Overview
SDM represents large and small cities and counties throughout the State, municipally-owned utilities, state agencies, regional authorities and other governmental and quasi-governmental entities.
We have long been primary outside litigation counsel for the City of Austin, representing the City in construction disputes, contract claims, class actions, and land use disputes. We have obtained favorable settlements for the City in construction litigation arising out of major infrastructure projects. We have obtained quick resolution of some disputes through summary judgments that were later upheld by the Austin Court of Appeals and the Texas Supreme Court.
For the City of San Antonio, we have also litigated land use disputes, contract claims and business tort claims. For San Antonio’s electric utility, CPS Energy, we have been part of a team of lawyers simultaneously litigating cases in state and federal court concerning the location of a multimillion dollar high voltage power line project.
In addition to litigation, we have been hired by governmental entities to lead sensitive and complex negotiations. For example, we led the City of Austin’s negotiating team in the City’s massive land development agreement with developer Stratus Properties and in the City’s successful annexation negotiations with the owners of the Robinson Ranch.
Governmental entities use SDM for representation in their most complex and sensitive litigation matters not only because of our extensive legal experience in this area, but also because we are sensitive to the policy and political ramifications of legal actions.