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Overview

Ben takes a tactical, goal-oriented and creative approach to client public law and litigation matters.

Ben represents a broad range of public and private clients in state and federal court. As a Houston public law attorney, he keeps the big picture in mind, including clients’ long-term goals, priorities and public relation needs.

A major focus of Ben's practice is public law and real-estate law. He represents government entities, private companies and public officials in cases related to eminent domain, zoning and land use, title litigation, and civil rights litigation, as well as other matters of public policy. Ben also provides government relations advice to public-sector clients.

Ben has experience with commercial litigation and arbitration matters for a range of industry clients, covering disputes in the real estate, oil and gas, automotive, construction and specialty manufacturing industries.

Industry

Services

Recognition

  • Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America
    • Land Use and Zoning Law, 2023-2025
    • Real Estate Law, 2021-2025
  • International Municipal Lawyers Association, IMLA Amicus Service Award, 2024
  • Thomson Reuters' Texas Super Lawyers
    • Rising Stars, 2021-2023

Education

  • J.D., Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law
    • cum laude
    • Jessup International Moot Court and Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot Court
    • International Lawyer, Managing Editor
  • B.A., Wheaton College

Admissions

  • Texas
  • U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Texas
  • U.S. District Court, Northern District of Texas
  • U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
  • U.S. District Court, Western District of Texas
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit

Professional Memberships and Certifications

  • Houston Bar Association
  • Houston Young Lawyers Association
  • Greater Houston Partnership, Houston Young Professionals and Entrepreneurs
  • Greater Houston Partnership – Real Estate Committee
  • State Bar of Texas, Government Law Section

Languages

  • Spanish, Proficient
2024 Pro Bono Achiever
Experience
  • In suit alleging Section 1983 claims for wrongful death, obtained 12(b)(6) dismissal of deliberate indifference and excessive force claims against four individual Montgomery County Sheriff deputies.
  • In what a Texas federal judge called "a first of its kind" four-day virtual evidentiary hearing, obtained denial of temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction, alleging Section 1983 and writ of habeas corpus claims against Dallas County Sheriff by class of jail inmates seeking release due to alleged susceptibility to COVID-19.
Legal Updates | August 18, 2021
Open Meetings and The Firearm Carry Act of 2021
Legal Updates | April 20, 2021
Texas Court Rules Water Authority Must Pay Damages for Exceeding Contractual Rights

Amarillo Court of Appeals panel rejects Canadian River Municipal Water Authority’s argument it acted under a “color of right.”

Outside the Office

Ben and his wife travel every chance they get. The couple's favorite destinations include France, particularly Paris and Provence; Mexico; and the wine regions of Italy. When they're vacationing in the United States, they love camping, hiking and backpacking in the Rocky Mountains. He also enjoys fly-fishing and long-distance cycling.

Community Leadership
  • Kids in Need of Defense, Volunteer Attorney
  • The Beacon, Volunteer Attorney
  • Greater Houston Partnership, Real Estate Committee