McFarland PLLC is recognized in Houston in Best Law Firms® 2026 edition as a Regional Tier 1 firm in Houston for Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law, the firm’s sole practice area. This is the firm’s 11th consecutive year to be recognized by Best Lawyers® in the annual publication.
“The exclusive focus on eminent domain and condemnation matters allows our lawyers to immerse themselves in this practice area,” noted Charles McFarland, the firm’s managing partner. “The result of this immersion is a deeply knowledgeable and efficient resource for landowners facing the taking of private property for public use. This recognition is particularly meaningful in light of the extensive input Best Lawyers solicits from clients and our peers in the legal community.”
The 16th edition of Best Law Firms, independently produced by Best Lawyers, is a trusted benchmark of legal excellence. This year’s results were compiled from more than 110,000 client references, 70,000 peer-lawyers surveyed, and almost 1,000 leadership interviews — reflecting the growing influence and importance of these rankings within the legal industry. The rankings are meticulously compiled based on a rigorous evaluation process that includes client feedback, peer reviews, industry leader interviews, and detailed analysis of law firm data.
In addition to the Tier 1 ranking, several McFarland PLLC attorneys have been individually ranked on Best Lawyers® lists, all in the Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law category. McFarland has been recognized every year since 2011 and Billy Coe Dyer, who is also routinely recognized, has twice been named “Lawyer of the Year” in Houston in the category of Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law (2017 and 2024). Partners Laura Manion and Mark Merrell are also recognized on the 2026 Best Lawyers list, and Clarissa Levingston was honored on Best Lawyers: One to Watch®, her first appearance on the list.

