Top Austin Real Estate Lawyers

Austin real estate moves quickly—and the rules shift from block to block. Between infill projects in the urban core, mixed-use corridors along Lamar and Burnet, and master-planned growth pushing into Travis, Williamson, and Hays counties, transactions can look simple on paper but get complex in practice. Austin real estate lawyers keep momentum while managing risk: they translate local code, align lender and title requirements, and surface deal breakers early so you don’t discover them at closing.

Local factors drive outcomes. Austin’s Land Development Code and neighborhood overlays (including compatibility standards near single-family lots) shape height, setbacks, and uses; early zoning due diligence saves redesigns. Watershed and environmental layers—Barton Springs/Edwards Aquifer recharge zones, water-quality controls, tree protection, and heritage tree permits—affect site plans, utility routing, and schedules. In the extraterritorial and near-ETJ areas, subdivision and utility approvals may involve county, water districts, or MUD/PID obligations that change economics. Downtown and transit-oriented districts offer entitlements but add streetscape, floodplain, and frontage requirements. Title in Texas comes with mineral reservations and long-ago easements; survey and exception work is not optional. For condos and TIC-style structures, regime documents and resale disclosures must match lender expectations. Short-term rental rules, homestead protections, and property-tax appraisal dynamics also influence underwriting and exit strategies—even when the immediate deal seems routine.

Process and communication matter as much as black-letter law. A strong Austin real estate attorney will front-load diligence (title, survey, zoning letters/opinions, environmental screens), coordinate with city reviewers and utilities, and set a realistic closing calendar that tracks lender deliverables and cure periods. On leases, they’ll lock in use rights, construction exhibits, operating-expense mechanics, and remedies that actually work on the ground. On acquisitions and development, they’ll align entitlement sequencing with financing so draws aren’t waiting on permits. Expect crisp redlines, weekly issues lists, and clear trade-off explanations that help you choose speed when you need it and protection where it counts.

This guide curates a shortlist of top Austin real estate lawyers and gives you a simple framework to choose—so you can protect value, control timelines, and close with confidence in one of the country’s most active property markets.

Legal

Updated on September 24, 2025

Published on February 14, 2025

Businesses marked are featured.

Real Estate Lawyers in Austin

Looking for the best real estate lawyer in Austin? Our list of top real estate attorneys in Austin features experienced firms specializing in property transactions, land use, zoning, and real estate disputes. Find a trusted real estate lawyer in Austin to help you navigate Texas real estate law.

Armbrust & Brown, PLLC

(512) 435-2300
100 Congress Avenue, Suite 1300, Austin, TX 78701

Armbrust & Brown, PLLC is a full-service firm with a distinguished Austin real estate attorney team specializing in land use, zoning, development, and commercial real estate transactions. Their commitment to delivering tailored legal solutions ensures compliance with regulatory standards, protecting both residential and commercial property owners. Recognized as one of the top real estate attorneys in Austin, they help clients navigate the legal complexities of real estate investments.

Land Use & Zoning
Commercial & Residential Transactions
Development & Construction Law
Lease Agreements
Real Estate Disputes

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McGinnis Lochridge LLP

(512) 495-6000
1111 W 6th Street, Building B, Suite 400, Austin, TX 78703

McGinnis Lochridge LLP is a premier law firm with a reputation for providing top-tier real estate legal services. Their experienced Austin real estate attorneys assist clients with transactions, leasing agreements, property development, and regulatory compliance. They focus on protecting client investments through strategic legal planning and personalized counsel, making them one of the top Austin real estate lawyers in the industry.

Commercial Real Estate Transactions
Lease Agreements
Property Financing & Development
Zoning & Land Use
Title & Escrow Services

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Graves Dougherty Hearon & Moody

(512) 480-5600
401 Congress Avenue, Suite 2700, Austin, TX 78701

Graves Dougherty Hearon & Moody is a trusted real estate law firm known for its in-depth knowledge of Texas real estate regulations. Their Austin real estate attorneys specialize in resolving complex property disputes, assisting with commercial property acquisitions, and structuring real estate agreements. Recognized among the top real estate attorneys in Austin, they provide exceptional legal guidance to developers, investors, and businesses.

Commercial & Residential Real Estate Transactions
Land Use & Zoning
Real Estate Litigation
Title & Ownership Disputes
Contract Negotiation

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DuBois Bryant & Campbell LLP

(512) 457-8000
303 Colorado Street, Suite 2300, Austin, TX 78701

DuBois Bryant & Campbell LLP is a full-service firm offering exceptional real estate legal services in Austin. Their top Austin real estate lawyers assist clients with property transactions, leasing, and financing matters. Their attorneys provide meticulous attention to detail and a client-focused approach, ensuring smooth and legally sound real estate transactions.

Commercial & Residential Transactions
Lease Agreements
Real Estate Financing
Title & Ownership Issues
Property Development

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Winstead PC

(512) 370-2800
600 W. 5th Street, Suite 900, Austin, TX 78701

As one of the best real estate lawyers in Austin, Winstead PC provides legal counsel for large-scale real estate projects. Their team is highly experienced in handling acquisitions, financing, and regulatory compliance for developers, lenders, and property investors. They are a top real estate attorney in Austin choice for navigating complex real estate transactions.

Commercial Development
Property Transactions
Land Use & Zoning
Construction Law
Lease & Finance Agreements

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The Fowler Law Firm

(512) 441-1411
3301 Northland Suite 101, Austin, Texas 78731

The Fowler Law Firm specializes in residential and commercial real estate legal matters. Their Austin real estate attorneys assist with property transactions, title disputes, and real estate litigation. Known for their integrity and client commitment, they provide effective solutions for real estate challenges.

Residential & Commercial Transactions
Property Disputes
Lease Agreements
Title & Ownership Issues
Real Estate Litigation

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Jackson Walker LLP

(512) 236-2000
100 Congress Avenue, Suite 1100, Austin, TX 78701

Jackson Walker LLP is a leading real estate law firm in Texas with a strong presence in Austin. Their Austin real estate attorneys provide solutions for acquisitions, leasing, financing, and development projects. They are a top real estate attorney in Austin firm with expertise in structuring high-value real estate deals.

Real Estate Acquisitions
Leasing & Financing
Development Projects
Zoning & Land Use
Environmental & Regulatory Compliance

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Turn your shortlist into a confident hire with structured outreach. On the scoping call, summarize property type and location, current zoning and overlays, financing structure, counterparty profile, and your must-hit dates. Ask for a conflicts check and a short memo outlining the approach: key risks (entitlements, easements, floodplain, trees), diligence plan (title/survey objections, zoning letter/opinion, environmental screens), and a 60–90 day closing calendar with lender and city touchpoints. Clarify staffing—who drafts and negotiates, who handles city and utility coordination, and how escalation works if a term stalls.

Compare firms on execution, not slogans. Do they routinely secure zoning letters/opinions lenders accept? Can they navigate Austin compatibility standards, heritage tree permits, and watershed requirements without blowing the schedule? Are they effective with title companies on exception cures (encroachments, off-record use, access) and realistic about what requires endorsements vs. re-plat or variance? For leasing, look for tested clauses on use, assignment/sublet, buildout, operating expenses, and remedies. For development, confirm experience sequencing site plans, subdivision, and building permits alongside financing and draw schedules.

Discuss fees and cadence upfront. Hourly or blended rates are common; flat fees may work for defined closings or routine leases. Expect a retainer/evergreen and monthly statements that track progress against milestones. You should see an engagement letter, a closing calendar, and diligence lists covering title, survey, estoppels/SNDAs, and lender deliverables. For risk items, request options with pros/cons and a recommended path so decisions are fast and documented.

Use a simple evaluation lens: responsiveness; clarity on risks vs. tradeoffs; ability to keep momentum with city reviewers, utilities, lenders, and title; and transparency on fees. Choose the Austin real estate lawyer who makes you faster and safer—one who can win on law, on facts, and on timing.

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Hiring Checklist — How to Choose a real estate Lawyer in Austin

Define your matter, budget, and timeline.
Ask for 2–3 comparable matters and outcomes.
Confirm team staffing, partner touch, and availability.
Clarify fee model, retainer, and billing cadence.
Review a proposed diligence/closing plan and dates.
Ensure conflicts check and communication cadence.
Align on success metrics and next milestones.