Texas Landowners' Lawyer
for High-Stakes Condemnation
When the Government Comes for Your Property,
Your Rights Must Be Enforced — Not Assumed.
The Process Is Structured.
So Must Be Your Response.
The Texas Constitution requires adequate compensation when private property is taken for public use. But the initial offer is not a constitutional determination. It is a starting position.
You are the property owner.
You have constitutional rights.
And the outcome will depend on how strategically those rights are asserted.
Condemnation cases often involve:
Highway expansions (TxDOT)
Pipeline easements
Electric transmission lines
Utility corridors
Partial takings and remainder damage
Access impairment
Compensation may extend beyond the land acquired. Market impact to the remainder often defines the case.
Leverage Comes From Preparation
Highest and best use analysis
Remainder damage evaluation
Appraisal methodology review
Special commissioners’ hearing preparation
Trial readiness in district court
When the condemning authority evaluates risk, it evaluates whether you are prepared to try the case.
Our Practice Areas
-
TxDOT Highway Takings
Access changes. Partial acquisitions. Development impairment.
-
Pipeline & Utility Easements
Permanent easements. Agricultural disruption. Development impact.
-
Inverse Condemnation
Examples include: Flooding. Regulatory interference. Access elimination.
Clear Strategy
-
1. Evaluate the Taking
We analyze scope, access impact, and valuation exposure.
-
2. Develop the Valuation Strategy
We coordinate expert analysis of highest and best use and market impact.
-
3. Position for Leverage
Preparation for commissioners and trial shifts negotiation dynamics.
Latest News
Startup Wins with Proactive IP Strategy
Discover how an early-stage tech company prevented costly litigation by securing trademarks before launch—proof that preventive legal work pays dividends.
New Data Privacy Rules Roll Out
A quick overview of the latest federal regulations affecting how small businesses collect and store customer data, plus key steps to stay compliant.
Remote Work & Employment Law Updates
Courts are refining guidelines around remote employee classification. Learn what your HR policies should include to stay ahead of potential disputes.
Cardinell Law is a no BS firm. We know landowners care about the integrity of their land. They don’t need lawyers who waste time on stock photos and pretty talk. They need someone who cares as much about their land as they do and who is willing and able to fight for it.
We actually try cases.
We understand valuation beyond surface damages.
We protect multigenerational land legacy.
We are not a volume negotiator — we are a courtroom threat.
Constitutional protection requires strategic enforcement.
Condemnation is permanent. Once rights are granted or taken, they rarely return.
Contact Our Practice
Schedule a complimentary consultation to discuss your goals and receive a personalized legal action plan.
** All consultations are confidential. Submission does not create an attorney-client relationship.
Industry-Leading Expertise
Erik Cardinell is the only eminent domain attorney practicing in Texas to have his opinions published in the State’s Supreme Court.
His extensive civil litigation and condemnation practice includes representing governmental entities, businesses, and landowners throughout the State of Texas in various civil litigation matters with an emphasis on condemnations. This has been his primary practice for 30 years.
Mr. Cardinell earned a B.A. from the University of Texas in 1991 and a JD from South Texas College of Law in 1996. He is past Vice President of the Victoria County Bar Association and is a current member of the Travis County and Williamson County Bar Associations.
Erik’s practice includes:
Litigation with primary experience in eminent domain
Real estate and general business transactions
Acquisition of right-of-way and related property interests for public works projects
In addition, Erik Cardinell often serves as Program chair or keynote speaker on eminent domain and civil litigation issues in various conferences throughout the State.