Areas of Practice

Eminent Domain

 

Eminent domain is the process where the government acquires private property for a public use. Typical examples are where the state acquires right of way for a highway expansion, a school district acquires land for a new school, or a power line company acquires an easement to upgrade a power line.

A primary concern for every entity who needs to use eminent domain is the need to acquire the land quickly and to pay a fair price to the landowner. Philip assists clients with their proposed timeline, reviews the title and deed history, files the necessary paper work, and proceeds to court to obtain title to the property.

Philip has represented governments in eminent domain cases for over 12 years. He has represented the State of Texas, Texas Department of Transportation, Kimble County Hospital District, Colorado County, Cameron County, the City of Lakeway, the City of Austin, and Austin Energy.

Local Government Law

 

Philip has counseled local government clients all over Texas on virtually every subject matter, including:

  • Open Meetings and Open Records Acts

  • Drafting Interlocal Agreements

  • Purchasing Act compliance

  • Employment law

  • Dual office holding and Incompatibility questions

  • Scope of elected officials powers and duties

  • Contract interpretation litigation

  • Tax Abatements, TIRZs, and Tax Increment Financing agreements

  • Budget issues

  • Lease and purchase agreements

  • Grants for historic courthouses

Law Enforcement Defense

 

Philip has represented County Sheriffs and jailers across the state when they are accused of excessive use of force, wrongful arrest, and other USC Section 1983 claims. He has tried cases in federal court and had many cases dismissed before trial. He also represented the Travis County Sheriff’s Law Enforcement Association in employment law matters.

Elections Law

 

Philip has represented dozens of Texas counties and county elections administrators in federal court. He has successfully defended cases brought by both conservative and liberal special interest groups and defeated attempts to have voter rolls purged for political purposes.

Appeals

 

Philip has written and argued appeals and amicus curiae briefs for a variety of local and state governmental entities. While winning at trial is the preferred result, winning on appeal and establishing new law can benefit clients in the long term because it sets a precedent and can prevent future lawsuits. Philip can handle your case from the trial court to the Supreme Court.

Insurance Defense

 

Philip has represented insurance companies and insurance risk pools on behalf of counties and cities, including the Texas Association of Counties and the Texas Municipal League. Insurance and risk pools have unique concerns in how they defend their insured customers, and Philip has years of experience obtaining advantageous outcomes.