Former Texas Chief Justice Wallace B. Jefferson Installed as President of the American Law Institute
New ALI president brings state court expertise, perspective
WASHINGTON — Wallace B. Jefferson, the former chief justice of the Supreme Court of Texas, was installed today as president of the American Law Institute at the close of the Institute’s 2026 annual meeting.
Jefferson begins a three-year term leading the nation’s leading independent nonprofit organization dedicated to clarifying, modernizing, and improving the law for the better administration of justice.
Jefferson, who continues his appellate practice with Alexander Dubose & Jefferson LLP, was elected to the role in January 2026. He succeeds David F. Levi, the former dean of Duke Law School and a former United States district judge, who led ALI from 2017.
Read Chief Justice Jefferson’s views on ALI’s mission, deliberation in a divided era, access to justice, and the state-court perspective he brings to the presidency.
The American Law Institute was founded in 1923, focused on “clarifying, modernizing, and improving the law for the better administration of justice.” “At a time when the country is divided, ALI is a place where leading judges, lawyers, and scholars come together around a common mission,” says Jefferson. “We can disagree vigorously, but through intellectual debate and compromise, we produce work that is cited in courtrooms, in legislatures, in government offices and in law firms. That is a good model for how Americans can and should be talking to each other.”
Jefferson was elected to the American Law Institute in December 2001 and to its council in May 2011. He served as the Institute’s treasurer from 2014 to 2023. He has been an adviser on the Third Restatement, Consumer Contracts, Principles on the Law of High-Volume Civil Adjudication, and Election Litigation Restatement.
“Wallace brings ALI a rare combination of intellectual depth, practical wisdom, and a lifelong commitment to justice,” said Marcy Hogan Greer, Alexander Dubose & Jefferson’s managing partner and an ALI member. “His service on the Supreme Court, his advocacy for clients, and his leadership roles in state and national organizations have always reflected ALI’s highest purpose: to make the law fair, accessible, and grounded in reason. We are honored to support him in this new role.”
At the close of the annual meeting, Jefferson paid tribute to Levi.
“Judge David Levi has guided ALI with wisdom, patience, and an unwavering belief in the power of the law to hold our democracy together,” Jefferson said. “He has reminded us, through his leadership of ALI and as founding Director Duke University’s Bolch Judicial Institute, that consensus is possible, even on difficult questions, when people of goodwill listen, learn, and reason together. David leaves behind a stronger, more resilient organization, and I am profoundly grateful for his mentorship and example.”
Jefferson’s installation continues a long Texas presence within the American Law Institute. That tradition includes the late Charles Alan Wright, the eminent University of Texas law professor and former President of the American Law Institute, whose scholarship and service helped shape modern American jurisprudence. At this year’s annual meeting, Senior Judge Carolyn Dineen King of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit received the John Minor Wisdom Award, one of ALI’s highest honors, given from time to time in recognition of exceptional service to the law or to the Institute. Like Jefferson, King is a former treasurer of ALI and a longtime member of its council. ALI’s current director, Chief Judge Diane P. Wood, is also a graduate of the University of Texas School of Law.
Appellate Attorney Stephanie Cagniart Joins Austin Office of Alexander Dubose & Jefferson
AUSTIN, Texas – Stephanie Cagniart has joined the Texas appellate boutique firm Alexander Dubose & Jefferson LLP (ADJ) as a partner in its Austin office.
Prior to joining ADJ, Ms. Cagniart was a partner in the Austin office of Baker Botts and a federal prosecutor. She has represented clients in a wide range of matters in state and federal courts, including the United States Supreme Court, Supreme Court of Texas, and U.S. Courts of Appeals across the country. She also has extensive experience in Texas state and federal trial courts. Ms. Cagniart is a former law clerk for Senior Fifth Circuit Judge Patrick E. Higginbotham.
“Stephanie is an exceptional advocate with deep experience at all levels of the trial and appellate process,” said ADJ managing partner Marcy Hogan Greer. “Her ability to quickly and thoroughly master the intricacies and nuances of complex matters is remarkable. She will be an invaluable asset to the firm and our clients.”
Named an up-and coming Texas appellate litigator by Chambers USA, Ms. Cagniart has also been recognized by Texas Super Lawyers, The Best Lawyers in America, and as a “Next Generation Partner” and “Rising Star” by The Legal 500 U.S.
“Alexander Dubose & Jefferson is a powerhouse and leader in appellate law in Texas and it is exciting to have the opportunity to practice with this group of attorneys,” said Ms. Cagniart.
A graduate of the University of Virginia School of Law, Ms. Cagniart was a member of the school’s Supreme Court Litigation Clinic, where she helped brief four cases that were argued before the U.S. Supreme Court during its 2010-11 term. She has served on the faculty of the University of Virginia School of Law and The University of Texas at Austin School of Law, and is an elected member of the American Law Institute.
Alexander Dubose & Jefferson Congratulates Wallace B. Jefferson on Election as ALI President
Jefferson will continue his appellate practice while leading the nation’s most respected independent organization dedicated to clarifying, modernizing, and improving the law
AUSTIN, Texas — Alexander Dubose Jefferson LLP congratulates partner and former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Texas Wallace B. Jefferson on his election as President of the American Law Institute (ALI), the nation’s leading independent nonprofit organization that publishes Restatements of the Law, Principles of the Law, and Model Codes to further its mission to promote the better administration of justice. Jefferson will be formally installed at ALI’s Annual Meeting in May 2026 and will continue his appellate practice with the firm.
“Wallace brings to ALI a rare combination of intellectual depth, practical wisdom, and a lifelong commitment to justice,” said Marcy Hogan Greer, the firm’s managing partner and an ALI member. “His service on the Supreme Court, his advocacy for clients, and his leadership roles in state and national organizations have always reflected ALI’s highest purpose: to make the law fair, accessible, and grounded in reason. We are honored to support him in this new role.”
Jefferson expressed gratitude for the trust placed in him by the Institute’s governing Council. “I am deeply humbled by this opportunity,” Jefferson said. “For more than a century, the American Law Institute has strengthened the foundations of our legal system through careful research, spirited deliberation, and a steadfast commitment to the public good. I look forward to working with the extraordinary lawyers, judges, and scholars who volunteer their time to improve the administration of justice.”
Honoring David F. Levi’s Legacy of Service
Jefferson paid tribute to outgoing ALI President David F. Levi, the former Dean of Duke Law School and United States District Judge, who has led ALI since 2017.
“Judge David Levi has guided ALI with wisdom, patience, and an unwavering belief in the power of law to hold our democracy together,” Jefferson said. “He reminded us —through his leadership of ALI and at Duke University’s Bolch Judicial Institute — that consensus is possible, even on difficult questions, when people of good will gather together to listen, learn, and reason together. David leaves behind a stronger, more resilient organization, and I am profoundly grateful for his strong leadership.”
A Journey Rooted in Service
Jefferson’s path reflects the values instilled by his late parents, William Douglas Jefferson, a U.S. Air Force major and longtime community servant, and Joyce Virginia Jefferson, an actor and director who championed community theater. His father’s genealogical research uncovered the family’s connection to Shedrick Willis, born into slavery and later a respected public leader who served on the Waco City Council after the Civil War. Jefferson has often described his lineage as a reminder of the law’s power to expand opportunity, enhance human dignity, and bridge divides.
Jefferson’s Leadership of ALI
Jefferson’s colleagues are proud that his presidency will reinforce ALI’s vital role in supporting the rule of law at a time when democratic institutions face new pressures.
“Wallace combines brilliance with humility, courage with kindness. ALI could not have chosen better,” said Douglas W. Alexander, a founding partner of the firm and elected member of ALI.
“He’s still actively engaged in representing clients in state and federal appellate courts on a daily basis,” added Kevin Dubose, firm co-founder and former President of the American Academy of Appellate Lawyers. “That real-world perspective will be invaluable as Wallace leads the ALI in its efforts to clarify, modernize, and improve the law.”
About Alexander Dubose & Jefferson
Alexander Dubose & Jefferson provides a modern, collaborative approach to litigation and appeals, combining deep appellate experience with strategic trial support. With offices in Austin, Dallas, and Houston, the firm’s lawyers include a former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Texas, a former Justice of the Fourteenth Court of Appeals in Houston, several former staff attorneys, law clerks, and professors. The firm holds a Band 1 ranking from Chambers USA and has multiple attorneys recognized among America’s leading lawyers.
Texas Appellate Firm Alexander Dubose & Jefferson Welcomes Barbara DePeña to Houston Office
HOUSTON – The Texas appellate firm Alexander Dubose & Jefferson LLP (ADJ) has added Attorney Barbara DePeña to its Houston office.
Ms. DePeña joins ADJ from the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, where she clerked for Judge Irma Carrillo Ramirez. She also previously clerked for former Chief Justice Nathan Hecht of the Supreme Court of Texas and Judge Lynn Hughes of the Southern District of Texas.
“We are excited for Barbara to join our team,” said ADJ managing partner Marcy Hogan Greer. “Her experience clerking for and practicing in some of our most prestigious federal and state courts has provided her with significant insights into the trial and appellate process that will be invaluable to our clients.”
Prior to clerking at the Fifth Circuit, Ms. DePeña was an associate at two of Texas’s most-respected litigation boutiques. She is a former officer of the Houston Young Lawyers Association.
“I am thrilled to join Alexander Dubose & Jefferson, a firm that continues to set the standard for excellence in Texas appellate law,” said Ms. DePeña.
Ms. DePeña is a graduate of the University of Texas School of Law. She earned her undergraduate degree, cum laude, from Harvard University and a master’s degree from Johns Hopkins University. Before law school, Barbara taught middle school Spanish for Teach for America in Maryland.
About Alexander Dubose & Jefferson
ADJ offers clients a 21st-century approach to litigation in which appellate counsel, trial lawyers, and the clients work together collaboratively and efficiently to assess risk, explore creative solutions and develop strategies to maximize the odds of a favorable outcome. ADJ attorneys work closely with their clients at all stages of litigation. The firm provides multiple layers of experience and expertise, including pretrial strategy and in-trial collaboration, error preservation, issue identification, trial briefing and jury-charge work, post-trial management, and all aspects of appellate proceedings. The firm has offices in Austin, Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio. In addition to a former Chief Justice and Justice of the Supreme Court of Texas, the firm’s lawyers include a former Justice of the 14th Court of Appeals in Houston and multiple former staff attorneys and law clerks from the Supreme Court of Texas and the Fifth, Sixth, and Ninth Circuit Courts of Appeals. The firm is ranked in Band 1 and has numerous lawyers recognized for excellence by Chambers USA in Litigation: Appellate for Texas, as well as numerous recognitions in America’s Leading Lawyers for Business, The Best Lawyers in America, and Texas Super Lawyers.
Adam Shniderman Joins Texas Appellate Firm Alexander Dubose & Jefferson
AUSTIN – Dallas attorney Adam Shniderman has joined the Texas appellate firm Alexander Dubose & Jefferson LLP (ADJ).
A former staff attorney for Justice Evan A. Young of the Supreme Court of Texas, Mr. Shniderman previously clerked for Justice Brett Busby of the Supreme Court of Texas and Judge Jay S. Bybee of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit in Nevada. Prior to pursuing his law degree, he was a tenure-track assistant professor of criminal justice at Texas Christian University.
Mr. Shniderman has authored more than 20 peer-reviewed, law review, and practitioner papers, including multiple articles recently published in the Yale Law Journal’s online companion, the University of South Carolina Law Review, and the Journal of Economic and Behavioral Organization. His work on juror perceptions of the legal system has been featured in The Wall Street Journal’s law blog and Yahoo News’ blog. His recent work on insurance coverage has been cited by a federal district court in assessing the constitutionality of a state law.
“Adam has a unique background combining the approach of a legal scholar with the insights of a veteran of the Texas Supreme Court that will be a particular benefit to the firm and our clients,” said ADJ managing partner Marcy Hogan Greer.
Mr. Shniderman earned his law degree, magna cum laude and Order of the Coif, in 2020 from the University of Michigan Law School. While in law school, he was a member of the Federalist Society and Michigan Law Review. He earned a Ph.D. in law and society from the University of California, Irvine in 2014. He earned his undergraduate degree, cum laude, in 2010 from Amherst College, where he was co-captain of the men’s golf team.
“There is no more respected appellate firm in Texas than Alexander Dubose & Jefferson, and I am excited for the opportunity to practice alongside such an accomplished group of attorneys,” said Mr. Shniderman.
Nick Bacarisse Named Partner at Appellate Firm Alexander Dubose & Jefferson
AUSTIN – Austin attorney Nick Bacarisse has been promoted to partner at the Texas appellate firm Alexander Dubose & Jefferson LLP (ADJ).
“Nick has an innate ability to find the unique arguments that many others may miss and construct a persuasive argument that corroborates his legal point of view. Those are skills that cannot be taught and are vital to being a successful appellate attorney,” said ADJ managing partner Marcy Hogan Greer. “We are delighted to have Nick join our partner ranks.”
Mr. Bacarisse has briefed legal issues of broad public importance at every level of Texas and federal courts, and has argued before the Supreme Court of Texas and other appellate courts throughout the state. He has a deep knowledge of Texas’s unique jurisdictional doctrines and the Texas Constitution. Recently, Mr. Bacarisse was the primary drafter of the appellate briefs resulting in the Supreme Court of Texas’s groundbreaking holding that Texas’s electric grid operator shared the state’s sovereign immunity.
A native Texan, Mr. Bacarisse is a graduate of the University of Texas and Columbia Law School, where he was a Harlan Fiske Stone Scholar. Before joining ADJ, Mr. Bacarisse clerked for Chief Justice Wallace B. Jefferson of the Supreme Court of Texas and Magistrate (now District) Judge Silvia Carreño-Coll of the U.S. District Court for the District of Puerto Rico.
Kayla Oliver Joins Austin Office of Appellate Firm Alexander Dubose & Jefferson
AUSTIN – The Texas appellate firm Alexander Dubose & Jefferson LLP (ADJ) is pleased to announce the addition of Kayla Oliver to the firm’s Austin office.
A former law clerk for Judges Diana Saldaña of the Southern District of Texas and Patrick Higginbotham of the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, Ms. Oliver previously worked in the trial group of a multinational law firm. She currently teaches an advanced appellate writing course as an adjunct professor of legal writing at the University of Texas School of Law.
Before joining ADJ, Ms. Oliver founded Law Review, LLC, a legal writing consulting firm that offers editing, drafting and coaching services to lawyers in state and federal courts across the country.
“Kayla possesses a uniquely scholarly approach to the practice of law,” said ADJ managing partner Marcy Hogan Greer. “Her analytical skills and ability to craft clear, persuasive, and thoroughly researched briefs that translate even the most complex legal issues into plain English are invaluable. Her addition will benefit our firm, as well as our clients.”
Ms. Oliver earned her law degree from Yale Law School, where she served on the Yale Law Journal and was a teaching assistant to U.S. District Judge Stefan Underhill. She earned her undergraduate degree, with highest honors, from the University of Texas at Austin.
“I am thrilled at the opportunity to practice with the attorneys of Alexander Dubose & Jefferson,” said Ms. Oliver. “Their legal acumen and standards of professional integrity are unmatched.”
Austin Attorney Melanie Plowman Named Partner at Appellate Firm Alexander Dubose & Jefferson
AUSTIN – The Texas appellate firm Alexander Dubose & Jefferson LLP (ADJ) is pleased to announce the promotion of Austin’s Melanie Plowman to partner.
“As her clients and colleagues both attest, Melanie is an outstanding attorney, committed to successfully guiding clients through the trial and appellate process,” said ADJ managing partner Marcy Hogan Greer. “She is an insightful and thoughtful strategist and an invaluable member of our team, and we are excited that she has agreed to this new role with Alexander Dubose.”
A former Texas Assistant Solicitor General, Ms. Plowman has handled appeals in Texas state appellate courts, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, and the U.S. Supreme Court.
In addition, she served as a clerk to Judge Robert M. Parker of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit and Judge R. Guy Cole Jr. of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit. Her trial and appellate work has resulted in her being named to the Thomson Reuters Texas Super Lawyers and Texas Rising Stars legal guides.
Ms. Plowman earned her law degree from the University of Michigan Law School and holds an undergraduate degree with honors from Brown University.
She is admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court; the U.S. Courts of Appeals for the Fifth, Sixth, Seventh, Eleventh, and Federal Circuits; the U.S. District Courts for the Northern, Eastern, and Western Districts of Texas; and all Texas state courts.
About Alexander Dubose & Jefferson
Attorneys at Alexander Dubose & Jefferson LLP collaborate closely with clients at all stages of litigation. The firm provides multiple layers of experience and expertise, including pretrial strategy to maximize the odds of a favorable outcome at trial; in-trial collaboration including error preservation, issue identification, trial briefing, and jury-charge work; post-trial management; and all aspects of appellate proceedings. The firm has offices in Austin, Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio. In addition to a former Chief Justice and Justice of the Texas Supreme Court, the firm’s lawyers include a former Justice of the Houston Fourteenth Court of Appeals, and multiple former staff attorneys and law clerks of the Supreme Court of Texas and the U.S. Courts of Appeals for the Fifth and Sixth Circuits. The firm has numerous lawyers recognized for excellence in Texas appellate law by Chambers USA, America’s Leading Lawyers for Business, Best Lawyers in America, and Texas Super Lawyers. To learn more about Alexander Dubose & Jefferson, visit https://www.adjtlaw.com.
Houston Attorney Hannah Roblyer Joins Appellate Powerhouse Alexander Dubose & Jefferson
AUSTIN – The Texas appellate firm Alexander Dubose & Jefferson LLP is pleased to welcome Hannah Roblyer to the firm’s Houston office.
With a background in complex commercial trial and appellate work, Ms. Roblyer will continue her state and federal appellate practice with particular attention to collaborating with trial teams pre- and post-verdict. She joins the firm from Beck Redden LLP. Before entering private practice, she clerked for the Honorable Ronald B. King, Chief U.S. Bankruptcy Judge for the Western District of Texas.
“We have had the good fortune to work with Hannah on a number of matters and have been looking for the right opportunity to ask her to join us,” said ADJ managing partner Marcy Hogan Greer. “Hannah is one of this state’s brightest young appellate stars and we are excited to be able to add her to our team.”
Ms. Roblyer earned her law degree from the University of Texas School of Law and holds an undergraduate degree in Forensic and Investigative Sciences from Texas A&M University. She is one of the coaches for the University of Texas School of Law’s National Bankruptcy Moot Court team and is an attorney mentor through the University of Houston Law Center’s Pre-Law Pipeline Program.
“The attorneys at Alexander Dubose & Jefferson are proven leaders in the Texas appellate space, shaping the law in the courtroom while exhibiting unmatched professionalism and kindness,” said Ms. Roblyer. “I’m inspired by the opportunity to join such a prestigious group and cannot wait to practice with my new colleagues.”
About Alexander Dubose & Jefferson
Attorneys at Alexander Dubose & Jefferson LLP collaborate closely with clients at all stages of litigation. The firm provides multiple layers of experience and expertise, including pretrial strategy to maximize the odds of a favorable outcome at trial; in-trial support including error preservation, issue identification, trial briefing, and jury-charge work; post-trial management; and all aspects of appellate proceedings. The firm has offices in Austin, Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio. In addition to a former Chief Justice and Justice of the Texas Supreme Court, the firm’s lawyers include a former Justice of the Houston Fourteenth Court of Appeals, and multiple former staff attorneys and law clerks of the Supreme Court of Texas and the U.S. Courts of Appeals for the Fifth and Sixth Circuits. The firm has numerous lawyers recognized for excellence in Texas appellate law by Chambers USA, America’s Leading Lawyers for Business, Best Lawyers in America, and Texas Super Lawyers. To learn more about Alexander Dubose & Jefferson, visit https://www.adjtlaw.com.
Houston Appellate Lawyer Joins Alexander Dubose & Jefferson
AUSTIN – Texas appellate firm Alexander Dubose & Jefferson LLP is pleased to welcome Marisa Cruz Hurd to the firm’s Houston office.
Drawing on her eight-year tenure as a chambers staff attorney at the Fourteenth Court of Appeals in Houston, Ms. Hurd has extensive experience with matters involving civil, criminal and family law appeals, with an emphasis on corporate-facing issues.
“In addition to her stellar research and writing skills, Marisa possesses a unique understanding of the workings of the appeals process from her long tenure with the Fourteenth Court of Appeals, which will undoubtedly be of great benefit to our clients,” said ADJ managing partner Marcy Hogan Greer. “We are fortunate to have her as part of our team.”
Prior to her time at the Fourteenth Court of Appeals, Ms. Hurd was in the litigation section of Baker Botts and clerked for Judge Harold R. DeMoss Jr. of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. She earned her law degree from Stanford Law School, where she was a managing board member and senior book review editor of the Stanford Law Review. She earned her undergraduate degree from Rice University.
“Over the past two years, like many others, I have had the chance to step back and assess what is important to me in my career,” said Ms. Hurd. “The opportunity to move to one of the most prestigious appellate firms in Texas was one that was impossible to resist. I look forward to working with all of the attorneys at ADJ.”
About Alexander Dubose & Jefferson
Attorneys at Alexander Dubose & Jefferson LLP collaborate closely with clients at all stages of litigation. The firm provides multiple layers of experience and expertise, including pretrial strategy to maximize the odds of a favorable outcome at trial; in-trial support including error preservation, issue identification, trial briefing, and jury-charge work, post-trial management, and all aspects of appellate proceedings. The firm has offices in Austin, Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio. In addition to a former Chief Justice and Justice of the Texas Supreme Court, the firm’s lawyers also include a former Justice of the Houston Fourteenth Court of Appeals, and multiple former staff attorneys and law clerks of the Supreme Court of Texas and the U.S. Courts of Appeals for the Fifth and Sixth Circuits. The firm has numerous lawyers recognized for excellence in Texas appellate law by Chambers USA, America’s Leading Lawyers for Business, Best Lawyers in America, and Texas Super Lawyers. To learn more about Alexander Dubose & Jefferson, visit https://www.adjtlaw.com.
Alexander Dubose & Jefferson Earns Top Appellate Recognition in 2021 Chambers USA Guide
AUSTIN – Chambers & Partners has recognized Alexander Dubose & Jefferson (ADJ) with a Band 1 ranking – the highest level – in appellate litigation. The firm is only one of three Texas firms to earn this level of distinction for appellate work.
In total, 10 ADJ appellate litigators earned recognition from Chambers in 2021, including Band 1 rankings in Litigation: Appellate – Texas for former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Texas Wallace B. Jefferson and ADJ founding partner Douglas W. Alexander. Chambers also recognized the work of ADJ’s Chair of U.S. Supreme Court and federal appellate practice Daniel L. Geyser.
“We are honored to receive this level of recognition from such a distinguished entity such as Chambers and Partners,” said ADJ managing partner Marcy Hogan Greer. “Acknowledgment of our firm’s place among the country’s elite appellate practitioners reflects the talent and depth of the lawyers we have on our bench. Our team of former justices and prominent appellate attorneys work tirelessly to provide clients with the highest level of service and sophistication, and earning a Chambers ranking affirms that our efforts are recognized not only by Chambers, but also by our clients and our peers.”
The feedback reported by Chambers confirms this high regard. As one client remarked, “(ADJ attorneys) are hands-down the best appellate lawyers in Texas.” Another praised the firm for having “exceptional talents and multiple subject matters to draw from.” One Chambers respondent summed up ADJ this way: “I look to them for guidance and insights and rank them among the highest of all the appellate teams I’ve worked with or been against.”
The following ADJ attorneys received band ranking in the 2021 Chambers USA Guide:
- BAND 1
Douglas W. Alexander Litigation: Appellate – Texas
Wallace B. Jefferson Litigation: Appellate – Texas
- BAND 2
Kevin Dubose Litigation: Appellate – Texas
- BAND 3
Marcy Hogan Greer Litigation: Appellate – Texas
- BAND 4
Kirsten M. Castañeda Litigation: Appellate – Texas
Robert Dubose Litigation: Appellate – Texas
Rachel Ekery Litigation: Appellate – Texas
Charles Frazier Litigation: Appellate – Texas
Daniel L. Geyser Appellate Law – USA – Nationwide
Amy Warr Litigation: Appellate – Texas
Chambers & Partners is an independent research company, operating across 200 jurisdictions to deliver detailed rankings into the world’s leading law firms and lawyers. Law firms and legal practitioners are selected and ranked based on technical legal ability, client service, commercial vision and business understanding, diligence, value, and depth of teams. Chambers compiles this information from both its own research and client input.
“Recognition would not be possible without the dedication of our top-notch lawyers and continued support and trust from our clients and peers. We want to thank everyone who provided feedback to Chambers’s research team. Even more important than their contribution to our receiving this honor is the knowledge that our work is meeting, and even exceeding, our clients’ expectations and needs,” adds Ms. Greer.
Attorneys at Alexander Dubose & Jefferson LLP collaborate closely with clients at all stages of litigation, including: pretrial strategy to maximize the odds of a favorable outcome at trial; in-trial support including preserving error, issue identification, and trial briefing; and post-trial management of all aspects of the appeal. With offices in Austin, Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio, the firm’s bench of seasoned appellate lawyers includes a former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Texas, a former Justice of the Supreme Court of Texas, a former Chief Justice of the Austin Court of Appeals, a former Justice of the Houston (14th) Court of Appeals, as well as multiple former staff attorneys and law clerks of the Supreme Court of Texas and the U.S. Courts of Appeals for the Fifth and Sixth Circuits. Click here to learn more about ADJ.
Austin Appellate Lawyer Anna Baker Named Partner at Alexander Dubose & Jefferson
AUSTIN – Texas appellate firm Alexander Dubose & Jefferson (ADJ) announces the promotion of Anna Baker to partner. Based in the firm’s Austin office, Ms. Baker focuses her appellate practice on matters involving business disputes, personal injury litigation, breach of contract, large estate disputes, and discovery disputes.
“Anna encompasses all the qualities we value at the firm,” said ADJ managing partner Marcy Hogan Greer. “In addition to being an exceptionally sharp lawyer and trusted advocate for clients, she also has a great penchant for digging down into the law and identifying the crux of a case. Anna’s promotion is a testament to her contributions to the firm, and we are so fortunate to have her as part of our team.”
Before joining ADJ in 2004, Ms. Baker was an investment system analyst with ExxonMobil. She later went on to complete her MBA from the McCombs School of Business at The University of Texas at Austin. It was her love for writing and research, however, that ultimately led her to pursue her J.D. from The University of Texas School of Law, where she also was a member of the Order of the Coif and Texas Law Review.
As partner, Ms. Baker will manage cases and assist with the firm’s business development initiatives, while also preparing trial and appellate briefs for the Supreme Court of Texas, intermediate appellate courts throughout Texas, and at the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit.
“Over the course of my career at ADJ, the firm continues to demonstrate how it values and supports team members while also providing them with opportunities to thrive and grow,” said Ms. Baker. “I consider the responsibility that comes with being partner a great privilege and look forward to helping the firm continue its mission of service to clients and the community.”
About Alexander Dubose & Jefferson
Attorneys at Alexander Dubose & Jefferson LLP collaborate closely with clients at all stages of litigation. The firm provides multiple layers of experience and expertise, including: pretrial strategy to maximize the odds of a favorable outcome at trial; in-trial support including error preservation, issue identification, trial briefing, and jury-charge work; and post-trial management of all aspects of the appeal. The firm has offices in Austin, Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio. In addition to a former Chief Justice and Justice of the Texas Supreme Court, the firm’s lawyers also include a former Chief Justice of the Austin Court of Appeals, a former Justice of the Houston 14th Court of Appeals, and multiple former staff attorneys and law clerks of the Supreme Court of Texas and the U.S. Courts of Appeals for the Fifth, Sixth, and Ninth Circuits. The firm has numerous lawyers recognized for excellence in Texas appellate law by Chambers USA, America’s Leading Lawyers for Business, Best Lawyers in America, and Texas Super Lawyers. To learn more about Alexander Dubose & Jefferson, visit https://www.adjtlaw.com.
Kevin Dubose Elected 2021 President of the American Academy of Appellate Lawyers
HOUSTON – Alexander Dubose & Jefferson founding partner Kevin Dubose began serving as President of the American Academy of Appellate Lawyers (AAAL) on January 1, 2021. He also is currently serving as Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Texas Center for Legal Ethics (TCLE).
“Kevin is widely respected among the legal community, and his commitment to ethics and professionalism in the practice of law is one of the many reasons he is universally held in such high regard,” said Alexander Dubose & Jefferson managing partner Marcy Hogan Greer. “Induction into the AAAL is one of the highest honors an appellate lawyer can receive. Having Kevin elected to lead this prestigious organization brings us all great pride. We congratulate Kevin on his election as President.”
Founded in 1990, the AAAL is committed to advancing the administration of appellate justice and promoting the highest standards of professionalism and advocacy in appellate courts. Fellows are nominated by current Fellows, thoroughly vetted by the legal and judicial communities, and elected to Fellowship by the AAAL Board of Directors based on demonstrated excellence in advocacy and integrity. (For more about the AAAL visit www.appellateacademy.org.) Kevin was inducted as a Fellow in 2006 and has served on the AAAL Board of Directors since 2015.
The TCLE was formed in 1989 by three former Chief Justices of the Texas Supreme Court to promote professionalism and civility among Texas lawyers. It offers an array of high–quality CLE presentations, both live and online. Its website provides an unparalleled resource for material related to ethics, including the sometimes hard to find Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct and Ethics Opinions of the Committee on Professional Ethics, in a searchable format. (For more about the TCLE visit www.legalethicstexas.com.) Kevin joined the TCLE Board of Trustees in 2015 and has been a frequent speaker for TCLE programs.
“I am honored and humbled to serve in a leadership position in these two organizations that are so close to my heart. They represent the two areas where I have focused most of my time, thought, and energy during my career: appellate advocacy and legal ethics. Both the AAAL and the TCLE include an abundance of lawyers – and in the case of the TCLE Board, non-lawyer public members – that do so much to serve the profession and the community. To lead both organizations at the same time is a happy and challenging coincidence, and extremely gratifying.”
Kevin was part of the inaugural class of Texas lawyers to become Board Certified in Appellate Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization in 1987. He has served as Chair of the Houston Bar Association Appellate Section and the State Bar of Texas Appellate Section. He received the Chief Justice Jack Pope Professionalism Award from the TCLE in 2012, and in 2020 received the Lola Wright Foundation Award from the Texas Bar Foundation for “outstanding public service in advancing and enhancing legal ethics in Texas.”
Texas Appellate Powerhouse Alexander Dubose & Jefferson Welcomes Former Texas Supreme Court Justice Paul W. Green
Addition of Justice Green highlights firm’s expansion into San Antonio market
HOUSTON – Alexander Dubose & Jefferson LLP (ADJ) continues to grow its all-star team as the Texas-based appellate firm welcomes the addition of former Texas Supreme Court Justice Paul W. Green as a partner in its newly created San Antonio office. Justice Green will head ADJ’s new San Antonio office at 10001 Reunion Place, Suite 640A, San Antonio, Texas 78216, serving San Antonio, as well as Corpus Christi, the Rio Grande Valley, and Laredo. His practice will focus on handling appeals, arbitrating and mediating, and assisting clients and co-counsel in trial and appellate matters throughout Texas.
This announcement marks the second time a member of Texas’ highest court has joined the firm. Former Texas Chief Justice Wallace B. Jefferson joined the firm’s Austin office in 2013, becoming a named partner. The appellate boutique also includes Woodie Jones, the former Chief Justice of the Third Court of Appeals, and just last year, ADJ announced the addition of former Justice Bill Boyce of the Fourteenth Court of Appeals to its Houston office.
Elected to the Supreme Court of Texas in 2004, Justice Green became the second longest-running justice on the court before announcing his retirement in July. During his 15-year tenure, he authored 99 majority opinions along with several concurrences and dissents in some of the most important cases in the state. Justice Green’s most cited opinion is Italian Cowboy Partners v. Prudential, which protects victims of fraudulent inducement. The case has been cited in 572 judicial opinions since it was issued in 2011.
“It is quite an honor to have Justice Green joining our firm. He is a treasured member of the Supreme Court with a superb reputation and strong work ethic. His extensive involvement in the Texas judiciary will provide us with a unique lens that will greatly enhance the work we do for clients. And his deep roots in San Antonio make him ideal for this new role,” said Marcy Hogan Greer, managing partner of Alexander Dubose & Jefferson.
Prior to his time at the Supreme Court of Texas, Justice Green spent 10 years as a judge on the Fourth Court of Appeals in San Antonio. He served as president of the San Antonio Bar Association, director of the State Bar of Texas, and as a member of the House of Delegates of the American Bar Association. In addition, he is a member of The American Law Institute and is a Life Fellow of the Austin, San Antonio, Texas, and American bar foundations.
“It was an honor and privilege to serve the court, and I’m certainly grateful to everyone who has supported me along the way. This next step in my career is going to be an exciting journey as I now get to work alongside great friends and some of the finest appellate lawyers in the state,” said Justice Green.
A native of San Antonio, Justice Green is a third-generation lawyer who earned his law degree from St. Mary’s University School of Law. The university later honored him as a distinguished law graduate and recipient of the Rosewood Gavel Award for achievement in the judiciary.
About Alexander Dubose & Jefferson
Attorneys at Alexander Dubose & Jefferson LLP collaborate closely with clients at all stages of litigation, including: pretrial strategy to maximize the odds of a favorable outcome at trial; in-trial support including preserving error, issue identification, and trial briefing; and post-trial management of all aspects of the appeal. The firm has offices in Austin, Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio. Our lawyers include a former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Texas, a former Justice of the Supreme Court of Texas, a former Chief Justice of the Austin Court of Appeals, a former Justice of the Houston (14th) Court of Appeals, and multiple former staff attorneys and law clerks of the Supreme Court of Texas and the U.S. Courts of Appeals for the Fifth and Sixth Circuits. We also have numerous lawyers recognized for excellence in Texas appellate law by Chambers USA, America’s Leading Lawyers for Business, Best Lawyers in America, and Texas Super Lawyers. To learn more about Alexander Dubose & Jefferson, visit https://adjtlaw.com.
Media Contact:
Jennie Bui-McCoy
800-559-4534
jennie@androvett.com
ADJ’s Marcy Hogan Greer Reflects on U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s Legacy
HOUSTON – On September 18, U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg died at the age of 87 due to complications of metastatic pancreas cancer. She was the second woman to serve on the Supreme Court and regarded as one of the great civil rights lawyers in U.S. history.
News of Justice Ginsburg’s death on Friday led to discussions among lawyers around the country as they expressed their condolences.
“It is almost incomprehensible to imagine a world without Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg,” said Alexander Dubose & Jefferson’s managing partner Marcy Hogan Greer. “She has done so much to protect the rule of law and the rights of those with limited access to the justice system. I can only hope that her legacy will be as enduring as the impact she has had on me and so many of the women and girls of this nation.”
To view Ms. Greer’s commentary or to read more about what other Texas attorneys had to say about the late Justice Ginsburg, click on the Texas Lawyer article “Texas Legal Community Bids Farewell to Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg,” or Texas Lawbook feature “Texans Reflect on Justice Ginsburg and Her Potential Replacement.” (subscription required)
Firm partner Kevin Dubose Featured in Texas Lawyer
Texas Lawyer featured name partner Kevin Dubose and his recent victory against W&T Offshore in the article “Houston Attorney Kevin Dubose Tried 1 of 3 Cases That Used Zoom for the First Time to Argue Before the Texas Supreme Court.” The lawsuit, W&T Offshore v. Wesley Fredieu, from Harris County and Houston’s 14th Court of Appeals, was one of three cases that used Zoom for the first time to argue before the Texas Supreme Court back in April.
In the article, Mr. Dubose divulged on what it was like to try a case remotely through the popular platform.
“I appreciate the Supreme Court of Texas, and its clerk, Blake Hawthorne, being on the cutting edge of technology, and being one of the first State Supreme Courts in the country to entertain oral arguments by Zoom,” said Mr. Dubose.
To view Mr. Dubose’s interview in its entirety, visit www.law.com and click on Texas Lawyer (subscription required.)
Founding Partner Kevin Dubose Prevails Before Texas Supreme Court Via Zoom
The Texas Supreme Court ruled earlier this month that W&T Offshore Inc. must pay $1.7 million to an injured offshore drilling platform worker after the company failed to secure jury findings to support its defense that he was a “borrowed employee” barred from suing the company for negligence. The case also proved significant as it became the high court’s first hearing conducted via Zoom, a teleconferencing technology app that has been widely used as the new coronavirus forced many into remote work.
Despite the unusual nature of the court proceedings, Alexander Dubose & Jefferson’s name partner Kevin Dubose delivered a successful argument on behalf of his client.
“If I said no to Zoom arguments in April, I was not sure if they would put us at the end of the line when they start doing live arguments in 2021 or whenever that is,” said Mr. Dubose.
To view the full article “SCOTX Decision Preserves $1.7M Verdict in ‘Borrowed Employee’ Case,” visit TexasLawbook.net (subscription required.)
Law360 Covers Name Partner Kevin Dubose’s $1.7M Win Against W&T Offshore
The Texas Supreme Court ruled Friday that W&T Offshore Inc. must pay $1.7 million to an injured offshore drilling platform worker after the company failed to secure jury findings to support its defense that he was a “borrowed employee” barred from suing the company for negligence. Kevin Dubose of Alexander Dubose & Jefferson LLP, representing Fredieu, told Law360 that he agreed with the majority opinion but wasn’t surprised by Justice Boyd’s dissent.
“It’s a very gratifying result,” Dubose said. “It’s been a long, hard fight … It was a tough fight and a fair and clean fight.”
Read the entire article “Texas Justices OK Worker’s $1.7M Win Against W&T Offshore” at Law360.com (subscription required.)
ADJ Attorneys release Practitioner’s Guide to Civil Appeals in Texas
The Practitioner’s Guide to Civil Appeals in Texas, a comprehensive guide to procedure and strategy in Texas appellate courts, was written exclusively by lawyers in our firm. The 2019 edition is available on the Full Court Press website.
Biggest Texas Cases of 2019
Texas courts in 2019 sent an appellate justice to prison, issued a seminal ruling on attorney fees and how to prove them, and gave clarity to mineral rights holders on their responsibilities.
Former Chief Justice Joins Fight for Ex-Death Row Texas Man
In litigation with high-ranking Texas officials on one side, and a former death-row inmate on the other, a man who’s seeking state compensation for his wrongful conviction might have scored a slingshot: former state Supreme Court Chief Justice Wallace Jefferson joining his pro-bono legal team.
Top Austin Attorneys in 2019
Research, a software and research company specializing in data collection and verification that conducts various nominations across the United States on behalf of publishers has identified the top Austin attorneys in 2019.
After Electoral Rout, Ex-Judges In Texas Land New Work
More than 20 of Texas’ intermediate appellate justices lost their seats in November’s election, which saw historic numbers of Democrats elected, draining the bench of decades of experience and setting off a flurry of hiring activity as law firms clamored to add the ousted judges to their ranks.
‘Just Answer the Question’: Boyce Takes Judicial Experience to Houston Appellate Boutique
Bill Boyce, who served on the Fourteenth Texas Court of Appeals for 12 years, is taking lessons learned on the bench back into private practice, joining appellate firm Alexander Dubose & Jefferson as a partner in Houston.