Gardere Wynne Sewell LLP is pleased to announce the addition of Partners Michael A. Stafford andKatharine D. (Kate) David to the Firm’s Houston office. The duo joins Gardere’s Trial Practice Group, adding depth to the Firm’s Government Affairs and Condemnation/Eminent Domain practices.
Mr. Stafford served as Harris County Attorney before transitioning to private practice in 2009 as the co-founder of the public law practice group at his former firm. He relies on his 22 years of public service to assist clients in finding creative solutions to their legal problems. In a recent example, he secured a previously denied permit for a $40 million project at a ship channel facility. He also recently helped a major educational institution obtain a key permit that had been denied earlier.
His current clients include private companies, governmental entities and public officials, in addition to property owners and other entities involved in condemnation actions. He also maintains a successful trial practice, recently winning a summary judgment on behalf of a municipality in a wrongful death civil rights suit.
Ms. David represents public entities and the companies that do business with them, including providing legislative and statutory analysis for clients in a variety of industries. Her expertise includes handling litigation and appellate matters on behalf of cities, counties and elected officials in condemnation, election law and constitutional tort matters. She also handles property tax disputes.
She recently obtained a successful summary judgment dismissing all claims against her governmental entity client, and represented a pipeline company in a condemnation action involving a first-impression issue before the Supreme Court of Texas. Her experience also includes cases involving the Texas Public Information Act and the Texas Open Meetings Act. In addition to her public sector clients, Ms. David continues to counsel companies in the energy, construction, distribution and manufacturing sectors, among others.
“We are excited that Mike and Kate have decided to join us,” says Gardere Managing Partner Steve Good. “Their breadth of experience will enhance the range of services we are able to offer to our clients.”
Mr. Stafford is a graduate of the South Texas College of Law and earned his B.A. in Honors Chemistry from The University of Texas at Austin. Ms. David earned her law degree with honors and B.B.A. from The University of Texas at Austin. Both partners join Gardere from Haynes and Boone LLP.
