State and Local Government - Texas

Our attorneys understand how public policy decisions have become more critical to public and privately held businesses and to those in regulated industries such as oil and gas, and to professional trade organizations and non-profits. Our experience at a high level of state government, and our relationships with state and local leaders, gives us the ability to address our clients’ needs efficiently and creatively.

One of our attorneys is former general counsel to the governor of Texas and was responsible for all legal matters in the governor’s office, including economic development initiatives, contract negotiations with the state, legislative approval and recommendation, policy review, and the monitoring of settlements and litigation involving the state.

We have experience representing oil and gas companies before the Texas Railroad Commission, landowners before the Texas Public Utility Commission, and various clients before the Texas Office of the Attorney General, Texas Health and Human Services Commission, Texas Department of Transportation and other state agencies.

Lobbying and Issue Advocacy

Barnes & Thornburg is passionate about advocating for our clients during the legislative process and work closely with legislators, their staffs and state officeholders. We can help you identify key decision-makers and formulate strategies, whether at the grassroots level or with high-level advocates, to implement an effective public policy plan or agenda.

Economic Development

Texas is wide open for business and Barnes & Thornburg believes in its strong business climate. We can help your business structure and secure the most appropriate economic development solutions – tax credits, grants, loans and abatements, site selection – and work to introduce you to key players in state and local government. We have worked with clients on virtually all aspects of economic development for businesses seeking to expand or relocate.

Government Procurement

Companies looking to do business with the government must navigate complicated statutes and regulations that control government purchases. Barnes & Thornburg attorneys have experience with public-private partnerships, concession agreements, and financing; our team can work with your business in developing a plan to do business with Texas government entities.