Property Disputes
Eminent Domain and Condemnation
The Framers of the U.S. Constitution understood that private property is the foundation of both economic prosperity and freedom itself. But the Framers also understood human nature and the tendency of those in government to abuse power. That’s why the Constitution puts important limits on the power to take property: (1) the property must be taken for “public use,” and (2) the taker must pay “just compensation” for the taking.
With deep commitment to honoring land and protecting property, we represent landowners facing eminent domain in pipeline, road, electric-line, and other condemnation cases.
From shutting down multi-billion-dollar pipeline projects to obtaining top-end compensation in takings cases, we put you first. Combining theory with practice, Chris also taught eminent domain for seven years at the University of Texas School of Law.
Complex Property Disputes
“Property” can refer to the things that a group or a person owns or controls: a piece of land, a baseball glove, or a share of Microsoft stock. In court, “property” means the web of legal relationships between persons with respect to those things.
Maybe someone is laying claim to something that’s yours.
Often, it is the government that wrongfully claims power over your property: the power to tax it, limit the ways you can use it, or make development of your property hard or impossible.
When facing threats to your property interests, know your rights. Stand up for them. That’s what we help clients do in case after case across the country.
We believe the right to property is a right that helps guarantees all others. This is why one of us has taught the course on private property rights—and the limits of government power over property—at the University of Texas Law School. And it’s why we represent clients in real-world property disputes. Respect for property and the rule of law are essential to creating the conditions for freedom, happiness, and growth.
Civil Appeals
Because appellate decisions often have an impact beyond just one case, appellate judges take a different approach than juries in deciding cases. What worked in trial doesn’t always work on appeal.
Strong appellate advocates have a special skill set—the ability to simplify while still telling a good story and making a compelling case. After the chaos of trial, good appellate lawyers strip away needless complexity and get to the heart of the matter.
We have briefed and argued high-stakes cases in the U.S. Supreme Court and in federal and state appeals courts across the country.
Our attorneys have represented individuals—ranging from landowners to the former President of Mexico—and large and small companies in appeals involving property, admiralty, business, insurance, securities, and constitutional disputes.