Wallace Jefferson to Lead American Law Institute Amidst New Challenges

AUSTIN, TX – January 23, 2026 – Wallace B. Jefferson, the former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Texas and a partner at the appellate firm Alexander Dubose & Jefferson, has been elected President of the American Law Institute (ALI). The announcement positions one of Texas's most distinguished legal figures to lead the nation’s foremost independent organization dedicated to clarifying and improving the law.

The ALI, founded in 1923, is highly influential in legal circles, publishing authoritative works like the Restatements of the Law and Model Codes that are frequently cited by courts and legislatures. Jefferson, who will be formally installed in May 2026, will succeed current President David F. Levi. He plans to continue his active appellate practice, a role colleagues believe will provide invaluable real-world perspective to his leadership at the Institute.

A Journey Rooted in Justice

Jefferson's path to the presidency of the ALI is marked by historic milestones and a deep personal connection to the law's capacity for progress. In 2001, he was appointed the first African American Justice of the Supreme Court of Texas, and in 2004, he became its first African American Chief Justice. He served in that capacity until 2013, championing initiatives to improve access to justice, reform the juvenile justice system, and implement a statewide electronic filing system to modernize Texas courts.

His commitment to public service is deeply personal. Jefferson has often spoken of his family's lineage, traced by his late father, a U.S. Air Force major, back to his great-great-grandfather, Shedrick Willis. Born into slavery, Willis later served on the Waco City Council during Reconstruction, becoming a respected public leader. Jefferson has described this ancestry as a powerful reminder of “the law’s power to expand opportunity, enhance human dignity, and bridge divides.”

This perspective informs his approach to the law, which is seen by colleagues as a blend of intellectual rigor and profound empathy. “Wallace brings to ALI a rare combination of intellectual depth, practical wisdom, and a lifelong commitment to justice,” said Marcy Hogan Greer, managing partner of his firm. “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.”

Guiding Legal Reform in a Turbulent Era

The American Law Institute's mission to uphold the rule of law has taken on new urgency amid what many observers call unprecedented “new pressures” on democratic institutions. Growing political polarization, challenges to election integrity, and a general erosion of public trust in legal and governmental bodies have created a complex landscape for the American legal system.

Jefferson's leadership is seen as particularly timely. He has been an active member of the ALI since 2001 and its governing Council since 2011. Notably, he currently serves as an adviser on two critical projects: the Restatement of Election Litigation and the Principles of High-Volume Civil Adjudication. These projects directly address the mechanics of democratic processes and the judiciary's capacity to deliver justice efficiently and fairly.

In his acceptance, Jefferson paid tribute to his predecessor, David F. Levi, the former Dean of Duke Law School, for his steady guidance. “Judge David Levi has guided ALI with wisdom, patience, and an unwavering belief in the power of law to hold our democracy together,” Jefferson stated. “He reminded us… that consensus is possible, even on difficult questions, when people of good will gather together to listen, learn, and reason together.”

Jefferson’s colleagues are confident that his active practice will be a significant asset. “He's still actively engaged in representing clients in state and federal appellate courts on a daily basis,” noted Kevin Dubose, a co-founder of his firm. “That real-world perspective will be invaluable as Wallace leads the ALI in its efforts to clarify, modernize, and improve the law.”

Continuing a Texas Tradition of Leadership

Jefferson's election also marks the continuation of a distinguished Texas legacy at the American Law Institute. He follows in the footsteps of his mentor, the legendary University of Texas law professor Charles Alan Wright, who served as ALI President from 1993 to 2000. Wright was one of the nation's foremost authorities on constitutional law and federal procedure, and his 54-volume treatise, Federal Practice and Procedure, is considered an essential text for federal judges.

As a student in Wright’s classroom, Jefferson developed his passion for appellate law. Wright himself was known for his dedication to the ALI's mission and his efforts to broaden its membership to be more inclusive. Jefferson's ascent to the same role is a poignant continuation of that tradition of scholarly excellence and service originating from the Lone Star State.

“To follow in Professor Wright's footsteps is an honor I could never have envisioned as a young student in his classroom,” Jefferson said, acknowledging the profound influence of his predecessor and mentor. This connection underscores the deep roots of legal scholarship in Texas and its enduring impact on national jurisprudence.

As he prepares to take the helm in 2026, Jefferson embodies a unique convergence of history, scholarship, and hands-on legal practice. His leadership comes at a pivotal moment for the ALI, as it navigates a period of significant societal and political strain. His expressed goal is to build upon the Institute’s century-long legacy of strengthening the foundations of the American legal system through “careful research, spirited deliberation, and a steadfast commitment to the public good.”