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.
Austin Welcomes a Legal Powerhouse: Jeff Oldham Joins Jackson Walker
Austin, Texas is abuzz with the arrival of Jeff Oldham at the law firm Jackson Walker, where he will take on the role of firmwide chair of the appellate practice. Oldham is recognized as one of Texas’s most accomplished appellate lawyers, and his expertise is anticipated to reinforce Jackson Walker’s already reputable legal team, making a significant impact across the state.
A Strong Addition to an Elite Team
This appointment follows the recent recruitment of Nathan L. Hecht, the former Chief Justice of the Texas Supreme Court, who led the appellate group at Jackson Walker before stepping down to return to the bench at the Houston’s First Court of Appeals. Under the previous leadership of Justice Jennifer Caughey from 2019 to 2025, the firm’s appellate section has set a high bar, paving the way for Oldham’s addition.
Oldham is a graduate of the Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law, where he finished first in his class. His legal acumen extends beyond Texas, having served as a law clerk for Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist at the U.S. Supreme Court. He has navigated the intricacies of both the U.S. Supreme Court and the Supreme Court of Texas, marking him as a well-seasoned lawyer with national experience.
Diverse Experience Across the Legal Landscape
Throughout his career, Oldham has garnered extensive experience in appellate courts beyond Texas’s borders. His previous role as the General Counsel for Texas Governor Greg Abbott showcased his capability in handling high-stakes litigation and providing strategic legal guidance. Oldham’s robust legal background is expected to elevate Jackson Walker’s appellate section to unprecedented levels.
What Makes Oldham a Perfect Fit?
Oldham expresses excitement to be part of a collaborative environment like Jackson Walker, which has deep roots in Texas history. Established in 1887, Jackson Walker is now the largest law firm in Texas, housing over 500 attorneys. The firm’s trial group constitutes approximately 30% of its total lawyers, signifying a powerful presence in the Southwest legal landscape.
The Road Ahead for Jackson Walker
As Jackson Walker sets its sights on future accomplishments with Oldham’s expertise, the firm continues to maintain its reputation as a “Texas Powerhouse” and an “elite law firm”, as noted by Law360. With Oldham stepping into this key role, clients can anticipate a devoted focus on appellate law, underpinned by a strong commitment to justice and legal excellence.
Conclusion: A Bright Future Awaits
The arrival of Jeff Oldham marks an exciting new chapter for Jackson Walker and its clientele. With his extensive experience, noteworthy qualifications, and team-oriented approach, Oldham is well positioned to advance the firm’s mission while enhancing its appellate practice. The Texas legal community is enthusiastic about the potential contributions of this dynamic attorney as the firm moves forward.
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Author: STAFF HERE AUSTIN WRITER
The AUSTIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAustinTX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Austin, Travis County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as SXSW, Austin City Limits Music Festival, Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, and the Austin Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce and Visit Austin, plus leading businesses in technology, automotive, and retail that power the local economy such as Dell Technologies, Tesla, and Apple. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
