Justice Dale Wainwright has announced that he is stepping down from the Texas Supreme Court in the next two weeks.

The news was circulated today by the Court’s public information officer.

Justice Wainwright had been elected to the Court in 2002, and his current term runs through 2014. Given the timing, a replacement Justice named by the Governor could complete the two remaining years of the term before standing for reelection in 2014. (( Under the Texas procedures for judicial vacancies, the appointment would take effect immediately if made while the Texas Senate is still in recess. The Senate will then have an opportunity to confirm the appointment when it reconvenes in January 2013. ))

Justice Wainwright will be joining Bracewell & Giuliani’s office in Austin.