The Firm’s Philosophy

“The concept of the public welfare is broad. The values it represents are spiritual as well as physical, aesthetic as well as monetary.  It is within the power of the [City Council] to determine that the community should be beautiful as well as healthy, spacious as well as clean, well-balanced as well as carefully patrolled.”

– Justice William O. Douglas, Berman v. Parker, 348 US 26 (1954)

 

The firm embraces the principle of public service, recognizing the altruistic nature of serving the needs of the community.  A true commitment to public service is reflected in our work and our dedication.  We understand the sacrifice in personal lives made by our council members and the often-unspoken pledge they make to improve the quality of life of citizens and to the betterment of their community.  We recognize that the services provided by cities, towns, economic development corporations, transportation authorities – virtually all local political subdivisions – are most often taken for granted by the average citizen, most of whom are unaware of the work, labor, time, and attention that provides so many of the basic necessities of everyday life.

 

Competent legal advice is a must for any entity.  Successful management and operation of a political organization, whether large or small, require competent counsel, and the field of municipal law is broad.  Complex legal issues should only be addressed by those with the experience and knowledge needed to provide successful representation.  Some areas of the law are notorious for their complexity.  For example, in the area of inverse condemnation, the Texas Supreme Court has described the legal battlefields of inverse condemnation law (regulatory taking jurisprudence) as “a sophistic Miltonian Serbonian Bog in which armies whole have sunk.”  City of Austin v. Teague, 570 S.W.2d 389, 391 (Tex.1978).  There are islands in this bog, one of which we successfully relied on in Rowlett/2000, Ltd. v. the City of Rowlett, 231 S.W.3d 587 (Tex.App.-Dallas 2007, no pet.)

 

Litigation is often the most expensive component of a city’s legal fees.  We, therefore, recognize that we perform far more effectively by giving the proper guidance and correct legal advice that avoids lawsuits, instead of winning those suits.  Of course, our litigation experience and history show that we are formidable adversaries, but success and sometimes vindication come at a price.  A better lawyer will give correct advice so that his/her client isn’t sued at all.

 

Affordability is a critical issue for political subdivisions in an era of shrinking revenues.  Remarkably, the old adage, “you get what you pay for,” does not always apply.  Relative to our colleagues, and relative to other professionals like engineers and architects, the firm’s rates are surprisingly soft.  Public accountability demands no less.

Attorneys

Fulfilling the Responsibilities of Local Governments to the Community

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