Attorney Jacqueline Scott: A Trailblazer in Law and Life
Growing up with limited means was not a setback—it was a foundation. I cherish every God-given opportunity and accomplishment, knowing that thinking outside the box has been the key to my success. With determination and resilience, I overcame the odds, rising from a three-room shotgun house shared with six siblings to a thriving legal career.
Throughout my journey, I have secured multimillion-dollar legal settlements, traveled the world, and made history as the first African American female lawyer to collaborate on approximately half a billion dollars in municipal bond transactions. With over 35 years of legal experience, I have built a reputation for outsmarting the competition with strategic creativity.
My career began as the youngest probation and parole officer hired in Shreveport, Louisiana. I was responsible for supervising and reforming both first-time offenders and hardened criminals. During this time, my interest in law deepened when I became captivated by the forensic evidence in the high-profile murder trial of Dr. Graham, a local physician accused of killing his wife. That case, along with encouragement from my college roommate and my experiences in the justice system, fueled my determination to attend law school.
To fund my education at Southern University Law Center, I hustled—selling Mary Kay’s “Angel Fire” cologne from my car and picking up trash at Louisiana Downs Racetrack after work. After earning my law degree and passing the bar, I faced the male-dominated world of private practice, where racial and gender biases were stark. I was determined to prove that women, especially African American women, could not only compete but excel.
I observed that female secretaries and attorneys often did the heavy lifting behind the scenes, ensuring their male colleagues’ success. Determined to become a powerhouse advocate for my clients, I studied relentlessly, attended top legal seminars, and built strong professional relationships. Navigating the “good old boys” system wasn’t easy, but my perseverance paid off, allowing me to break barriers and thrive in corporate law.
Guided by my mentor, the late Attorney Alma Jones, I committed myself to the pursuit of justice, embodying hard work, integrity, and resilience. Over the years, I have become a recognized leader, earning countless awards and serving on numerous boards, including my current appointment with the Louisiana State Ethics Board by Governor Edwards. My past board memberships include the LSU/Ochsner Board and the AT&T Advisory Board, among others.
The Foundation of My Success
My greatest inspiration came from my mother, Ada Scott, a self-educated woman whose wisdom rivaled that of any scholar. She instilled in me the values of humility, kindness, and gratitude. Her teachings, deeply rooted in faith, emphasized resilience in adversity and treating others with dignity and respect. As a child, I didn’t always understand her tough love, but today, I sing her praises. I wish she could witness my accomplishments—from my Louisiana State Ethics Board appointment to hosting dignitaries in my home, starring as Justice Jacque on my TV show Cajun Court, and launching my Justice for All seasoning line.
She would be especially proud of my dedication to philanthropy—raising over $200,000 for police vests, donating more than $50,000 to local schools and universities, and mentoring young lawyers, including my daughter, Lawryn Scott.
