Former Federal Public Defender Candace Jackson-Akiwumi Joins Zuckerman Spaeder

Zuckerman Spaeder LLP is pleased to announce that Candace Jackson-Akiwumi has joined its Washington, D.C. office as partner. For 15 years, Ms. Jackson-Akiwumi has practiced law in the public and private sectors, most recently serving as a federal public defender with the Federal Defender Program, Inc. in Chicago, Illinois.

During her ten years as a federal public defender, Ms. Jackson-Akiwumi represented more than 400 clients accused of federal crimes, tried multiple federal jury trials, and argued a half dozen cases in the U.S. Court of Appeals. She also served as an Adjunct Professor at Northwestern Pritzker School of Law.

“Candace is a talented, experienced trial lawyer with a successful track record. But what stood out to us the most was her positive energy and how eager she is to build on an already impressive career,” said Zuckerman Spaeder chairman and partner Dwight P. Bostwick. “I think this is a great fit for us and for Candace. I believe she will be a tremendous asset for our firm and our clients for years to come. We’re so happy she has joined us.” 

Prior to her tenure as a defender, Ms. Jackson-Akiwumi worked in the Chicago office of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, where she litigated complex civil cases related to contracts, tax, privacy, securities, and patent infringement. Throughout her career, Ms. Jackson-Akiwumi has served the community through pro bono work and service with the Federal Bar Association, the Black Women Lawyers’ Association of Greater Chicago, and other organizations. 

Earlier in her career, Ms. Jackson-Akiwumi served as a judicial law clerk to the Honorable Roger Gregory of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit and the Honorable David Coar of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. She received her J.D. from Yale Law School, where she was a Senior Editor and served on the Admissions Committee of the Yale Law Journal and served on the Executive Board for Yale Law Women. She received her Bachelor's Degree, with honors, from Princeton University.

“Zuckerman Spaeder is an incomparable litigation boutique,” said Ms. Jackson-Akiwumi. “The firm’s exceptional lawyers are talented across multiple practice areas and thrive not only because of their legal acumen but also because of their humanity and regard for others. As a native Virginian, I am thrilled to be back in the Washington, D.C. area and to join this outstanding group of lawyers and staff. I am confident that the civil and criminal skills I honed in state and federal courtrooms at both the trial and appellate levels will help to advance the interests of the firm and its clients.”