Newest 6th Judicial District judge feels at home after four months

Sixth Judicial District Judge Stephen Jackson Jr. says after spending about four months on the bench he realizes how hard judges work to resolve issues for everybody involved.

“Before (as an attorney) I was worrying about preparing witnesses, examining them and being an advocate for my client,” Jackson said. “Now, I'm the finder of the facts and my interest is doing what's best for both sides and make sure the outcome is correct.”

Jackson, 44, of Cedar Rapids, filled the vacancy left by Judge Kristin Hibbs who retired last year after 22 years. He had been law partners with his father Stephen Jackson Sr. at Jackson & Jackson in Cedar Rapids, since 2001.

Jackson received his Bachelor's degree from the University of Notre Dame and his law degree from the University of Iowa Law School. He then joined the firm Rudnick & Wolfe, Chicago, where he practiced until 1994. He then returned to Iowa to join his father's practice.

“I guess, I didn't think about being a judge some day,” Jackson said. “My dad encouraged me but I felt an obligation to my dad since we worked together for so long. I always admired judges and what they do. I enjoy being challenged - spotting the issues and making judgments.”

He admits he didn't plan to go to law school. Jackson started out in pre-med but the math and science were deterrents to his doctor aspirations.

Jackson said it has been an adjustment because he had to “jump right in.” There's no real training before you take the bench but that didn't concern him.

“It's like when you go to law school and learn the law, how to argue, how to research, but you don't actually learn the nuts and bolts of it until you start practicing,” Jackson said.

He has relied on the other judges to help him if he has questions or needs some advice.

“They have been fantastic in terms of giving me time and assistance,” Jackson said.

Chief Judge Patrick Grady said Jackson is doing a great job.

“He's interested and not afraid to ask questions,” Grady said. “It's always refreshing being around a new judge who's excited about the job.”

Judge Ian Thornhill said he was around Jackson when he first started and knows how it feels to be the new judge. Thornhill, a former an assistant U.S. Attorney, was appointed as a judge in 2009.

“He's' a hard worker - just a great edition and good colleague to have,” Thornhill said.

Jackson will have the opportunity for training this week with the new judge orientation that started Wednesday in Des Moines. This is the first training session for new judges since 2008. The program was eliminated because of budget cuts.

Judges Sean McPartland, Thornhill and Paul Miller, who were appointed in the last three years, will also attend the training. There are 23 district judges and 12 associate district judges going through training this week.

Jackson said he loves the job. There's never a dull day and the days have quickly passed since his investiture in November. He only has one complaint - the robe.

“They're a little warm and long and it's hard to move around and position when you sit,” Jackson said laughing.