Jackson Walker partner Charles “Chip” Babcock recently concluded his remarkable tenure as the Chair of the Supreme Court Advisory Committee (SCAC), a position he held since 1999. Chip’s association with the SCAC began in 1993, and his 25-year chairmanship has been marked by significant contributions to the Texas judicial system.

“Chairing the Texas Supreme Court Advisory Committee has been the most rewarding experience in my legal career – even bigger than representing Oprah,” Chip said. “Having the opportunity to work with the best legal minds in the state has certainly enriched me and, hopefully, we have achieved some benefits for the civil justice system.”

“Having the opportunity to work with the best legal minds in the state has certainly enriched me and, hopefully, we have achieved some benefits for the civil justice system.”

Former Texas Supreme Court Chief Justice Nathan Hecht stated, “Chip Babcock served on the Supreme Court Advisory Committee during its work on some of the most transformative revisions to the rules of civil evidence, civil discovery, and appellate procedure since they were adopted. He also worked on rules changes ushering in the electronic age and affecting service, filing, and remote proceedings. Through most of his service, he chaired the committee and led it to provide for the 21st-century justice system in Texas. He was deeply respected by his colleagues and by the Members for the Supreme Court.”

“Through most of his service, he chaired the committee and led it to provide for the 21st-century justice system in Texas.”

During his leadership, the SCAC proposed and saw the enactment of several pivotal rules and reforms, including:

• Rewrite of the Rules for the Justice of the Peace Courts: These courts handle many civil cases in Texas, and the updated rules have streamlined processes and improved efficiency.
• Creation of Rules and Procedures for Electronic Filing: This innovation was crucial in allowing Texas courts to continue functioning seamlessly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Development of Forms for Simple Divorces: These forms have enhanced access to justice for individuals without the financial means to hire legal counsel.
• Preparation of Rules for Judicial Bypass Cases: These rules implemented a statute enacted by the Legislature, ensuring clarity and consistency in judicial bypass proceedings.
• Abolishment of the Rule on Unpublished Opinions: The new rule allows all decisions to be cited by litigants and the court, promoting transparency and consistency in legal precedents.
• Rewrite of the Texas Rules of Appellate Procedure: This comprehensive update has modernized and clarified appellate processes.
• Development of Rules for the Business Courts: These rules have provided a specialized framework for handling complex business litigation.
• Biennial “Deep Thoughts” Meetings: These meetings are dedicated to exploring innovative ways to improve the justice system in Texas.

The SCAC, first established in 1940 and periodically reconstituted, plays a crucial role in assisting the Supreme Court of Texas. The Committee is tasked with the continuous study, review, and development of rules of administration and procedure for Texas courts. It considers the rules of other courts in the United States and proposals for changes from various sources. The SCAC drafts rules as directed by the Court, solicits and summarizes the views of the bar and the public on court rules and procedures, and makes recommendations for change. Members of the Committee are appointed by the Supreme Court, which determines their number, qualifications, and terms of service.

Chip Babcock is a nationally recognized trial and appellate attorney with a focus on bet-the-company litigation, First Amendment litigation, commercial litigation, intellectual property litigation, government investigations, media litigation, and appellate litigation. Beyond his practice, Chip is a fellow of several prestigious organizations, including the American College of Trial Lawyers, the American Law Institute, the International Academy of Trial Lawyers, the American Board of Trial Advocates, and the Litigation Counsel of America. He has also served as a Research Fellow of the Center for American and International Law (CAIL) and was elected as a trustee of CAIL in 2022.

Throughout his career, Chip has received numerous accolades, including being listed among The Best Lawyers in America since 1991 and Chambers and Partners’ Chambers USA Guide since 2006. In 2010, Texas Lawyer named him one of the “25 Greatest Texas Lawyers of the Past Quarter-Century.” He also received the Ronald D. Secrest Outstanding Trial Lawyer Award from the Texas Bar Foundation in 2016 and the Karen H. Susman Jurisprudence Award from the Anti-Defamation League Southwest Region in 2018.

Chip Babcock’s legacy as chair of the SCAC and his contributions to the legal profession will continue to influence the Texas judicial system for years to come.

To learn more, read Supplemental Appointments to the Supreme Court Advisory Committee.