Jesse, Sandi Jackson new judge: Amy Berman Jackson

U.S. District Court Judge Amy Berman Jackson (court photo)

WASHINGTON–U.S. District Court Judge Amy Berman Jackson, who will sentence former Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. and his wife, former Ald. Sandi Jackson later this year–tapped after Judge Robert Wilkins– who took their plea– withdrew from the case– is a Harvard Law grad and former defense attorney. She plunges into the case for the first time on Friday, when there is a status hearing–this is routine–for both Jacksons.

President Barack Obama nominated her for the bench on June 17, 2010.

From the court bio: “Amy Berman Jackson was appointed as a United States District Judge in March of 2011. Prior to joining the Court, she was engaged in private practice in Washington, D.C. as a member of Trout Cacheris, where she specialized in complex criminal and civil trials and appeals. Earlier, she was a partner at Venable, Baetjer, Howard, and Civiletti. She began her career as a law clerk for the Hon. Harrison L. Winter on the United States Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit, and she served as an Assistant United States Attorney for the District of Columbia, where she received Department of Justice Special Achievement Awards for her work on murder and sexual assault cases.

“Judge Jackson received her J.D. cum laude from Harvard Law School and her A.B. cum laude from Harvard College.”

At-a-glance, from the Federal Judicial Center Biographical Directory of Federal Judges

Jackson, Amy Berman

Born 1954 in Baltimore, MD

Federal Judicial Service:

Judge, U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia

Nominated by Barack Obama on January 5, 2011, to a seat vacated by Gladys Kessler. Confirmed by the Senate on March 17, 2011, and received commission on March 18, 2011.

Education:

Harvard College, A.B., 1976

Harvard Law School, J.D., 1979

Professional Career:

Law clerk, Hon. Harrison L. Winter, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, 1979-1980

Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Columbia, 1980-1986

Private practice, Washington, D.C., 1986-1994, 2000-2011