High-speed railway projects are increasingly popular around the world. In many other countries, high-speed rail projects have already helped rural workers get reasonable access to better work and helped companies transport goods and materials quickly and affordably....
Your Property, Our Focus
Texas Eminent Domain Law Blog
Marie Harlan Recognized As “Ones To Watch” In Eminent Domain And Condemnation Law
"McFarland PLLC condemnation attorney Marie Harlan has again received a 2022 Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch recognition for her work in Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law. Best Lawyers® lists are compiled based on an exhaustive peer-review evaluation. Lawyers are...
When condemnation affects churches or other nonprofits
A new church or congregation often starts because the previous faith community breaks into several groups or a new minister starts to develop a following. Nonprofit organizations often start when someone notices an unmet need in the community. Finding the right...
Major I-35E expansion will affect dozens of properties
When the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) announces plans for changes or expansions to existing highways, most people barely register that as news. They may not pay attention to the details until they begin their morning commute and realize that the on-ramp...
Your rights if the price offered under eminent domain is too low
The rights of individual property owners are a cornerstone of American capitalism. However, they are less important than the good of the public as a whole. Sometimes, people who are happy with their home and community may not want to sell their property to a developer...
Eminent domain and your small business: How to protect your legal rights
For most small business owners, it sounds like something that would never happen to them. Most people do not have reason to believe that the government will one day take their commercial real estate under the concept of eminent domain. Unfortunately, this could happen...
Condemnation: 3 things you need to know
The last thing you want to find in your mailbox is a notice that the state intends to take your private property, such as your home or place of business, for public use. Should that happen, you may wonder what your options are. The most important thing to remember is...
High Speed Rail Clears Environmental Hurdle
The Federal Railroad Administration has issued the Final Environmental Impact Statement for Texas Central's Dallas-to-Houston high speed rail project. A link to the released documents is here. Groups opposing the project are expected to raise numerous challenges to...
Make I-45 Better Coalition Makes Final Push for Project Design Changes
Describing TXDOT’s I-45 expansion (the NHHIP - North Houston Highway Improvement Project) as a once-in-a-lifetime project, the Make I-45 Better Coalition are asking their elected representatives to urge the City of Houston and TXDOT to adopt the “Vision C” design...
McFarland PLLC has promoted Laura Manion to partner, effective January 1, 2020
“Laura has demonstrated a strong commitment to the practice and our clients. We are excited to welcome her to the partnership,” said partner Mark Merrell said. “I am confident she will continue to make significant contributions not only to our condemnation practice...