Janet Jackson, a Stroudsburg attorney with more than 35 years of courtroom experience, has announced her candidacy for judge of the Court of Common Pleas of Monroe County.

Jackson, an honors graduate of King’s College and the Dickinson School of Law, was awarded the first annual William H. Dodd Award by the law school faculty for demonstrating the highest standards of the legal profession.

After completing a clerkship with U.S. Magistrate Raymond J. Durkin in the Middle District of Pennsylvania, she became Monroe County’s first full-time assistant public defender.

During her seven years in that role, she handled high-profile cases ranging from misdemeanors to homicides, as well as juvenile, mental health and appellate matters.

Jackson later became a partner at a Stroudsburg-based law firm with attorney Dominick Anthony Lockwood.

Together, they built a respected practice known for civil litigation, family law and criminal defense, including court-appointed capital cases.

Jackson said she is running to succeed President Judge Arthur L. Zulick and Senior Judge Margherita Patti Worthington, who together bring more than 45 years of experience to the bench.

“This opportunity feels like a natural next step and a way to give back to our community,” Jackson said.

“Throughout my career, I’ve remained committed to civic service — volunteering in schools, cooking at shelters, serving on advisory boards, and acting as a special prosecutor in animal abuse cases. I’m ready to bring that same commitment to the bench.” she said.

Her campaign priorities include maintaining judicial independence, demonstrating integrity and addressing case backlogs.

She also supports the expansion of specialized treatment courts — including drug, mental health, and veterans courts — to better serve the community in non-violent cases.

As a judge candidate, she is cross-filed on both tickets for the primary on May 20.