Thomas R. Phillips

Thomas R. Phillips, retired Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Texas, joined the Austin office of Baker Botts in September 2005. His practice concentrates on issues, appeals, and dispute resolution, with a particular
emphasis on matters that are in or headed to the Supreme Court of Texas or state courts of appeals.

After serving as law clerk to Justice Ruel C. Walker of the Supreme Court of Texas, Chief Justice Phillips practiced law in the trial department of the Houston office of Baker Botts before his 1981 appointment as judge of the 280th District Court in Harris County, Texas. From 1988 to 2004, he was Chief Justice, winning four statewide elections after his initial appointment in that office.

Phillips, a product of the Dallas public schools, received his B.A. from Baylor University in 1971 and his J.D. from Harvard Law School in 1974. He also holds honorary degrees from Texas Tech University and St. Edward’s University.

Among the many awards he has received are the Outstanding Mentor Award from the Texas Young Lawyers Association; the Justice Award from the American Judicature Society; the Harry L. Carrico Judicial Innovation Award from the National Center for State Courts; the Champion of Children Award from Dallas CASA; the Harold F. Kleinman Award from Texas Equal Access to Justice Foundation; and several distinguished alumni awards from Baylor University.