Biography:
Governor James Thompson is senior chairman of the Executive Committee of Winston & Strawn, Illinois’ longest-serving governor, and a lauded litigator who has served in a variety of public and private legal roles.
In 1964, as a U.S. Attorney, Governor Thompson argued the landmark Escobedo v. Illinois case in the United States Supreme Court. The case, which involved the Sixth Amendment and right to counsel issues, resulted in a 5-4 split in the court and reflected some of the legal issues of its day.
As Illinois’ longest-serving chief executive (14 years), Governor Thompson was noted for his skill in settling difficult labor-management problems, his ability to manage one of the nation’s largest public budgets while maintaining one of the nation’s highest state bond ratings, and his leadership role among his peers.
A former U.S. Attorney in Chicago, Governor Thompson argued more than 200 cases before the Illinois Supreme Court and has served on a broad range of public boards and commissions, including the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks upon the United States (also known as the 9-11 Commission).
Governor Thompson served as chairman of the Executive Committee of Winston & Strawn from 1991 to 2006, as well as chairman and CEO of the firm from 1993 to 2006. As chairman, he oversaw the growth of the firm, both domestically and internationally. He was listed in 1997 and 2000 by The National Law Journal as one of the nation’s 100 most influential lawyers.
Governor Thompson received a J.D. from Northwestern University School of Law in 1959.
