John F. Boyle Jr. — March 1935 - July 2020
Boyle & Lowry, L.L.P.
Attorneys and counselors (972) 650-7100
When results matter

Practice Areas

Municipal and Local Government Lawyers

At Boyle & Lowry, we limit our practice to municipal and local government law. Our expertise has given us the opportunity to provide complete, reliable, result-oriented and cost-effective professional service to local governments, municipalities and special districts throughout Texas. For more information about our services, please read the information below. You can follow the links to learn more about a particular practice area.

Municipal and Public Law

Just as major corporations need experienced and effective legal counsel, so do municipalities and local governments. Municipal and local government functions are increasingly complex and laden with legal requirements.

Land Use and Zoning

Our lawyers draft zoning ordinances, comprehensive planned development districts, master plans and regulatory structures to assist municipalities and local governments achieve their goals, whether those goals include economic development, preserving the rural or environmental qualities of their communities, or extensive urban revitalization.

Economic Development and Incentives

Our lawyers are adept at working with municipalities, local governments and private interests, in negotiating, structuring and financing significant economic development projects including:

  • Grapevine Mills Mall in Grapevine
  • Bass Pro Shop's Outdoor World in Grapevine
  • Fidelity Investments' Corporate Campus in Westlake
  • Deloitte World Training Campus in Westlake
  • Vaquero Golf Club and Residential Community in Westlake
  • The Shops at Fairview in Fairview
  • Gaylord Texan Resort in Grapevine
  • Great Wolf Lodge in Grapevine
  • North East Mall Redevelopment in Hurst
  • Texas Stadium in Irving

Public Finance

Financing is a crucial component of municipal and local government operations, including public infrastructure and amenities associated with public and economic development projects. Our lawyers serve as bond underwriters and public finance counsel to municipalities and local governments throughout Texas.

Property Acquisition, Eminent Domain and Inverse Condemnation

From time to time, local governments need to acquire property for public projects. Our lawyers have extensive experience in negotiations and drafting of real estate transactions, and the complexities of eminent domain and inverse condemnation litigation. In fact, our firm recently prevailed at the Texas Supreme Court on two different landmark "takings" cases for our municipal clients.

Special Districts

Increasingly, special taxing districts, such as municipal utility districts, fresh water supply districts, water control improvement districts, public improvement districts, water districts, and tax increment finance districts, are woven into the operations of municipalities and local governments. Our lawyers have years of experience with these special districts.

Government Contracts and Procurement

Our lawyers have extensive experience in the drafting of complex contracts and advising clients of the nuances, requirements and prohibitions of government contracts, competitive bidding, and procurements.

Municipal and Local Government Litigation

Although costly litigation is something we try to help our clients avoid, when litigation occurs, developing and implementing an effective, efficient strategy is key. Our litigation experience, including trial and appellate, includes water rights, annexation and boundary disputes, elections, fair housing, land use, personnel, public contracts/construction, tort claims, eminent domain and inverse condemnation, zoning and zoning boards of adjustment. We have successfully tried numerous cases before the Texas Supreme Court and the United States Supreme Court.

Municipal and Local Government Employment Law

Our lawyers advise and provide training to management and employees on issues involving state and federal constitutional and statutory matters and specific areas such as Fair Labor Standards Act, Family and Medical Leave Act, hostile work environment, the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Americans with Disabilities Act, Whistleblower Act, sexual harassment and age discrimination.

School Law

Our attorneys assist school districts with the full range of issues. From contracts and personnel, open meetings and open records, to procurement and real estate (including eminent domain), the firm has the experience necessary to provide counsel to school districts.

To speak to an attorney: Call us at 972-650-7100. From our office in the Las Colinas area of Irving, we serve clients throughout Texas.