Jackson Walker Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Jackson Walker has 5 executives leading key functions including financial strategy, operational efficiency, information technology, human capital, and client services.

Committed to excellence in legal practice, Jackson Walker delivers comprehensive solutions across family law, insurance, health, and wellness sectors while maintaining a strong regional presence in Texas.

Leadership Roles at Jackson Walker

  • Chief Financial Officer - Richard Herlan
  • Chief Operating Officer - Julie Lewis
  • President, Client Services - John Crawford
  • Chief Information Officer - William Finner
  • Chief Human Resources Officer - Nicola Noel
  • Richard Herlan - Chief Financial Officer

    Richard Herlan, the Chief Financial Officer at Jackson Walker, directs all fiscal planning and budgetary oversight for the firm. Managing complex financial portfolios, the Chief Financial Officer ensures the long-term economic stability of the organization while supporting growth in the Texas legal market. This leadership role involves rigorous analysis of revenue streams related to family law and insurance practice areas. By optimizing capital allocation, Richard Herlan directly impacts the firm's ability to invest in high-growth wellness and health legal sectors. The Chief Financial Officer collaborates with the board to maintain transparent reporting standards and fiscal discipline. Through precise management of assets and liabilities, Herlan secures the financial foundation necessary for sustained regional expansion. This executive oversight guarantees that all fiscal operations align with the broader strategic goals of the firm, ensuring profitability remains consistent across all practice groups.

    Julie Lewis - Chief Operating Officer

    Julie Lewis, the Chief Operating Officer at Jackson Walker, executes daily business operations and streamlines internal workflows across the firm. Overseeing administrative efficiency, the Chief Operating Officer drives the implementation of scalable processes that support the diverse legal teams in Texas. This leadership role involves coordinating cross-departmental initiatives to enhance service delivery in family law and insurance litigation. By refining operational protocols, Julie Lewis directly impacts the firm's capacity to handle high-volume caseloads with precision. The Chief Operating Officer maintains constant alignment with the executive team to ensure that resource distribution matches client demand. Through the systematic improvement of internal infrastructure, Lewis fosters an environment of high productivity and professional excellence. This executive focus on operational agility allows the firm to maintain a competitive edge while delivering superior legal outcomes for clients throughout the region.

    John Crawford - President, Client Services

    John Crawford, the President, Client Services at Jackson Walker, drives the firm's engagement strategy and manages high-level relationships with key stakeholders. Overseeing the delivery of client-focused legal solutions, the President, Client Services ensures that the firm meets the evolving needs of clients in the insurance and health sectors. This leadership role involves developing outreach programs that expand the firm's market reach across Texas. By prioritizing client satisfaction and service quality, John Crawford directly impacts the firm's reputation and long-term growth. The President, Client Services collaborates with practice group leaders to tailor service offerings to specific market demands. Through the strategic management of client portfolios, Crawford secures lasting partnerships and enhances the firm's competitive positioning. This executive focus on client-centric operations ensures that the firm consistently delivers value while maintaining the highest standards of professional service in every engagement.
    John Crawford

    William Finner - Chief Information Officer

    William Finner, the Chief Information Officer at Jackson Walker, architects the digital infrastructure and cybersecurity frameworks essential for modern legal practice. Managing enterprise-wide technology systems, the Chief Information Officer secures sensitive client data while enabling seamless communication across all Texas offices. This leadership role involves integrating advanced software solutions to support the firm's specialized work in health and wellness law. By modernizing the technological stack, William Finner directly impacts the efficiency of legal research and document management processes. The Chief Information Officer collaborates with other executives to ensure that digital tools remain compliant with industry regulations and firm standards. Through the implementation of robust data protection protocols, Finner mitigates operational risks and enhances the overall security posture of the organization. This executive focus on innovation ensures that the firm remains at the forefront of legal technology advancements.
    William Finner

    Nicola Noel - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Nicola Noel, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Jackson Walker, directs talent acquisition, professional development, and organizational culture initiatives. Overseeing the recruitment of top-tier legal talent, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that the firm maintains a workforce capable of addressing complex family law and insurance matters. This leadership role involves designing comprehensive training programs that align with the firm's commitment to excellence in health and wellness sectors. By fostering an inclusive and high-performance environment, Nicola Noel directly impacts employee retention and overall firm morale. The Chief Human Resources Officer works closely with the leadership team to align human capital strategies with long-term business objectives. Through the continuous refinement of performance management systems, Noel drives professional growth and ensures that the firm attracts the best legal minds in Texas. This executive focus on people strategy remains central to the firm's ongoing success.
    Nicola Noel

    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Jackson Walker Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Jackson Walker?
    Jackson Walker is led by Richard Herlan (Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Julie Lewis (Chief Operating Officer) and John Crawford (President, Client Services).
    Who is part of Jackson Walker’s executive team?
    The executive team of Jackson Walker includes leaders such as Richard Herlan (Chief Financial Officer), Julie Lewis (Chief Operating Officer), John Crawford (President, Client Services) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Jackson Walker have?
    Jackson Walker has 5 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Jackson Walker’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Jackson Walker includes roles such as Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, President, Client Services, Chief Information Officer, Chief Human Resources Officer.