Governor Abbott Taps Jimmy Blacklock for Texas Supreme Court


Jimmy Blacklock
Pending the confirmation of Justice Don Willett for the U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, Governor Greg Abbott has selected Jimmy Blacklock as the next Associate Justice of the Texas Supreme Court. Blacklock currently serves as the Governor’s General Counsel. A graduate of Rice University and the University of Texas School of Law, he previously worked for then-Attorney General Abbott in the Solicitor General’s office and as an assistant attorney general.
“We applaud Governor Abbott for making a superb choice for the Texas Supreme Court,” said Carol Sims, TCJL Executive Director. “Jimmy Blacklock has broad legal experience in state government and will bring a unique and scholarly perspective to the Court. He also understands the critical importance of judicial restraint, deference to legislative policy decisions, and a stable jurisprudence to the continuing prosperity of our state.”
Justice Willett’s confirmation could come as early as next month. The timing of Governor Abbott’s announcement, just two weeks before the December 11 filing deadline for the 2018 primary ballot, appears to head off the possibility of a contested primary or the prospect of Justice Willett’s replacement on the ballot by vote of the State Republican Executive Committee. This process may still occur if Justice Willett’s confirmation does not occur until after December 11, but it seems highly unlikely that, if called to do so, the SREC would put anyone other than the Governor’s appointee on the ballot. As the Governor’s appointee, Blacklock will run for election to a full six-year term in 2018.
Want new articles directly to your inbox?
Subscribe to our Publishing Service.
Massive Consumer Data Privacy Bill Filed (HB 1844)
Earlier today Rep. Giovanni Capriglione (R-Southlake) introduced consumer data privacy legislation (HB 1844) that gives consumers certain rights that may be exercised at any time upon specific request to a controller of the data. These rights include: (1) to confirm...
TCJL Legislative Tracking Report 2-3-23
TCJL Tracked Bill List Friday, February 3, 2023 The bill filing period closes on Friday, March 10. To view individual bills, go to Texas Legislature Online – Bill Information https://capitol.texas.gov/Home.aspx New bills appear in red. New Causes of Action HB 319 by...
Corpus Christi Court of Appeals Mandamuses Trial Court for Denying Defendants Leave to Designate a Responsible Third Party
In a case arising from a horrific automobile rollover accident that killed one person and severely injured two others, the Corpus Christi Court of Appeals has held that a trial court abused its discretion when it denied defendants’ motion for leave to designate a...