The transition comes as the Texas Attorney General's Office continues to handle a significant Supreme Court docket, with the Solicitor General's office responsible for representing the state in appellate matters and constitutional litigation. Hawkins will take over leadership of one of the most active state solicitor general offices in the country.
Paxton praised Keller's tenure in a statement announcing the change, though specific details about Keller's departure or future plans were not provided in the announcement. The Solicitor General position is a key role within the Attorney General's office, overseeing the state's appellate strategy and high-profile constitutional challenges.
The appointment reflects the continuing importance of appellate litigation to Texas's legal strategy, particularly as the state remains involved in numerous federal court challenges on issues ranging from immigration to regulatory policy. The Solicitor General's office has been at the forefront of many of Texas's most significant legal battles.
Hawkins's appointment comes at a time when state solicitor general offices have taken on increasing prominence in constitutional litigation, with Texas often leading multi-state coalitions in Supreme Court cases challenging federal policies.
The transition is effective immediately, according to the Attorney General's office announcement made on September 10, 2018.