Philip Arnold represents private and public entity clients in litigation matters with a principal area of practice in eminent domain litigation and right of way acquisition.
He has counseled Texas counties and municipalities in a variety of local governmental issues, including eminent domain litigation; real estate transactional and title issues; water law litigation; redistricting; U.S.C. § 1983 Civil Rights defense; drafting Interlocal Agreements, Tax Rebate Zones (TRZs) and Economic Development Agreements.
Prior to entering private practice, Philip worked for eight years in the Transportation Division of the Office of the Texas Attorney General where he litigated hundreds of cases involving eminent domain, tort, and State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH) cases. He also served as the project manager for the Interstate Highway 69 and FM 2234 project in Fort Bend County.
After graduating from law school, Philip worked as a staff attorney for Bexar County Civil District Court Administration, and as a landman/title researcher for an oil company in South Texas.
Represented Austin Energy in a project to expand an existing powerline easement because the facilities were being upgraded and required more clearance. This expansion involved 18 projects over the course of # months. Additionally, Philip has worked with Austin Energy on a variety of other eminent domain transactions since 2018.
Represent the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) on the Ranch Road 620 highway expansion project, which involves the condemnation of approximately 100 parcels. Additionally, the Firm represents TxDOT in acquiring parcels on US Highway 281 and Loop 1604.
Represented the City of Irving in acquiring ROW through a 115-acre parent tract of vacant land for a new road south of the Dallas Fort Worth International Airport.
The firm is currently engaged to handle condemnation matters for the City of Austin, City of Irving, City of College Station, City of Wichita Falls, Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority, San Antonio River Authority, Austin Energy, and the Texas Department of Transportation. The nature of these cases ranges from fee simple acquisitions for roadway projects, water and sewer line projects, and easements for electric utility lines. The Firm also regularly represents local governments in inverse condemnation and regulatory takings cases.
We also currently represent several entities in condemnation cases, including Austin Energy’s upgrade to transmission line facilities through central Austin and several roadway acquisition projects for the City of Austin.
The Best Lawyers in America©, Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law, 2024-2025
Austin Bar Association, Eminent Domain Section, Founder and Chair, 2021-present; History and Traditions Committee, 2019-present; LGBT Section, Secretary 2021-present
University of Texas School of Law, Moot Court Competition Judge, 2008-2016
Austin Bar Association, Legal Clinic Volunteer, 2010; Women’s Resource Clinic Volunteer, 2009-2012
Austin Young Lawyers Association, Attorney General Liaison, 2008-2009
