Overview

Syd has represented a broad range of clients focusing on governmental and entrepreneurial matters involving strategic issues. He has advised governmental entities on matters involving environmental regulations; energy, gas and electric utilities, oil and gas leases and royalties, natural gas purchasing and transportation contracting; open records and open meetings; elections, voting rights and redistricting; contracting, competitive bidding and purchasing; and intellectual property. He provides strategic counseling, drafts both complex and routine business documents, and defends against a variety of governmental and business law suits. His scientific and analytical background provide a strong base for complex and technical matters.

  • Chen v. City of Houston voting rights case defending the City’s redistricting plan against a Shaw v. Reno challenge. The district court granted summary judgment in favor of the City, and the Fifth Circuit affirmed. The Supreme Court denied the petition for writ of certiorari; 206 F.3d 502 (5th Cir.(Tex.), Mar 09, 2000)
    (NO. 98-20440)
  • Environmental Defense Center, Inc. v. U.S. E.P.A., 344 F .3d 832, 57 ERC 1039, #33 Envtl. L. Rep. 20,269,3 Cal. Daily Op. Serv. 8398, 2003 Daily Journal D.A.R. 10,479 (9th Cir.(Cal.), Sep 15, 2003) (NO. 00-70014, 00-70734, 00-70822) (Challenge to E.P.A. Stormwater Phase II rule)
  • Environmental Defense Center, Inc. v. U.S. E.P.A., 319 F.3d 398, 55 ERC 1833, 33 Envtl. L. Rep. 20,139, 3 Cal. Daily Op. Serv. 369, 2003 Daily Journal D.A.R. 467 (9th Cir., Jan 14, 2003) (NO. 00-70014, 00-70734, 00-70822) (same)
  • GDF Realty Investments, Ltd. v. Norton, 326 F.3d 622, 56 ERC 1033 (5th Cir.(Tex.), Mar 26, 2003) (NO. 01-51099)(amicus brief regarding Commerce Clause challenge to Endangered Species Act as applied to private property)
  • Shields v. Norton 289 F.3d 832, 54 ERC 1477,32 Envtl. L. Rep. 20,639 (5th Cir.(Tex.), Apr 26, 2002) (NO. 00-50839)(amicus brief regarding application of Endangered Species Act to private property)
  • Sierra Club v. City of San Antonio, 112 F.3d 789,65 USLW 2735, 44 ERC 1982, 27 Envtl. L. Rep. 21,051 (5th Cir.(Tex), Apr 30, 1997) (NO. 96-50636) (Endangered Species Act case)
  • Sierra Club v. Glickman, 82 F.3d 106,42 ERC 1989, 34 Fed.R.Serv.3d 476, 26 Envtl. L. Rep. 21,198 (5th Cir.(Tex.),May 02, 1996) (NO.95-50672) (Endangered Species Act case)
  • Sierra Club v. Babbitt, 995 F.2d Envtl. L. Rep. 20,891 (5th Cir.(Tex.), Jul 02, 1993) (NO. 93-8123) (Endangered Species Act case)
  • Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority v. City of Lyttle, 937 F.2d 184 (5th Cir.(Tex.), Aug 02, 1991) (NO. 90-8064)
  • Interlocal Agreements for local governments
  • Competitive bidding and purchasing programs for municipal electric utilities natural gas fuel supply
  • Natural gas transportation contracting for municipal and county governments
  • Construction and goods contract drafting and review for local governments
  • Outside general counsel for the Greater Austin Area Telecommunications Network
  • Trademark registration for public and private entities
  • Copyright and software licensing agreements for public and private entities
  • Former Briefing Attorney to Hon. Will Garwood, United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, September 1984 – August 1985

Admissions

  • Court: The Supreme Court of Texas, 1984
  • Court:  Supreme Court of the United States
  • Court: United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth and Ninth Circuits
  • Court: United States District Courts for the Northern, Southern, Eastern and Western Districts of Texas.

Education

  • The University of Texas, J.D. 1984
  • The University of Texas at Austin, Ph.D. Astronomy [Theoretical Astrophysics] 1974
  • Rice University, M.S. Space Science 1972
  • Rice University, B.A. Physics, 1969

Practice Areas