Wallace B. Jefferson at a glance
- Current role
- Former Chief Justice (Ret.)
- Jurisdiction
- Texas · State
- Judicial service
- Former
Wallace B. Jefferson
Former Chief Justice (Ret.) · Supreme Court of Texas
Biography
Professional career
- In 2024, Jefferson discussed judicial independence, court under‐funding, and access to counsel, including the need for representation for undocumented individuals.
- Became Chief Justice in September 2004 and was elected in 2006 and 2008
- Chief Justice: Appointed September 20, 2004, after Thomas R. Phillips resigned; elected in 2006 to finish the term and re‐elected in 2008 for a full six‐year term.
- Appointed Justice of the Supreme Court of Texas on March 14, 2001; elected in 2002
- Appointed to the Texas Supreme Court: March 14, 2001, by Governor Rick Perry to replace Alberto R. Gonzales, who resigned to become White House counsel to President George W. Bush
- Returned to Alexander Dubose & Jefferson LLP as co-chair of its Texas Supreme Court and state appellate practice
- Led access-to-justice funding, juvenile-justice reform, statewide e-filing, and oral-argument broadcasting
- Was the first African-American Justice and Chief Justice of Texas
- held the role of Co‐Chair of Alexander Dubose & Jefferson LLP’s Texas Supreme Court and State Appellate Practice
Education
- James Madison College, Michigan State University
- University of Texas School of Law — J.D.
Additional information
- Been a Council member of the American Law Institute and, as of 2026, its 11th President.
- Resignation: Left the bench October 1, 2013, to return to private practice.
- Elected Justice: In 2002, Jefferson won a retention election, becoming one of the first two African Americans elected to the Texas Supreme Court.
- Held leadership roles in the American Academy of Appellate Lawyers and the Texas Commission to Expand Civil Legal Services.
- Recognized in Chambers USA, Best Lawyers in America, and Texas Super Lawyers.
- Graduate of John Jay High School, San Antonio, Texas.
- Member of the IAALS Uncomplicated Courts Initiative Advisory Committee.
Sources
Identity source checked September 10, 2026.
Biography sources checked October 11, 2026.
Uncomplicated Courts Initiative Advisory Committee
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View Uncomplicated Courts Initiative Advisory Committee ↗Wallace B. Jefferson, former Chief Justice
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View Wallace B. Jefferson, former Chief Justice ↗Justices, Place 4 history
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View Justices, Place 4 history ↗Supreme Court judicial election history
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View Supreme Court judicial election history ↗Portrait announcement for former Chief Justice Wallace B. Jefferson
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View Portrait announcement for former Chief Justice Wallace B. Jefferson ↗