Commercial real estate transactions in Texas involve stakes that justify legal counsel at every stage. A $5 million acquisition includes purchase agreements with complex representations and warranties, title examination revealing potential defects, environmental due diligence uncovering contamination risks, financing documentation creating personal guarantees, and closing mechanics requiring precise coordination. Errors in any component can cost more than the legal fees for proper representation.
Texas commercial real estate activity spans office buildings, retail centers, industrial facilities, multifamily properties, mixed-use developments, and raw land transactions. Each property type carries specific legal considerations. Retail leases address percentage rent and exclusive use provisions. Industrial properties require environmental assessment. Multifamily acquisitions involve rent roll verification and lease assumption. The attorney who handled a simple office lease may lack experience with complex development transactions.
What Commercial Real Estate Attorneys Handle
Acquisitions and Dispositions
Purchase and sale agreements allocate risk between buyers and sellers through representations, warranties, indemnities, and closing conditions. Attorneys negotiate these provisions, manage due diligence processes, coordinate title and survey review, and conduct closings. Large transactions may involve multiple properties across states requiring coordination of local counsel.
Development and Construction
Development projects require land acquisition, zoning approvals, entitlements, construction contracts, and permanent financing. Attorneys navigate municipal approval processes, negotiate construction agreements addressing cost overruns and delays, and structure transactions to manage development risk. Public-private partnerships and tax increment financing add governmental components.
Leasing
Commercial leases run 50 to 100 pages with provisions governing rent calculations, operating expense pass-throughs, tenant improvements, assignment and subletting, exclusives, co-tenancy, and defaults. Attorneys represent landlords drafting lease forms and negotiating with tenants, or represent tenants reviewing landlord-drafted agreements. Major tenants obtain significant concessions through skilled negotiation.
Financing
Real estate finance involves loan documentation, intercreditor agreements, mezzanine financing, and restructuring. Attorneys represent lenders protecting their collateral positions or borrowers negotiating loan terms, guaranty limitations, and prepayment provisions. Distressed situations require workout negotiations, deed-in-lieu transactions, or foreclosure proceedings.
How to Choose a Commercial Real Estate Attorney
Transaction Type Experience: Commercial real estate practice encompasses many sub-specialties. An attorney experienced in office leasing may not handle development transactions. Ask about experience with your specific transaction type.
Deal Size Alignment: Large law firms handle major transactions with teams of specialists. Boutique firms may provide more cost-effective representation for middle-market deals. Match firm capabilities to transaction complexity.
Local Market Knowledge: Real estate practice benefits from local market knowledge, relationships with title companies and lenders, and familiarity with municipal approval processes. Texas-based attorneys understand state-specific issues like homestead laws and mechanic’s lien requirements.
Responsiveness: Real estate deals move quickly. Financing commitments expire. Competing buyers pursue the same properties. Attorneys must respond promptly to keep transactions on schedule.
Texas Commercial Real Estate Law Firms
Kane Russell Coleman Logan PC (KRCL)
Location: Dallas and Houston, Texas
Website: https://www.krcl.com
Phone: 214-777-4200
KRCL operates a substantial commercial real estate practice in Texas. The firm represents owners, developers, investors, and lenders in acquisitions, development, construction, leasing, lending, partnerships, joint ventures, and fund formation.
Practice Focus:
- Acquisitions and dispositions
- Development and construction
- Commercial leasing
- Real estate finance
- Joint ventures and fund formation
Jackson Walker LLP
Location: Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, San Angelo, San Antonio
Website: https://www.jw.com
Phone: 214-953-6000
Jackson Walker’s real estate practice extends across multiple Texas offices with attorneys handling transactions in numerous states. The firm represents investors, owners, and developers in acquisitions, leasing, and capital markets transactions.
Practice Focus:
- Acquisitions and dispositions
- Land use and zoning
- Real estate finance
- Development transactions
- Leasing
Wilson Cribbs + Goren
Location: Houston, Texas
Website: https://wcglaw.com
Phone: 713-222-9000
Wilson Cribbs + Goren has focused exclusively on commercial real estate since 1985, building a national practice from Houston. The firm represents clients on complex transactions, land use and zoning matters, and real estate litigation. Their team approach assigns experienced attorneys to craft solutions for deal obstacles. The firm emphasizes partnership with clients to move transactions forward without unnecessary delays.
Practice Focus:
- Commercial real estate transactions
- Land use and zoning
- Real estate litigation
- Development projects
- Lease negotiations
Costs and Fees
Commercial real estate attorney fees vary significantly by transaction type and complexity. Simple lease reviews may cost $1,500 to $3,000. Negotiating major commercial leases runs $10,000 to $25,000 or more depending on complexity. Acquisition transactions typically bill hourly at $350 to $600 per hour, with total fees depending on deal size and complications. Some attorneys offer flat fees for routine transactions or blended rates for ongoing client relationships.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an attorney for a commercial real estate purchase?
Commercial transactions involve significant financial exposure. Purchase agreements contain complex provisions affecting risk allocation. Title issues, environmental concerns, and financing requirements create potential problems. Most sophisticated buyers engage counsel for transactions of material size.
What due diligence should I conduct before purchasing commercial property?
Standard due diligence includes title examination, survey review, environmental assessment (Phase I and potentially Phase II), physical inspection, financial analysis of income and expenses, lease review for income-producing properties, and zoning verification. The scope depends on property type and transaction size.
How are commercial real estate attorneys typically paid?
Hourly billing predominates for transactional work, with rates ranging from $350 to $600 per hour depending on attorney experience and firm size. Some firms offer flat fees for specific services like lease preparation or simple closings. Litigation matters may involve contingency arrangements in appropriate circumstances.
What is title insurance and do I need it?
Title insurance protects against losses from defects in title not discovered during examination. Lenders require loan policies protecting their mortgage interest. Owner’s policies protect the buyer’s equity. Given the potential for undisclosed liens, boundary disputes, and recording errors, most commercial buyers purchase owner’s coverage.
Last Updated: January 2026
Disclaimer: This directory is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice, endorsement, or recommendation of any attorney or law firm. Information about attorneys and law firms was compiled from publicly available sources and may not be current or accurate. We make no representations or warranties about the qualifications, experience, or quality of any attorney listed. Fee estimates are approximations only and actual costs may vary significantly. Always verify attorney credentials with the State Bar of Texas, confirm current contact information, and conduct your own due diligence before hiring legal counsel. No attorney-client relationship is created by use of this directory.