Kristina Weber Silcocks focuses her practice on civil litigation, primarily in the areas of eminent domain, transportation and other government-related litigation. As an eminent domain lawyer, she represents both condemning authorities and property owners in Texas.
Kristina has represented clients in over 250 Special Commissioners’ Hearings and in over 25 condemnation jury trials in actions involving governmental entities.
In addition, she represents clients in regulatory matters before state agencies, including contract procurements, bid protests, motor carrier audits and enforcement, environmental regulatory compliance, and other regulatory work with most state and local agencies.
Kristina also handles general civil litigation matters, including contract, environmental, tort and employment litigation disputes. Clients from a variety of industries and sectors have engaged Kristina, such as property owners, developers, transportation companies, local governmental authorities, and pipeline, oil and gas, and electricity providers and consumers.
Prior to joining Gardere in 2011, Kristina spent 15 years in the Transportation Division of the Office of the Attorney General of Texas, with over five years as chief of the division. In these capacities, Kristina:
- Handled all litigation for the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), including condemnation, contract, administrative enforcement and other civil matters.
- Advised and represented TxDOT, as well as other state agencies, in condemnation matters, including cases on Katy Freeway in Houston, North Tarrant Express in Fort Worth, SH 130 in Austin, and US 75, SH 183 and I-635 in Dallas.
- As chief, she supervised a division of over 70 attorneys and staff, and prior to becoming chief, she served as managing attorney over Dallas and Northeast Texas.
- Worked closely with TxDOT’s general counsel and executive management on coordination of litigation activities and briefing the transportation commissioners on pending litigation.
In addition, Kristina was a frequent resource witness to the Texas State Legislature, most notably on the impacts and passage of SB 18, and she continues to represent clients on legislative issues. Kristina has spoken often on SB 18 and other changes in applicable eminent domain procedures and advised other attorneys and local entities.
Education :
- J.D., St. Mary’s University School of Law, (1996)
- Associate Editor, St. Mary’s Law Journal (1995-1996)
- Staff Writer, St. Mary’s Law Journal (1994-1995)
- Magister (President), Phi Delta Phi (1995-1996)
- B.S., Texas A&M University, (1992)
- Industrial Distribution
- Recipient, Distinguished Student Award, College of Engineering (1990-1992)
Admissions :
- Texas (1996)
- Texas State Courts (1996)
- U.S. District Court for the Eastern, Northern, Southern and Western Districts of Texas
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit
Professional Affiliations :
- Member, State Bar of Texas
- Member, Austin Bar Association
- Civil Litigation Section
- Member, International Right of Way Association
- Member, Appraisal Institute
Cost
Rate : $$$