Robert J. Jackson Jr., American Corporate & Securities Law Professor

Robert J. Jackson Jr., born on February 14, 1977, is an accomplished American lawyer and academic renowned for his profound expertise in financial markets and corporate governance. He holds the esteemed position of Professor of Law at the New York University School of Law, a leading institution recognized globally for its rigorous legal scholarship and influence on public policy. During his significant period of public service, which notably included his tenure as a U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Commissioner, Professor Jackson was on a public service leave from the university, demonstrating his dual commitment to cutting-edge academia and vital federal regulatory work.

Professor Jackson's academic and policy work is distinguished by its deep reliance on the empirical study of critical financial market issues. His research primarily emphasizes executive compensation and corporate governance matters, employing a robust, data-driven approach to understand their real-world impact. This empirical methodology involves analyzing vast datasets to discern how compensation structures, such as CEO pay-for-performance incentives, truly influence corporate behavior and shareholder value. Furthermore, his work extensively covers corporate governance, exploring the mechanisms by which companies are directed and controlled, including the role of independent boards, shareholder rights, and ethical oversight. Through this rigorous, evidence-based research, Professor Jackson provides invaluable insights that inform policymakers, investors, and corporate leaders striving to enhance market transparency, accountability, and overall efficiency.

A pivotal milestone in Professor Jackson’s career was his nomination to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). On September 1, 2017, the White House announced that President Donald Trump had nominated Jackson to fill an open Democratic seat on this vital independent federal agency. The SEC plays a crucial role in the American financial system, responsible for protecting investors, maintaining fair, orderly, and efficient markets, and facilitating capital formation. Its five-member commission is intentionally structured to be bipartisan, typically comprising three commissioners from the President's political party and two from the opposition party. This design ensures diverse perspectives are considered in the formulation and enforcement of critical regulatory decisions, and Jackson's nomination specifically aimed to maintain this essential bipartisan balance.

Professor Jackson's confirmation process was notably smooth and marked by strong bipartisan support. The Senate Banking Committee, the legislative body responsible for scrutinizing nominees for key financial regulatory agencies, unanimously approved his nomination. Following this unanimous committee endorsement, the entire United States Senate, in a rare display of unified confidence, confirmed Robert J. Jackson Jr. on December 21, 2017. This overwhelming consensus from both sides of the aisle underscored the widespread recognition of his profound expertise, academic rigor, and suitability for the critical role of an SEC Commissioner. During his impactful term as a Commissioner, which concluded in February 2020, Jackson became known for championing investor protection, advocating for greater transparency on issues like corporate share buybacks, enhancing disclosure rules, and promoting fairness in corporate elections, consistently leveraging his academic insights to inform his regulatory actions and strengthen market integrity.

Frequently Asked Questions About Robert J. Jackson Jr.

What is Robert J. Jackson Jr.'s current professional affiliation?

Robert J. Jackson Jr. currently serves as a Professor of Law at the New York University School of Law. He held this prestigious academic position before and during his public service as an SEC Commissioner.

What is the primary focus of his academic research?

Professor Jackson's research primarily centers on the empirical study of executive compensation and corporate governance matters, using data-driven analysis to understand and improve the functioning of financial markets and corporate accountability.

When was Robert J. Jackson Jr. confirmed as an SEC Commissioner?

He was unanimously confirmed by the United States Senate on December 21, 2017, following a unanimous approval by the Senate Banking Committee, highlighting bipartisan support for his appointment.

What is the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)?

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is an independent federal agency tasked with protecting investors, maintaining fair and efficient markets, and facilitating capital formation. Its commission is structured to ensure bipartisan representation.