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Austin Welcomes Legal Powerhouse Jeff Oldham at Jackson Walker

News Summary

Jeff Oldham, a highly regarded appellate lawyer, has joined the Austin law firm Jackson Walker as the firmwide chair of the appellate practice. His addition follows the arrival of former Texas Supreme Court Chief Justice Nathan L. Hecht, marking a significant strengthening of the firm’s appellate capabilities. With extensive experience, including serving as General Counsel for Governor Greg Abbott, Oldham is set to enhance Jackson Walker’s reputation as a leading legal entity in Texas. The firm aims to continue delivering exceptional results in appellate law under Oldham’s leadership.

Texas – Jeff Oldham has joined Jackson Walker as a partner in the firm’s Austin and Houston offices, taking on the role of firmwide chair of the appellate practice. Oldham is recognized as one of Texas’s leading appellate lawyers, amplifying the strength of the firm’s legal team as it expands its capabilities in appellate law.

His appointment follows the recent inclusion of former Texas Supreme Court Chief Justice Nathan L. Hecht, who previously led the appellate group before returning to his judicial responsibilities on Houston’s First Court of Appeals. Oldham’s experience is set to enhance Jackson Walker’s already robust appellate section, which has previously been chaired by Justice Jennifer Caughey from 2019 to 2025.

Oldham graduated first in his class from the Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law and has a distinguished career that includes clerking for Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist at the United States Supreme Court. His experience extends to successfully arguing cases before both the U.S. Supreme Court and the Supreme Court of Texas, showcasing a stellar record in appellate courts across the country.

Prior to joining Jackson Walker, Oldham served as General Counsel to Texas Governor Greg Abbott, a role that required managing significant litigation and providing strategic legal advice on various matters. His legal prowess and background are expected to elevate Jackson Walker’s appellate section to new heights.

C. Wade Cooper, the firmwide Managing Partner of Jackson Walker, expressed enthusiasm regarding Oldham’s addition to the firm, noting his exceptional credentials and the wealth of experience he brings. This sentiment was echoed by W. Ross Forbes, Jr., chair of the Trial & Appellate Litigation section, who acknowledged Oldham’s esteemed reputation within the legal community.

Oldham expressed excitement about joining Jackson Walker, highlighting the firm’s collaborative approach and deep roots in Texas. His extensive educational background includes a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, graduated summa cum laude from the University of Tulsa, and a Juris Doctor degree magna cum laude, holding the distinction of Order of the Coif from Northwestern University.

Founded in 1887, Jackson Walker is the largest law firm in Texas, boasting over 500 attorneys. The firm has garnered recognition as a “Texas Powerhouse” and an “elite law firm” by legal publications such as Law360. Further emphasizing the firm’s standing, its trial group comprises about 30% of the total attorney count, making it one of the largest trial groups in the Southwest.

Jackson Walker’s commitment to providing comprehensive legal services continues as it embraces seasoned professionals like Oldham, who are poised to drive the firm’s appellate practice forward. With his wealth of legal expertise and experience, Oldham is well-positioned to make significant contributions to the firm’s objectives and its clients’ needs.