Wallace B. Jefferson, a 1985 graduate of James Madison College at Michigan State University, has been elected president of the American Law Institute (ALI), the organization announced today.
Jefferson will assume the role in May 2026 following the conclusion of ALI’s Annual Meeting. As president, he will chair the Executive Committee of the ALI Council and help guide the direction of the nation’s leading independent organization producing scholarly work to clarify, modernize and improve the law.
Jefferson made history as the first African American Justice and Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Texas, where he served from 2001 to 2013. During his tenure on the bench, he led efforts to expand access to justice, supported juvenile justice reforms, and oversaw implementation of a statewide electronic filing system. He also served as President of the Conference of Chief Justices.
Since leaving the bench, Jefferson has remained active in legal scholarship and the administration of justice. He has served on the ALI Council since 2011 and was the Institute’s treasurer from 2014 to 2023.
Jefferson earned his bachelor’s degree from JMC and his law degree from The University of Texas School of Law. He is currently Co-Chair of the Texas Supreme Court and State Appellate Practice at Alexander Dubose & Jefferson.
For more information, read the full announcement from the American Law Institute.