Jane Bland.

Former First Texas Court of Appeals Judge Jane Bland has returned to the private practice of law, joining Vinson & Elkins in Houston.

Bland, who joined the firm Monday as a partner in its appellate practice, is one of many Republican appeals court candidates in Texas who lost a re-election bid last November. She served on the Houston appeals court for 15 years, beginning in 2003, and as a state district judge in Houston for six years before that. Prior to her time on the bench, Bland practiced at Baker Botts in Houston.

Bland said V&E is a good fit for her, considering her experience on the bench. “V&E has kind of a storied trial and appellate practice, and I admire and respect the lawyers here. I've known many of them for decades,” she said.

She knows one of those lawyers better than others—her husband, Doug Bland, is an energy transactions and projects partner at V&E's Houston office. Because of that, Bland said she always recused herself from hearings any cases involving V&E lawyers.

Mark Kelly, V&E chairman, said in a press release that Bland is a “top legal intellect” who will be an invaluable asset to the firm and its clients.

“Jane Bland is among the most widely respected former jurists in Texas. I've personally known her for many years and am honored to have her join Vinson & Elkins,” Kelly wrote.

As an appellate judge, Bland wrote more than 1,200 signed opinions.  In 2006, she sat on the Texas Supreme Court by assignment and wrote the majority opinion in Hyundai v. Vasquez, which gave more power to trial judges to control the questions lawyers ask during jury selection.  

Bland said she considered some other firms but declined to identify them.

“I knew that I was ready to continue practicing law. I loved being a lawyer before I got on the bench. I enjoy working with colleagues in any aspect of the practice, whether it's on the bench, in a case together, in a courtroom. It brings me a lot of joy,” she said.

Bland is one of a number of Republican appeals court judges who were not successful at the ballot box in November, due to the “blue wave” in Texas. Both of the appeals courts in Houston had been all-Republican, but five Democrats were elected to each court in November.

Further Reading:

'Blue Wave' Hits Texas Judiciary as Democrats Win Seats on Four Appellate Courts

Court Upholds Trial Judge's Voir Dire Limits