2025

Like every Texas lawyer licensed since 1988, I’d never known a Texas Supreme Court without Chief Justice Nathan Hecht.

That changed on January 1, 2025.

Todd Smith, Chief Justice Hecht, and Jody Sanders in the Chief’s chambers

A Rare Opportunity

As widely reported in Texas legal news, Chief Justice Hecht retired from the Court on

I’m thrilled to announce the launch of Texas Appellate Counsel PLLC, a solo practice dedicated to appellate advocacy, trial support, and consulting for trial lawyers.

This online publication is part of that venture. It reflects both the firm’s name and my work as a lawyer.

A New Start (But Not Uncharted Territory)

I’ve had my