Texas' Lead Condemnation Attorney, Kristina Silcocks, Joins Gardere

Online, August 24, 2011 (Newswire.com) - Texas' lead condemnation attorney, Kristina Silcocks, has joined Gardere Wynne Sewell LLP's Austin office. The addition of Ms. Silcocks further strengthens Gardere's condemnation team. She is also an integral addition to Gardere's Government Affairs group and Government Litigation team. She will practice in the areas of Condemnation/Eminent Domain, Attorneys General and Government Contracts, among others.

"Kristina's experience at the Attorney General's office will be a tremendous asset to the Firm," says Steve Good, Gardere's Managing Partner. "Her arrival adds key strengths to our Austin office and continues the strategic growth that we have experienced in Austin with several exciting lateral hires in recent months."

Previously, Ms. Silcocks served as Chief of the Transportation Division at the Texas Attorney General's office. As chief, she supervised 70 attorneys and support staff and oversaw all litigation involving the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT). While serving in this management role, she continued to actively represent TxDOT in civil litigation matters, primarily in condemnation and inverse condemnation cases. As the state's lead condemnation lawyer, she advised and represented other state agencies and universities in condemnation matters. She also represented clients in negotiations for Comprehensive Development Agreements for the construction, operation, and maintenance of new highway projects.

About her move to Gardere, Ms. Silcocks says, "I was proud to have represented the state for 15 years and am thrilled to become part of such a reputable law firm. I look forward to using my experience to complement and expand Gardere's condemnation practice, as well as the excellent representation provided in other areas."

Ms. Silcocks will be a featured presenter at the 2011 International Right of Way Association Eminent Domain Seminar scheduled for September 9 in San Marcos, Texas. Her presentation will cover current eminent domain issues.

Gardere Wynne Sewell LLP, an AmLaw 200 firm founded in 1909 and one of the Southwest's largest full-service law firms, has offices in Austin, Dallas, Houston and Mexico City. Gardere provides legal services to private and public companies and individuals in areas of corporate, energy, environmental, government affairs, intellectual property, labor and employment, litigation, real estate, tax, and financial services.