C. Wade Cooper

Wade Cooper is the Managing Partner of Jackson Walker and has led the firm since 2010. In addition to chairing the Management and Compensation Committees, Wade maintains an active practice focused on commercial litigation, arbitration, and bankruptcy. He represents various clients, including telecommunications carriers, data center REITs, oil and gas companies, national banks, and tech firms across Texas and nationwide.

Wade earned his J.D., with honors, from the University of Texas School of Law. He holds two undergraduate degrees—B.S. in Economics and B.A. in Political Science—both summa cum laude from Southern Methodist University.

Wade began his legal career at Jackson Walker’s Dallas office in 1981. In 1997, he launched the firm’s Austin office, growing it into one of the firm’s leading locations. As a seasoned litigator, Wade’s experience spans trial and appellate courts and arbitration settings. His work includes bankruptcy trustee representation, creditor and debtor advocacy, and restructuring cases across energy, healthcare, telecom, and real estate sectors.

Wade is admitted to practice in all Texas state courts and the U.S. District Courts for the Northern, Southern, Eastern, and Western Districts of Texas.

Wade has earned wide recognition in the legal field. He has been listed in The Best Lawyers in America from 2007 through 2025, including multiple “Lawyer of the Year” honors in Austin for Bankruptcy and Litigation. He has also been recognized in Lawdragon’s 500 Leading Global Restructuring & Insolvency Lawyers, Texas Super Lawyers, and holds an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell.

Beyond the courtroom, Wade is deeply involved in civic leadership, especially in Austin’s regional planning and transportation efforts. He chairs the regional transportation authority and serves on the board of the Capitol Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America.

Wade Cooper brings over four decades of legal excellence and firm leadership to every matter he handles, making him a trusted advocate and respected figure in Texas law.

Law Office Affiliations

• Partner, Jackson Walker LLP
• Member, Leadership Council on Legal Diversity
• Member, American Bar Foundation
• Member, Texas Bar Foundation

Licensed State

• Texas

Education

• The University of Texas School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Southern Methodist University
  BS in Economics and BA in Political Science

Awards & Badges