Texas Eminent Domain & Chapter 54 Litigator

clearcareerprofessionals; San Francisco (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Messer Fort is seeking a litigation attorney to lead eminent domain matters for city clients across Texas. The ideal candidate will manage dockets from pre-suit through trial, handle Chapter 21 condemnation actions, and work on related Chapter 54 enforcement and land use matters.

Texas licensure and land use experience are required; strong negotiation and appellate exposure are a plus. Frisco-based office with statewide responsibilities and a competitive benefits package.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor from an accredited law school and active Texas license in good standing.
• Substantial eminent domain litigation experience in Texas, on either condemnor or landowner side.
• Experience handling special commissioners hearings and post‑award litigation.
• Demonstrated courtroom and deposition experience, first chair or heavy second chair.

Responsibilities

• Constitution condemnation litigation: Prosecute eminent domain cases for cities from pre-suit through special commissioners hearings and trial in county or district court.
• Statutory compliance: Manage bona fide offer requirements, Landowner's Bill of Rights notices, and the procedural framework protecting a city's judgment.
• Valuation and experts: Work with appraisers, engineers, and other experts on market value, damages to the remainder, and highest and best use disputes.
• Resolution and trial: Negotiate settlements, try cases to special commissioners and juries, and handle mediation.
• Chapter 54 enforcement: Civil enforcement suits under Subchapter B, Chapter 54 of the Texas Local Government Code, including nuisance abatement and land use enforcement actions.
• Project counseling: Advise city staff on acquisition strategy, project schedules, and possession timing for capital projects.

Skills

Texas condemnation procedure

Eminent domain litigation

Special commissioners hearings

Trial experience

Deposition experience

Negotiation and settlements

Education

Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school

Texas bar license

Job description

Messer Fort is seeking a litigation attorney to lead eminent domain matters for city clients across Texas. The ideal candidate will manage dockets from pre-suit through trial, handle Chapter 21 condemnation actions, and work on related Chapter 54 enforcement and land use matters.

Texas licensure and land use experience are required; strong negotiation and appellate exposure are a plus. Frisco-based office with statewide responsibilities and a competitive benefits package.