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Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has promoted Trevor Ezell, his deputy general counsel, to the position of general counsel following the appointment of James P. Sullivan to the Supreme Court of Texas earlier this week. Announcing the move on Wednesday, Abbott praised both Sullivan’s contributions and Ezell’s readiness to step into the role. "James faithfully served the people of Texas with integrity throughout his time as my General Counsel," Abbott said. "Trevor's extensive legal experience across all levels of government makes him the perfect candidate to continue this critical work."

Ezell’s Legal Career and Expertise

Ezell has served as deputy general counsel to Abbott since 2023, where he advised on key legal matters. Prior to that, he gained extensive experience in litigation and government roles, including:

• Private Practice: Associate positions at Clement & Murphy PLLC and Kirkland & Ellis LLP, handling complex state and federal cases.
• Public Service: Assistant attorney general for Texas, litigating significant cases in state and federal courts.

Ezell also brings judicial expertise to the role, having clerked for several prominent jurists:

• U.S. Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch.
• U.S. Circuit Judge Andrew Oldham (Fifth Circuit).
• Chief U.S. Circuit Judge Jeffrey Sutton (Sixth Circuit).

A Stanford Law School graduate, Ezell has also served as an adjunct professor at the University of Texas School of Law.

Leadership Transitions in Abbott’s Office

Ezell’s promotion follows a series of high-profile judicial appointments by Abbott. Sullivan’s move to the Texas Supreme Court was announced earlier this week, and the governor also promoted Justice Jimmy Blacklock to chief justice of the Texas Supreme Court. Blacklock, a former general counsel for Abbott, fills the vacancy left by Justice Nathan Hecht’s Dec. 31 retirement after serving as the state’s longest-tenured Supreme Court justice.