Top Real Estate Law Firms in Dallas

Dallas real estate moves at the speed of cranes and lane closures. From Uptown infill and Design District conversions to logistics hubs along I-20/I-45 and adaptive reuse in Deep Ellum, deals here turn on tight timelines, lender requirements, and city processes that reward local fluency. Texas is pro-transaction—no state transfer tax and deed recordings at the Dallas County Clerk—yet the legal work is anything but simple. Entitlements often involve Planned Development (PD) ordinances with custom conditions, TOD overlays near DART stations, conservation or historic districts (think Swiss Avenue/Samuel-Grand), and airport/flight path constraints around Love Field and DFW. For ground-up work, counsel must steer subdivision/platting, utility letters, and right-of-way dedications through the Development Services Department and City Plan Commission, with Zoning Board of Adjustment relief when setbacks, parking, or use permissions don’t fit the site.

Environmental and site risks are Dallas-specific, too. Trinity River floodplain mapping and detention requirements affect bulk, floor elevations, and critical path scheduling; brownfield questions and TCEQ oversight can surface on older industrial tracts. On the revenue side, public-finance tools like TIF districts and PIDs can be powerful but document-heavy, requiring careful tax-sharing and compliance covenants. In leasing, big-box retail recapture, co-tenancy, and exclusive-use provisions can clash with evolving tenant mixes; in office, operating expense caps and building performance standards are negotiating battlegrounds. For multifamily, Dallas’s Notice of Proposed Eviction ordinance and source-of-income developments may shape compliance programs and resident communications.

Process and communication set expectations. Strong Dallas real estate lawyers establish a closing calendar with diligence gates (title/survey, estoppels/SNDAs, zoning letters), coordinate with surveyors on Texas ALTA/NSPS Table A items, and align lender counsel on intercreditor terms before term sheets harden. They’ll also reality-check permitting durations and off-site infrastructure obligations, keeping contractors, lenders, and municipal reviewers in the loop to prevent last-minute surprises. This guide curates leading Dallas real estate law firms and, more importantly, gives you a clear framework to choose counsel who can keep momentum from LOI to ribbon-cutting—whether you’re acquiring a stabilized asset, negotiating a long-term ground lease, or entitling a mixed-use project with complex phasing.

Legal

Updated on September 24, 2025

Published on March 28, 2025

Businesses marked are featured.

Real Estate Law Firms in Dallas

Explore the top real estate law firms in Dallas offering expert legal services in commercial transactions, development, zoning, and real estate litigation. Discover the best real estate lawyers in Dallas trusted by developers, investors, and businesses across the region.

Cutler-Smith, P.C.

+1 214-219-0800
12750 Merit Dr Suite 1450, Dallas, TX 75251, United States

Cutler-Smith, P.C. is a highly regarded real estate law firm in Dallas, known for its commitment to protecting client interests in a fast-paced and competitive real estate market. With over 25 years of legal experience, managing partner Darrell W. Smith provides in-depth counsel on a wide range of real estate legal matters in Dallas, including contract drafting, transaction reviews, and strategic advice for property sales and acquisitions. The firm works closely with local businesses, developers, and property owners to help minimize risk and ensure every transaction is legally sound and financially protected. Recognized as a trusted Dallas real estate attorney, Cutler-Smith, P.C. stands out for its personalized service, attention to detail, and long-standing expertise. Their tailored legal solutions and client-focused approach make them a reliable choice for real estate matters in the Dallas area.

Commercial and Residential Real Estate Transactions
Contract Drafting and Transaction Review
Legal Guidance for Property Purchases and Sales
Strategic Risk Management for Real Estate Clients
Over 25 Years of Real Estate Legal Experience
Trusted Dallas Real Estate Attorney for Local Businesses

‍

Cherry Petersen Albert LLP

+1 214-265-7007
8333 Douglas Ave Suite 700, Dallas, TX 75225, United States

Cherry Petersen Albert LLP is a top-rated real estate law firm in Dallas, offering full-service legal support for a wide range of real estate transactions. With deep experience in property types such as industrial developments, ranch properties, and single-family residential units, the firm provides tailored legal guidance to meet the diverse needs of its clients. Their team of highly skilled Dallas real estate attorneys is known for delivering strategic, detail-oriented solutions that minimize risk and support long-term business goals. In addition to their transactional work, the firm has earned a strong reputation for its commercial lending expertise, helping clients successfully structure and close complex financing arrangements. For developers, investors, lenders, and property owners seeking reliable and results-driven counsel, Cherry Petersen Albert LLP is a trusted name among real estate lawyers in Dallas.

Legal Representation for Real Estate Transactions
Industrial, Ranch, and Residential Property Expertise
Commercial Lending and Financing Solutions
Contract Review, Drafting, and Negotiation
Strategic Legal Guidance for Developers and Investors
Experienced Dallas Real Estate Attorney Team

‍

The Gibson Law Group

+1 817-769-4044
15400 Knoll Trail Dr #205, Dallas, TX 75248, United States

The Gibson Law Group is a respected real estate law firm in Dallas, offering experienced legal counsel for a wide range of real estate transactions, including acquisitions, dispositions, joint ventures, and commercial leasing. Known for its client-first philosophy and strategic legal guidance, the firm helps individuals, developers, and business owners navigate the complexities of Dallas real estate law with confidence. Whether structuring a joint venture or negotiating a lease, the firm’s attorneys provide practical, detail-driven legal solutions that align with clients’ financial goals. Recognized as a trusted Dallas real estate attorney, The Gibson Law Group is committed to protecting its clients’ interests and ensuring successful outcomes in both routine and complex transactions.

Real Estate Acquisitions and Dispositions
Joint Ventures and Real Estate Partnerships
Commercial Lease Drafting and Negotiation
Due Diligence and Transactional Support
Legal Counsel for Real Estate Investors and Businesses
Strategic Representation in Dallas Real Estate Law

‍

The Suster Law Group, PLLC

+1 972-380-0130
1316 Village Creek Dr Suite 500, Plano, TX 75093, United States

The Suster Law Group, PLLC is a premier real estate law firm in the Dallas area, known for its focus on property, asset, and real estate litigation. The firm’s seasoned team of Dallas real estate attorneys provides experienced and strategic legal representation in complex disputes involving commercial real estate, development conflicts, and investment property litigation. While the firm does not handle residential landlord-tenant matters, it is highly regarded for its litigation expertise and ability to protect clients’ interests in high-stakes cases. With a reputation built on thorough preparation, aggressive advocacy, and a deep understanding of real estate law in Dallas, The Suster Law Group offers reliable counsel to property owners, investors, developers, and commercial clients navigating challenging legal situations.

Commercial Real Estate Litigation
Asset and Investment Property Disputes
Development and Construction Conflict Resolution
Strategic Legal Advocacy in Real Estate Matters
Representation for Investors, Owners, and Developers
Extensive Knowledge of Dallas Real Estate Law

‍

Song Whiddon PLLC

+1 214-528-8400
8131 Lyndon B Johnson Fwy #770, Dallas, TX 75251, United States

Song Whiddon PLLC is a respected real estate law firm in Dallas, known for blending deep expertise in business law, construction law, and real estate law to deliver comprehensive legal solutions. With a client-focused approach, the firm’s experienced Dallas real estate attorneys offer strategic support for a wide range of property-related matters, including commercial transactions, development and zoning, and real estate litigation. Their attorneys are known for crafting tailored legal strategies that align with each client’s goals while minimizing risk and addressing complex legal challenges. Whether advising on a zoning dispute or managing a commercial development deal, Song Whiddon PLLC brings clarity, precision, and seasoned counsel to every transaction. Their strong understanding of Dallas real estate law makes them a reliable partner for investors, developers, and business owners navigating today’s evolving property market.

Commercial Real Estate Transactions and Contracts
Zoning and Land Use Guidance
Real Estate and Construction Litigation
Legal Counsel for Developers and Business Owners
Strategic Problem-Solving for Complex Real Estate Issues
Integrated Knowledge of Business, Construction, and Real Estate Law in Dallas

‍

Turn your shortlist into decisions with crisp next steps. Request a 20-minute scoping call, a conflicts check, and a two-page approach memo from each firm outlining entitlement path (PD amendment vs. SUP vs. by-right), anticipated filings (plats, replats, site plans), and a closing calendar keyed to diligence milestones. Ask who will staff the matter (partner touch vs. senior associate run), typical turnaround times for redlines, and how they coordinate with city reviewers, lenders’ counsel, and surveyors. For development plays, push for early readouts on floodplain constraints, off-site improvements, and any expected ZBOA variances; for acquisitions, ask how they clear title exceptions (utility easements, abandonment/encroachment instruments) and structure cure periods, price adjustments, or escrow holdbacks.

Fees in Dallas real estate practice vary by scope: hourly and blended rates are standard for negotiations and entitlements; fixed or phase-based fees work for discrete tasks (e.g., PD amendment, platting, or a lease suite). Confirm evergreen retainers (if any), what counts as “out-of-pocket” (survey updates, entitlement fees, environmental screening), and reporting cadence (weekly status notes plus calendar of filings/hearings). Expect core documents: an engagement letter; diligence checklist (title commitments, surveys with Table A, zoning letters/opinions, environmental screens); draft estoppels/SNDAs and lender deliverables; construction contracts aligned with Texas lien laws and payment bonding; and municipal submissions with hearing dates buffered for council schedules and public notice windows.

Compare firms on execution, not slogans: (1) responsiveness—do they move documents and secure hearing slots fast? (2) clarity—do they translate PD conditions and finance covenants into practical site constraints? (3) momentum—are redlines prioritized to protect schedule and lender draws? (4) local relationships—credibility with Planning, Zoning, and the mediator/arbitrator bench when disputes arise; and (5) transparency—no surprises on fees or third-party costs. A disciplined shop will protect optionality in your PSA, front-load entitlement risk, and preserve value through lender and tenant negotiations, so your pro forma survives contact with reality.

‍

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

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.