Jackson Walker Executive and Leadership Team

November, 2026

Leadership Overview

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

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

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, manages the firm's fiscal health and long-term economic strategy. Overseeing complex budgetary allocations, the Chief Financial Officer ensures the firm maintains robust capital reserves to support diverse legal practices. This leadership role involves rigorous financial reporting and the optimization of resource distribution across Texas-based operations. By implementing advanced fiscal controls, Richard Herlan directly impacts the firm's ability to scale its insurance and family law service lines. Herlan monitors market trends to mitigate economic risks, ensuring the firm remains competitive within the legal industry. Through precise financial oversight, the Chief Financial Officer secures the necessary funding for technological upgrades and talent acquisition. Ultimately, Herlan drives the financial stability required for sustained growth and operational excellence in a demanding legal landscape.

    Julie Lewis - Chief Operating Officer

    Julie Lewis, the Chief Operating Officer at Jackson Walker, directs the daily administrative functions and internal workflows of the firm. Overseeing operational efficiency, the Chief Operating Officer streamlines processes across the health and wellness practice groups to improve service delivery. This leadership role involves coordinating cross-departmental initiatives to ensure seamless collaboration among legal teams. By refining internal protocols, Julie Lewis directly impacts the firm's capacity to handle high-volume caseloads effectively. Lewis manages infrastructure requirements to support regional expansion, ensuring that operational standards remain consistent across all Texas offices. Through the implementation of lean management practices, the Chief Operating Officer reduces overhead while maximizing output. Ultimately, Lewis maintains the organizational structure necessary for the firm to provide high-quality legal counsel to a diverse client base.

    John Crawford - President, Client Services

    John Crawford, the President, Client Services at Jackson Walker, directs the firm's client engagement strategies and service delivery models. Overseeing the expansion of client relationships, the President, Client Services ensures that the firm provides tailored legal solutions in the insurance and wellness sectors. This leadership role involves identifying new market opportunities and strengthening existing partnerships through proactive communication and service excellence. By optimizing the client experience, John Crawford directly impacts the firm's growth and reputation for reliability. Crawford collaborates with practice group leaders to align service offerings with evolving client needs across the region. Through the development of client-centric initiatives, the President, Client Services enhances the firm's competitive positioning. Ultimately, Crawford drives the strategic outreach and relationship management efforts required to sustain the firm's market leadership.
    John Crawford

    William Finner - Chief Information Officer

    William Finner, the Chief Information Officer at Jackson Walker, architects the firm's digital infrastructure and cybersecurity framework. Overseeing the integration of advanced legal technology, the Chief Information Officer ensures secure data management for sensitive family law and insurance records. This leadership role involves modernizing IT systems to support remote collaboration and efficient document processing. By deploying robust network solutions, William Finner directly impacts the firm's ability to protect client confidentiality while maintaining high-speed access to legal databases. Finner evaluates emerging technologies to enhance the firm's digital presence and operational agility. Through strategic investment in software platforms, the Chief Information Officer optimizes the technological environment for all legal professionals. Ultimately, Finner secures the digital foundation required for the firm to deliver modern, reliable legal services across the region.
    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. Overseeing human capital initiatives, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures the firm attracts top-tier legal talent to support its health and wellness practice areas. This leadership role involves designing comprehensive training programs and performance management systems that align with the firm's long-term goals. By fostering an inclusive and high-performance work environment, Nicola Noel directly impacts employee retention and overall firm productivity. Noel manages compensation structures and benefits packages to remain competitive within the Texas legal market. Through the cultivation of a strong professional culture, the Chief Human Resources Officer supports the firm's commitment to excellence. Ultimately, Noel drives the human capital strategy necessary for the firm to maintain its reputation for superior legal representation.
    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.