Supreme Court

January 6, 2025

Contact: Amy Starnes
Director of Public Affairs
512.463.1441 or email

The Supreme Court of Texas welcomes James P. Sullivan as its newest justice

Governor Greg Abbott appointed his General Counsel James P. Sullivan to serve as the newest justice on the Supreme Court of Texas. Mr. Sullivan will fill a vacancy created when the governor appointed Justice Jimmy Blacklock to serve as the Court’s 28th Chief Justice.

Chief Justice-designate Jimmy Blacklock noted he has known Mr. Sullivan for several years. “James Sullivan is a brilliant, hard-working lawyer who has served the People of Texas with distinction for many years. He will make an excellent addition to our state’s Supreme Court. On behalf of the entire Court, I extend Mr. Sullivan a warm welcome and thank Governor Abbott for this important appointment. Together all the members of the Court will continue to work hard to defend the rule of law and pursue equal justice for every Texan.”

Sullivan has served as the governor’s General Counsel since 2021. He previously served as Assistant Solicitor General of Texas and Deputy General Counsel to the governor. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree at Rice University. A Harvard Law graduate, Sullivan was a law clerk to Judge Thomas B. Griffith on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, has served as an adjunct professor at George Mason University, and has been an appellate litigator in private practice.