Jimmy Blacklock named new chief justice of Texas Supreme Court

article

Texas Supreme Court Chief Justice Jimmy Blacklock.

AUSTIN, Texas - Texas Supreme Court Justice Jimmy Blacklock is being appointed the next chief justice on the state's highest court.

The appointment by Gov. Greg Abbott comes following the retirement of Chief Justice Nathan Hecht.

What We Know: Blacklock becomes the 28th chief justice of the Supreme Court.

He'll replace Chief Justice Nathan Hecht, who retired at the end of 2024. Hecht was the longest-serving justice in the history of the Texas Supreme Court and the state's longest-tenured judge.

Blacklock went to Yale Law School, spent time as a clerk in the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals and worked as a private practice attorney before working in the attorney general's office and being named as general counsel for Abbott.

Blacklock's seat on the bench is being filled by James Sullivan.

Sullivan currently serves as general counsel to the governor, a position he's held since 2021.

Sullivan has also spent time as assistant solicitor general and clerked at the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals.

What They're Saying: Hecht called his time as chief justice the honor of his career.

"Serving the people of Texas as Chief Justice has been the honor of a lifetime," Hechy said. "I am proud of the advancements we've made in ensuring justice is accessible and efficient, and I am confident that the Court will continue to uphold these principles in the years to come."

Blacklock said he would continue the court's pursuit of equal justice.

"I am grateful to Governor Abbott for this appointment and for his leadership of our great state," Blacklock said. "Chief Justice Hecht leaves behind an extraordinary legacy of service to the Court and to the People of Texas. I join all my colleagues in thanking him and honoring him for his wisdom and his leadership over the years. The Supreme Court of Texas belongs to the People of Texas, not to the judges or the lawyers. Our job at the Court is to apply the law fairly and impartially to every case that comes before us. My colleagues and I are committed to defending the rule of law and to preserving our Texas and United States Constitutions. I look forward to helping the Court continue to pursue equal justice under the law for all Texans."

Blacklock also applauded the appointment of Sullivan.

"James Sullivan is a brilliant, hard-working lawyer who has served the People of Texas with distinction for many years," Blacklock said. "He will make an excellent addition to our state’s Supreme Court. On behalf of the entire Court, I extend Mr. Sullivan a warm welcome and thank Governor Abbott for this important appointment. Together, all the members of the Court will continue to work hard to defend the rule of law and pursue equal justice for every Texan."

What's Next: The governor is expected to swear in Blacklock in a private ceremony on Tuesday.

The Texas Supreme Court, in a release, said Hecht is expected to continue advocating for access to justice and initiatives promoting fairness and equity in the legal system.