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 (born July 22, 1963) is an American lawyer. He served as the top judge, called the chief justice, of the Supreme Court of Texas from 2004 to 2013. This court is the highest court in Texas for cases about people's rights and family matters.
After leaving the court, he joined a law firm. He now helps people with appeals, which means asking a higher court to review a decision made by a lower court. Wallace Jefferson was the first African American judge to serve on the Texas Supreme Court. He is a member of the Republican Party.
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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 Michigan State University. Later, he earned his law degree from the University of Texas School of Law.
Becoming a Judge: Important Appointments
In 2001, Rick Perry, who was the Texas Governor at the time, chose Wallace Jefferson to join 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 U.S. President George W. Bush.
In November 2002, people in Texas voted for Jefferson to keep his job as a judge. He won the election. He and Dale Wainwright were the first two African American Texans ever elected to that court.
Just a few years later, in 2004, Governor Rick Perry chose Jefferson for an even bigger role. He became the Chief Justice of the Texas Supreme Court. This meant he was the head judge. He was the first African American to hold this top position on the court.
In 2006, voters elected him to continue as Chief Justice. He won again in 2008. Wallace Jefferson left his job as Chief Justice in 2013. After he left, Nathan Hecht became the new Chief Justice.
Important Work and Activities
Wallace Jefferson is a member of the American Law Institute (ALI). This group works to make laws clearer and better. He was elected to the ALI in 2001 and joined its council in 2011. In 2014, he became the treasurer for the ALI. He also helps advise on new legal rules for consumer contracts.
While he was a judge, Jefferson led the Conference of Chief Justices. This group includes the top judges 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. This is a very difficult and important thing for a lawyer to do.
Awards and Recognition
In 2013, Wallace Jefferson received a special award from the Texas Exes. This award honors successful former students of the University of Texas.
A middle school in San Antonio was named after him. Wallace B. Jefferson Middle School opened in 2007. It honors his achievements and his journey from humble beginnings.
Personal Life
Wallace Jefferson has three sons. On July 4, 2020, he married law professor Renee Knake Jefferson in Michigan. The governor of Michigan, Gretchen Whitmer, performed their wedding ceremony.
See Also
