Wesley Hill’s journey from a first-generation college graduate to one of Texas' top lawyers began with a transformative education at Trinity Valley Community College.
Growing up in Murchison, Texas, Hill was the first in his family to graduate with a 4-year degree. Thanks to a scholarship, he enrolled at TVCC and completed his Associate of Arts degree in 1996. For Hill, his community college experience was life-changing, providing him with the academic foundation and life skills needed for future success. Plus, the small, close-knit community at TVCC also offered him, a unique perspective that shaped his outlook on life.
"Coming from a humble educational background, I am able to see people around me with untapped talent," he shared. "TVCC made me realize that there’s always more potential in people than others may see. Students at community colleges know more about how the world works. It's knowledge that can't be learned in a classroom but must be experienced.”
After graduating from TVCC, Hill continued his education at the University of Texas at Tyler, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Government. He then went on to Texas Tech University School of Law, where his hard work and determination paid off—graduating second in his class in 2001.
Hill’s legal career quickly took off. Over the next two decades, he became a well-respected attorney, known for his expertise in complex litigation. Hill’s work, spanning over 1,100 cases in Texas and federal courts, includes a wide range of legal areas such as intellectual property, trade secrets, business disputes, fraud, and qui tam actions. His exceptional trial skills earned him fellowship in the prestigious American College of Trial Lawyers and associate rank in the American Board of Trial Advocates. Hill has tried more than 30 civil trials to verdict, solidifying his reputation as an effective trial lawyer.
In September 2024, Hill’s exceptional legal career was further recognized when he was named yet again a Texas Super Lawyer by Thomas Reuters. This distinction highlighted Hill’s continued excellence and his place among the top 5% of lawyers in the state.
A New Chapter: Opening His Own Mediation Practice
After years of representing with high-stakes cases, Hill transitioned into a new role—one that combines his wealth of legal experience with his passion for helping others resolve disputes. In 2024, Hill opened his own mediation practice, and trial consulting practice.
“My experiences in trial and settlement negotiations have given me a unique skill set that I can now offer to others,” Hill said. “Mediation allows me to help parties find mutually beneficial solutions, while still applying the lessons I’ve learned from some of the best deal lawyers and mediators in the country.”
Despite his impressive legal career, Hill remains committed to giving back to his community. As chairman of the Eastern District of Texas Local Rules Advisory Committee, Hill’s influence extends beyond the courtroom. Drawing on his years of trial work, Hill offers invaluable insights into litigation strategy, crafting winning trial themes, and preparing witnesses to provide effective testimony. He continues to shape the legal landscape of Texas, offering his expertise as a seasoned trial lawyer and mentor to younger attorneys.
Hill’s story is one of ambition, hard work, dedication, and learning along the way that an undergraduate education starting at TVCC can compete with any from around the country. From his roots as a first-generation college graduate at TVCC to becoming a highly respected attorney and mediator, Hill has shown that with determination, a commitment to learning, and a supportive college environment anyone can overcome obstacles and achieve success.
For more information about Hill’s mediation and trial consulting practice, visit his website at https://jwhpc.com/.