Wallace B. Jefferson, Cheif Supreme Court of Texas

The descendant of a slave, Wallace B. Jefferson of San Antonio is to be appointed the first African American chief justice of the Texas Supreme Court today, two sources close to Gov. Rick Perry said.

Rising star

Key dates in Wallace Jefferson's judicial and legal careers
November 2002: Elected to Texas Supreme Court. He and Dale Wainwright become the first African Americans elected to the state's top civil court.

March 15, 2001: Appointed to Texas Supreme Court by Gov. Rick Perry, becoming the first African American to serve on that bench. Perry calls him a 'rising star in Texas.'

1991-2001: Partner, San Antonio law firm of Crofts, Callaway & Jefferson. Argues two cases before U.S. Supreme Court, winning both on 5-4 votes.

1988: Receives law degree from the University of Texas.