Former U.S. Solicitor General Noel Francisco to Lead Cooley’s Supreme Court and Appellate Practice
Washington, D.C. – August 30, 2025 – In a high-profile move for the legal industry, Cooley LLP, one of the nation’s premier law firms specializing in technology and life sciences, has appointed former U.S. Solicitor General Noel J. Francisco as the new leader of its Supreme Court and Appellate Practice Group. Francisco, who served as the 48th Solicitor General under President Donald Trump from 2018 to 2020, brings unparalleled experience from arguing over 30 cases before the U.S. Supreme Court and representing clients in landmark appellate matters. The announcement, made on August 29, 2025, underscores Cooley’s commitment to bolstering its appellate capabilities amid a surge in high-stakes litigation involving tech giants, regulatory challenges, and constitutional issues.
Francisco, 60, joins Cooley as a partner in its Washington, D.C. office, where he will oversee the firm’s appellate strategy, mentor associates, and lead efforts to secure victories at the Supreme Court and federal circuits. During his tenure as Solicitor General, he advocated for the Trump administration in pivotal cases, including those on immigration, religious liberty, and presidential powers. Notably, he argued Trump v. Hawaii (the travel ban case), Department of Commerce v. New York (on the census citizenship question), and June Medical Services v. Russo (abortion rights). Post-government, Francisco founded Francisco Partners, a boutique appellate firm, and has continued to argue cases like NetChoice v. Paxton on social media regulation and Murthy v. Missouri on government influence over platforms.
“We are thrilled to welcome Noel Francisco to Cooley,” said Joe Conroy, Cooley’s managing partner and chair. “His extraordinary track record before the Supreme Court and deep expertise in complex appellate litigation will supercharge our practice, particularly as our clients navigate the evolving legal landscape in technology, antitrust, and First Amendment issues.” Francisco’s arrival is expected to attract new clients from the tech sector, where Cooley has a strong foothold, representing companies like Meta, Google, and biotech innovators facing regulatory scrutiny.
A Strategic Hire Amid Appellate Boom
Cooley’s Supreme Court and Appellate Practice has grown significantly in recent years, handling over 100 appellate matters annually across federal and state courts. The group has achieved notable successes, including victories in the Ninth Circuit on data privacy and before the Supreme Court in intellectual property disputes. Francisco’s leadership comes at a time when the Supreme Court’s docket is increasingly dominated by cases with implications for Silicon Valley, such as challenges to FTC antitrust actions and AI regulations. His experience as Solicitor General provides unique insights into the Court’s inner workings, including relationships with justices and clerks.
Francisco expressed enthusiasm about the role in a firm statement: “Cooley’s innovative approach to lawyering in emerging technologies aligns perfectly with my passion for appellate advocacy. I look forward to leading a talented team in defending our clients’ interests at the highest levels of the judiciary.” Prior to his Solicitor General position, Francisco was a partner at Jones Day, where he led the appellate practice and argued cases under both Republican and Democratic administrations. He also clerked for Justice Antonin Scalia and worked in the Office of the White House Counsel.
This hire follows a series of strategic additions to Cooley’s appellate team, including former DOJ officials and circuit court clerks. The move positions Cooley competitively against rivals like Gibson Dunn and WilmerHale, which also boast ex-Solicitors General. Industry analysts view Francisco’s appointment as a coup, potentially increasing the firm’s win rate in SCOTUS petitions and amicus briefs. “Noel is one of the most respected appellate advocates in the country,” said a legal recruiter. “This signals Cooley’s ambition to dominate the appellate space for tech and innovation clients.”
Broader Implications for Legal Practice
The appointment highlights the growing importance of appellate expertise in an era of regulatory flux under the second Trump administration. With the Supreme Court set to hear cases on everything from election integrity to digital privacy in the 2025-2026 term, firms like Cooley are ramping up to handle the influx. Francisco’s conservative leanings may appeal to certain clients, but his bipartisan history—having argued for Democratic appointees and civil liberties causes—suggests a balanced approach.
Social media buzz on X has been positive, with legal influencers praising the hire as “a game-changer for Cooley’s appellate firepower.” One post noted, “From arguing Trump v. Hawaii to leading Cooley’s SCOTUS team—Francisco’s star power just leveled up the firm.”
As Cooley continues its expansion, Francisco’s leadership is poised to elevate its profile in the appellate arena, ensuring the firm remains at the forefront of shaping U.S. law for the digital age.
Sources: Cooley LLP Press Release, Law.com, Above the Law, Reuters, X Posts