James R. Thompson

1. Name: James R. Thompson
2. Title: Former Governor of Illinois, and Member of the 9/11 Commission
3. Biography:

James R. Thompson was Illinois’ longest-serving Governor, from 1991 to 1997. He was also a Member of the 9/11 Commission.

Thompson began his career as an Assistant State’s Attorney of Cook County in 1959, and an Assistant Attorney General of Illinois, then as a U.S. Attorney appointed by President Nixon. During his 14 years as Governor of Illinois, Thompson was a Chairman of multiple commissions and task forces.

After his time as Governor, Thompson rejoined the law firm of Winston & Strawn. He was the Chairman and CEO until 2006, when he took his current position of Senior Chairman of the firm.
4. Involvement/ Affiliations:
  • Senior Chairman, CEO, Winston & Strawn law firm, 2006-present
  • Chairman, Illinois Sports Facilities Authority
  • Chairman and CEO, Winston & Strawn law firm, 1991-2006
  • Member, National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States (9/11 Commission), 2002-2004
  • Named one of the nation’s 100 most influential lawyers by The National Law Journal, 1997 and 2000
  • Member, American Bar Association Commission on Separation of Powers and Judicial Independence, 1996-1997
  • Chairman, President’s Intelligence Oversight Board, appointed by President George H.W. Bush, 1989-1993
  • Governor, Illinois, 1977-1991
  • Chairman, Attorney General’s Task Force on Violent Crime, 1981; Campaign to Protect Our Children, National Commission to Prevent Infant Mortality 1986, NGA Task Force on Electric Utility Transmission Policy, 1986; NGA Task Force on Teen Pregnancy, 1987; and NGA Task Force on Transportation Infrastructure, 1988
  • Former Chairman, National Governors’ Association, Midwestern Governors’ Conference, Council of Great Lakes Governors, and Republican Governors’ Association
  • Attorney, Winston & Strawn law firm, 1975-1977
  • U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, 1971-1975
  • Professor, Northwestern Law School
  • Attorney, Illinois State Attorney’s Office, 1959-1964
5. Education:
  • J.D., Northwestern University, year unknown
  • Attended University of Illinois at Chicago
  • Attended Washington University in St. Louis
6. Published Works:
  • 9/11 Commission Report, 2004
7. Contact info: James R. Thompson
Winston & Strawn, LLP
Phone: (312) 558-7400
Email: [email protected]