Public Law
Haynes and Boone’s Government and Public Law practice evolved from the firm’s long-held commitment to civic participation and public service. The firm philosophy of service naturally led us to develop experience in public law projects and disputes. As the size and complexity of these projects and disputes continues to grow, so does the need for legal representation by professionals with knowledge and experience in both the public and private sectors. Our lawyers offer their clients decades of experience, knowledge, and relationships.
Our lawyers represent counties, cities, school districts and special districts as well as private entity clients who do business with governmental entities across Texas. We represent public and private entities in the financing and development of public projects, public sector disputes, commercial litigation, and as general counsel.
Like all Haynes and Boone services, the Public Law team spans disciplines and offices. Haynes and Boone’s teamwork attitude means clients get access to attorneys in all practice areas in the firm to address changing legal needs. Our relevant experience is broad and includes the following areas of experience:
General Counsel
- Open meetings, open records and public information counseling, and ethics
- Corporate governance
Litigation
- Planning and zoning
- Building codes and ordinances
- Municipal ordinances
- Emergency and disaster response
Infrastructure Projects
- Tax-exempt and taxable financing
- Public-private partnerships
- Development and construction of public projects, including toll roads, transit and highways
Public Sector Disputes
- Election contests and ethics commission disputes
- Constitutional tort litigation on behalf of prosecutors, officers, elected officials, and non-profits
- First Amendment litigation
- Bid protests on public projects
- Open meetings, open records, and Freedom of Information Act
- Zoning and licensing challenges before administrative bodies
- Water rights disputes
Commercial Litigation
- Contract and business tort disputes involving public projects
- Inverse condemnation actions
- Eminent domain and right-of-way acquisition
If you’re tweeting about a controversial issue, publishing an investigative news report or writing an online review of a local business, you could face a defamation lawsuit aimed at silencing your speech. That lawsuit may be meritless — you are presenting truthful information or expressing your opinion without defaming anyone — but you’ll have to defend against the lawsuit anyway. That costs mone [...]
