Texas real estate law is dynamic, shaped by a rapidly growing population and a complex regulatory environment that governs everything from skyscraper development in Dallas to vast ranch lands in West Texas. In 2026, the landscape has seen significant shifts with the implementation of new legislation regarding buyer representation and streamlined eviction processes, making expert legal counsel indispensable for investors, developers, and homeowners alike.
1. Vinson & Elkins LLP
Managing Partner: Keith Fullenweider (Chair)
Founded: 1917
Headquarters: Houston, TX
Phone: 713-758-2222
Website: https://www.velaw.com
Office Locations:
- Houston: 845 Texas Avenue, Suite 4700, Houston, TX 77002 | 713-758-2222
- Dallas: 2001 Ross Avenue, Suite 3900, Dallas, TX 75201 | 214-220-7700
- Austin: 111 Congress Avenue, Suite 2500, Austin, TX 78701 | 512-542-8400
Practice Areas: Commercial Real Estate, Real Estate Finance, Eminent Domain & Condemnation, Investment Trusts (REITs), Energy & Infrastructure Real Estate
Firm Size: 700+ attorneys
Fee Structure: Hourly / Transactional
Languages: English, Spanish, Mandarin, French
About the Firm: Vinson & Elkins (V&E) maintains one of the most sophisticated real estate practices in the world, consistently earning Band 1 rankings from Chambers USA. The firm is uniquely positioned to handle massive, multi-property portfolios and the real estate components of complex energy and infrastructure projects. V&E is a leader in eminent domain and condemnation litigation, representing major property owners against government entities and utility companies. Their team is led by top-tier practitioners like Paul Martin and Prentiss Cutshaw, who specialize in large-scale acquisitions and dispositions across the Texas Triangle. In 2026, the firm remains at the forefront of the market, particularly in industrial property transactions and the redevelopment of urban office spaces.
2. Winstead PC
Managing Partner: Jeff Matthews
Founded: 1973
Headquarters: Dallas, TX
Phone: 214-745-5400
Website: https://www.winstead.com
Office Locations:
- Dallas: 2728 N. Harwood Street, Suite 500, Dallas, TX 75201 | 214-745-5400
- Austin: 401 Congress Avenue, Suite 2100, Austin, TX 78701 | 512-370-2800
- Houston: 600 Travis Street, Suite 5200, Houston, TX 77002 | 713-650-8800
- Fort Worth: 300 Throckmorton Street, Suite 1700, Fort Worth, TX 76102 | 817-420-8000
Practice Areas: Real Estate Development & Investment, Zoning & Land Use, Planned Communities & Condominiums, Mixed-Use Projects, Real Estate Finance
Firm Size: 300+ attorneys
Fee Structure: Hourly
Languages: English, Spanish
About the Firm: Winstead PC is a premier Texas-based law firm recognized for its exceptional strength in real estate development and investment. The firm is particularly respected for its work in creating planned communities and its specialized expertise in condominium law—led by “Lawyer of the Year” Robert Burton. Winstead’s Land Use and Zoning group is among the most active in the state, navigating complex municipal approvals for regional and national developers. Their team is known for being “on the pulse” of market trends, providing innovative legal structures for public-private partnerships and build-to-suit projects. In 2026, Winstead continues to dominate the North and Central Texas markets, representing the developers behind some of the state’s largest residential and commercial master-planned projects.
3. Munsch Hardt Kopf & Harr, P.C.
CEO: David Coligado
Founded: 1985
Headquarters: Dallas, TX
Phone: 214-855-7500
Website: https://www.munsch.com
Office Locations:
- Dallas: 500 N. Akard Street, Suite 3800, Dallas, TX 75201 | 214-855-7500
- Houston: 700 Milam Street, Suite 2700, Houston, TX 77002 | 713-222-1470
- Austin: 1717 West 6th Street, Suite 250, Austin, TX 78703 | 512-391-6100
Practice Areas: Commercial Real Estate, Distressed Real Estate & Workouts, Real Estate Finance, Multifamily & Senior Living, Construction Litigation
Firm Size: 150+ attorneys
Fee Structure: Hourly / Value-based
Languages: English, Spanish, German, Russian
About the Firm: Munsch Hardt is a “Texas-centric” powerhouse that prides itself on balancing legal acumen with practical business judgment. Their real estate group is one of the strongest in the Southwest, focusing exclusively on commercial transactions ranging from $10 million to $500 million. The firm has a unique specialty in distressed real estate and workouts, making them a go-to choice for lenders and owners navigating shifting market conditions. Led by CEO and real estate veteran David Coligado, the firm is deeply involved in the hospitality, student housing, and senior living sectors. Munsch Hardt is frequently recognized as a “Top Workplace” in Texas, which reflects their collaborative and efficient staffing approach to complex real estate deals.
4. Jackson Walker LLP
Managing Partner: Wade Cooper
Founded: 1887
Headquarters: Dallas, TX
Phone: 214-953-6000
Website: https://www.jw.com
Office Locations:
- Dallas: 2323 Ross Avenue, Suite 600, Dallas, TX 75201 | 214-953-6000
- Houston: 1401 McKinney Street, Suite 1900, Houston, TX 77010 | 713-752-4200
- Austin: 100 Congress Avenue, Suite 1100, Austin, TX 78701 | 512-236-2000
Practice Areas: Commercial Real Estate, Land Use & Zoning, Real Estate Litigation, Healthcare Real Estate, Property Tax Disputes
Firm Size: 500+ attorneys
Fee Structure: Hourly
Languages: English, Spanish
About the Firm: As the largest law firm headquartered in Texas, Jackson Walker offers unparalleled local reach and a deep bench of real estate specialists. The firm consistently earns Tier 1 rankings for Real Estate Law across all major Texas metropolitan areas. Jackson Walker is particularly adept at handling the intersection of real estate and specialized industries such as healthcare and telecommunications. Since the launch of the Texas Business Courts in late 2024, the firm has emerged as a leader in high-stakes commercial real estate litigation within this new forum. Their attorneys provide a “turnkey” service, guiding clients through everything from raw land acquisition and environmental permitting to complex property tax appeals and final disposition.
5. Holland & Knight LLP (formerly Thompson & Knight)
Managing Partner: Steven Sonberg (Global) / Mark Sloan (Texas Regional Lead)
Founded: 1968 (Merger with Thompson & Knight in 2021)
Headquarters: Miami, FL (Major Texas presence)
Phone: 214-969-1700
Website: https://www.hklaw.com
Office Locations:
- Dallas: 1722 Routh Street, Suite 1500, Dallas, TX 75201 | 214-969-1700
- Houston: 811 Main Street, Suite 2500, Houston, TX 77002 | 713-654-8111
- Austin: 111 Congress Avenue, Suite 540, Austin, TX 78701 | 512-472-1081
Practice Areas: Real Estate Capital Markets, Development & Leasing, Land Use & Zoning, Energy Real Estate, Hospitality
Firm Size: 2,200+ attorneys (Global)
Fee Structure: Hourly
Languages: English, Spanish, Portuguese, French
About the Firm: Holland & Knight significantly bolstered its Texas real estate dominance through its 2021 merger with the historic firm Thompson & Knight. This combination created one of the largest real estate capital markets practices in the country. The firm represents some of the most prominent institutional investors and developers, offering a “lifecycle” approach that includes everything from structuring joint ventures to managing post-development leasing. Their land use team is globally recognized for its ability to navigate the culture and politics of local Texas government decision-makers. In 2026, the firm is particularly active in the multifamily sector and the development of energy-efficient commercial buildings, leveraging their vast national resources for Texas-based projects.
Real estate law in Texas is primarily governed by the Texas Property Code and the Texas Real Estate License Act (TRELA). As of January 1, 2026, significant updates to TRELA (under SB 1968) require written representation agreements for residential buyers before a property can be shown, effectively ending “subagency” in the state to ensure greater transparency for consumers. Additionally, Senate Bill 38 (SB 38), effective in early 2026, has streamlined the eviction process, restricting these hearings solely to the issue of possession and eliminating counterclaims to expedite the removal of unauthorized occupants. Property owners should also be aware of the Texas Residential Construction Liability Act (RCLA), which dictates specific notice procedures for construction defect claims, and the state’s unique homestead exemption rules, which provide robust protections for primary residences against most creditor claims.
The firms listed on this page represent a selection of real estate practices operating across Texas. Each firm’s details, including office locations, phone numbers, practice areas, and background information, are based on publicly available data verified at the time of publication. Inclusion on this page does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation. Individuals seeking legal representation should conduct their own research, verify current attorney licensing through the State Bar of Texas, and schedule consultations to determine the right fit for their specific situation.
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