating families as to their rights and what their children are entitled to, under the law, in their academic environment. I also educate as to resources available in the school setting, and assist families and children who have difficulty advocating for themselves.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
My biggest challenge, while I have a strong support system, is that I don’t have a lot of outside assistance that can help care for my son. He cannot go into a regular daycare or summer camp program, we have tried them, and he has been kicked out many due to behavior issues. Unfortunately, these programs do not work for him and I have to rely on friends and family who are really good at working with children, especially children with special needs. Some of his prior teachers have been able to help, and I am truly blessed. Going into private practice has allowed me to participate more in his day to day life.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Dodd Law Offices – what should we know?
I am an attorney who works with my clients, adults and children, to help restructure their families and protect their futures. I practice in the areas of criminal law, juvenile defense, family law and special education. People always tell me they can relate to me and that I truly understand what they are going through. I have a tremendous amount of empathy for the difficult situations my clients are faced with and I truly listen to what they tell me regarding their concerns and fears. I make sure that my clients understand the process and what lies ahead, whether they go into or settle outside of the courtroom.

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My parents and grandparents have always believed in me and in my ability to do anything I set my mind to. No new idea to them is a crazy idea – they get behind me and back me 100 percent. Law school was very difficult for me, but despite its challenges, my family encouraged me to get through it. The practice of law is so rewarding and so much different than law school. I figured out quickly in law school, with the help of some professors, that I loved mock trial and being in front of people fighting for what was right. I excelled in mock trial competitions and continued that passion throughout my legal career. I love being in a courtroom and I’m not afraid to try cases. I have always loved working with people to help make their situations better, which has driven my entire career and all the choices I have made to get to where I am today. In February of this year, I took a huge leap of faith and went into private practice. I am a single mom of a child with Down syndrome and the only one in my household bringing in an income. I didn’t have a choice, this new adventure in my life had to work. I have my family and a group of amazing friends behind me that knew, without a doubt, I would be successful. With all their encouragement, and a few nudges, I jumped and have absolutely no regrets. Sometimes, I wonder why I didn’t do it sooner. I am blessed with a growing, successful practice and more time than I could have
ever imagined to spend with my son and my family.

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