Wallace B. Jefferson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Wallace B. Jefferson
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| Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Texas | |
| In office September 20, 2004 – October 1, 2013 |
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| Appointed by | Rick Perry |
| Preceded by | Thomas R. Phillips |
| Succeeded by | Nathan Hecht |
| Justice of the Supreme Court of Texas | |
| In office April 18, 2001 – September 20, 2004 |
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| Appointed by | Rick Perry |
| Preceded by | Alberto Gonzales |
| Succeeded by | David M. Medina |
| Personal details | |
| Born | July 22, 1963 |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouses |
Rhonda Jefferson
(divorced)Renee Knake Jefferson
(m. 2020) |
| Children | 3 |
| Education | Michigan State University (BA) University of Texas at Austin (JD) |
Wallace Bernard Jefferson was born on July 22, 1963. He is an American lawyer who made history in Texas. From 2004 to 2013, he served as the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Texas. This is the highest court in Texas for cases about people's rights and family matters.
After leaving the court, he joined a law firm called Alexander Dubose & Jefferson LLP. There, he works on cases that have already been decided, trying to get the decisions changed. He is also a member of the Republican Party. Wallace Jefferson was the first African American person to be a justice on the Texas Supreme Court. Later, he became the first African American Chief Justice of that court.
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Early Life and Education
Wallace Jefferson grew up in San Antonio, Texas. He went to John Jay High School. After high school, he studied at James Madison College at Michigan State University. He then earned his law degree from the University of Texas School of Law.
Historic Appointments to the Texas Supreme Court
In 2001, Rick Perry, who was the Texas Governor at the time, chose Wallace Jefferson for a special role. Governor Perry appointed him to be a justice on the Texas Supreme Court. This was a big moment because Jefferson became the first African American member of this important court. He took the place of Alberto R. Gonzales, who left to work for President George W. Bush.
In November 2002, people in Texas voted to keep him in his position. He won the election, and along with Dale Wainwright, they became the first two African American Texans ever elected to the court.
Just a few years later, in 2004, Governor Rick Perry promoted Jefferson again. He became the Chief Justice of the Texas Supreme Court. This happened after the previous Chief Justice, Thomas R. Phillips, stepped down.
In November 2006, Wallace Jefferson was elected by the people to continue as Chief Justice. He won again in 2008. He was the first African American person to hold the top job on the Texas Supreme Court.
Wallace Jefferson left his position as Chief Justice in 2013. He now works in private law, sometimes appearing before the very court he once led.
Important Activities and Contributions
Wallace Jefferson has been involved in many important legal groups. In 2001, he was chosen to join the American Law Institute (ALI). This group works to make laws clearer and better. He later became the treasurer of the ALI in 2014. He also helps advise on new laws about consumer contracts.
While he was a judge, Jefferson was the president of the Conference of Chief Justices. This group includes the chief justices from all fifty U.S. states and territories.
In 2015, Texas Governor Greg Abbott appointed Jefferson to the Texas Historical Commission. This group helps protect Texas history.
Before he became a judge, Wallace Jefferson argued two cases in front of the United States Supreme Court. He won both of these cases, which is a big achievement for a lawyer.
Honors and Awards
In 2013, Wallace Jefferson received the Distinguished Alumnus Award from the Texas Exes. This award honors successful former students of the University of Texas.
His old high school district, Northside ISD in San Antonio, honored him in a special way. They named a new school after him: Wallace B. Jefferson Middle School. The school opened in 2007 and is proud to have him as its namesake.
Personal Life
Wallace Jefferson has three sons. On July 4, 2020, he married law professor Renee Knake Jefferson in Michigan. The wedding was performed by Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer.
See also
