James R. Thompson, Partner

Listed in 1997 and 2000 by The National Law Journal as one of the nation’s 100 most influential lawyers, Governor James 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 presently serves as Senior Chairman.

Governor Thompson is Chairman of the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority and a member of the Illinois Supreme Court Historic Preservation Commission. In November 2002, newly elected Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich appointed Governor Thompson as co-chair of his transition team. Governor Thompson was Co-Chairman of the Attorney General’s Task Force on Violent Crime in 1981; National Co-Chairman of the Campaign to Protect Our Children in 1986; a member of the National Commission to Prevent Infant Mortality in 1986; Chairman of the NGA Task Force on Electric Utility Transmission Policy in 1986; Chairman of the NGA Task Force on Teen Pregnancy in 1987; and Chairman of the NGA Task Force on Transportation Infrastructure in 1988.

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. He served as Chairman of the National Governors’ Association, the Midwestern Governors’ Conference, the Council of Great Lakes Governors, and the Republican Governors’ Association. During his tenure in office, he traveled abroad extensively on behalf of Illinois business interests, meeting with foreign heads of state and leading government officials; he also led numerous trade missions to Europe, Mexico, Canada, Asia, and the Middle East on behalf of Illinois businesses. In 1989, President Bush appointed Governor Thompson as Chairman of the President’s Intelligence Oversight Board, a position he held until 1993. He was also a Commissioner of the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks upon the United States (9-11 Commission).

Before being appointed by President Nixon as U.S. Attorney in Chicago (1971-1975), Governor Thompson argued more than 200 cases before the Illinois Supreme Court and argued the landmark Escobedo case in the Supreme Court of the United States. He also served as an Associate Professor at Northwestern University School of Law, an Assistant State’s Attorney of Cook County, and an Assistant Attorney General of Illinois.

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