Clint Schumacher eminent domain
Clint Schumacher

Partner | Counselor of Real Estate

Clint Schumacher, CRE

Clint Schumacher, CRE, focuses his litigation practice on eminent domain, government taking litigation and counseling, as well as other high-stakes litigation matters. With nearly three decades of experience, Clint has developed a strong reputation for guiding clients through complex real estate disputes, earning the prestigious and exclusive Counselor of Real Estate (CRE) designation for his skill in leading clients through difficult real estate problems.

He represents property owners of all sizes—from Fortune 500 companies and Wall Street investment firms to families and individual investors—who are impacted by public projects. Clint is adept at working with condemning authorities to minimize impacts and, when necessary, aggressively pursuing full compensation for property owners.

Focus on Eminent Domain and Complex Real Estate Disputes

For over twenty-seven years, Clint has honed his focus in condemnation for various projects, with a particular depth of experience in highway projects. His approach involves recognizing often-overlooked details and strategic angles to benefit his clients. Before joining Dawson & Sodd, Clint’s practice included representing regional toll authorities and mass-transit authorities in some of North Texas’s largest infrastructure projects, providing him with invaluable insight into the condemnor’s perspective – knowledge he now leverages exclusively for property owners.

His varied client list includes national restaurant brands, international hotel chains, national convenience store brands, developers, and families, demonstrating his versatility in handling diverse and significant eminent domain challenges primarily across Texas, as well as in Oklahoma where he is also licensed.

Representative Experience & Notable Outcomes

Eminent Domain

  • Obtained jury verdict for a Fortune 500 company against the State of Texas in a condemnation case.
  • Secured jury verdict for an individual property owner against the State of Texas.
  • Achieved jury verdict for an individual hotel investor in a condemnation case against the State of Texas.
  • Obtained jury verdict for a family against Atmos Energy Corporation.
  • Negotiated settlement for a family trust against the State of Texas in a condemnation case.
  • Successfully settled a condemnation case for a Wall Street investment firm against the State of Texas.
  • Reached settlement for a local family in a case against the State of Texas.
  • Obtained settlement for a Hill Country family against a gas pipeline company.

Complex Commercial and Energy Litigation

  • Obtained a $21.5 million judgment against one of the nation’s largest gas producers.
  • Resolved an East Texas lease dispute for an independent oil and gas company against one of the nation’s largest gas producers.
  • Defended a royalty class action relating to alleged gathering overcharges.
  • Achieved settlement of a nationwide class action for a national professional services firm alleging billing fraud.
  • Defended a national accounting firm in a proceeding alleging auditing malpractice (damages sought >$100 million) related to services for an independent oil and gas exploration company.
  • Defended a national professional services firm and individual accountants in numerous regulatory matters.

Reported Decisions

  • In re Plains Pipeline, L.P., 618 S.W.3d 780 (Tex. App.—El Paso, 2020)
  • Sloan Creek II, LLC v. North Texas Tollway Authority, 472 S.W.3d 906 (Tex. App.—Dallas 2015, pet. denied)
  • State of Texas v. Johnson, 444 S.W.2d 62 (Tex. App.—Dallas 2014, pet. denied)
  • Coe v. Chesapeake, 695 F.3d 311 (5th Cir. 2012)
  • State of Texas v. State Street Bank and Trust Company and Brinker International Payroll Company, L.P., 359 S.W.3d 375 (Tex. App.-Dallas, 2012, no pet.)
  • Allodial Limited Partnership v. North Texas Tollway Authority, 176 S.W.3d 680 (Tex. App.–Dallas 2005, pet. denied)
  • Dallas Sales Company v. Carlisle Silver Company, Inc., 134 S.W.3d 928 (Tex. App.–Waco 2004, pet. denied)
  • Compass Exploration, Inc. v. B-E Drilling Company, 60 S.W.3d 2273 (Tex. App.–Waco 2001, no pet.)

Thought Leadership: Speaking, Writing & Podcasting

Clint continually seeks to build on his extensive litigation experience by studying and practicing the art of effective advocacy. He is a popular speaker, often called upon to share his insights on eminent domain with industry professionals, fellow lawyers, and law students nationwide.

Podcast Experience

  • Clint was the original host of The Eminent Domain Podcast. In 2024, he passed the reins to Bobby Debelak, who has continued it under the title “Come and Take It.”

Book Author

Selected Presentations & Publications:

  • Co-Presenter, “Mediation Principles and Preparation,” ALI-CLE Eminent Domain and Land Valuation Conference (2025)
  • Co-Presenter, “Testing Trial Themes and Reactions to Your Case, Including DIY Jury Research,” ALI-CLE Eminent Domain and Land Valuation Conference (2025)
  • Moderator, “Finding Your Center When You Feel Pushed to the Edge,” Klemchuk PLLC 21st Annual Ethics CLE Event (2025)
  • Presenter, “Resiliency in Law Practice: Tips for Surviving the Daily Battles,” ALI-CLE Webinar (2023)
  • “The Infrastructure Boom: Pre-Condemnation Procedures,” Headnotes (Dallas Bar Association), June 2022 (co-authored with Tyler Milton)
  • “Eminent Domain Update – Top Cases Impacting Water Law,” Changing Face of Water Law 2022
  • Presenter, “Surviving the Daily Fistfight: Finding Your Resilience When Every Day Is a Battle,” ALI-CLE Eminent Domain and Land Valuation Conference (2020)
  • Presenter, “The Enigma Wrapped in the Riddle Shrouded in Mystery (Ascertaining Community Damage and Enhancement in Texas),” CLE International Eminent Domain Seminar & IRWA Chapter 36 Spring Seminar (2019)
  • Presenter, “Responding to Adversity – E+R=O,” TEDx ACU (2019)
  • Presenter, “Finding Your Second Wind — Resilience in the Face of Adversity,” TEDx Flower Mound (2019)

In the Media:

  • Interview with KCEN – NBC Channel 6 concerning condemnation for the DeLa Express Pipeline project.
  • Quoted in The Norman Transcript — “‘Dead deal,’ attorney says flaws will mean no turnpikes in Norman.”
  • Interview with WFAA – ABC Channel 8 concerning condemnation for the Highway 380 bypass project.
  • Interviewed by DFW-NBC Channel 5 regarding use of eminent domain for an elementary school expansion.

Recognition & Prestigious Designations

  • Counselor of Real Estate (CRE) designation
  • Named, The Best Lawyers in America, Commercial Litigation (2015-2024)
  • Named, Texas Super Lawyer by Thomson Reuters, Eminent Domain (2014-2025)
  • Named, Best Lawyer in Dallas, D Magazine (2022-2025)
  • Named, America’s Top 100 High Stakes Litigators® (2020-2025)
  • Named, Rising Star by Texas Lawyer magazine (2011)
  • Finalist, Double-Win Coach, Positive Coaching Alliance (2014)

Credentials & Professional History

Education

  • University of Texas School of Law, Juris Doctorate, 1997
  • Abilene Christian University, BBA, Accounting, 1994

Bar Admissions

  • All Texas State and Federal Courts
  • All Oklahoma State Courts
  • Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals
  • United States Court of Federal Claims

Professional History

  • Partner, Dawson & Sodd, PLLC (2018 – Present)
  • Partner, Locke Lord LLP (now Troutman Pepper Locke LLP) (2004-2018)
  • Associate, Locke Lord LLP (now Troutman Pepper Locke LLP) (1997-2004)
  • Intern, Supreme Court of Texas (1997)

Professional Affiliations

  • Member, Counselors of Real Estate (CRE)
  • Member, State Bar of Texas
  • Member, Dallas Bar Association
  • Member, American Bar Association

Community Involvement & Personal Interests

Clint is married to his college sweetheart, Jennifer, and they have three boys. A dedicated football coach, he will be entering his 17th season as a coach in the fall of 2024, having coached at Trinity Christian Academy (2016–2025) and Dallas Bills (2009-2017). He is a member of the Texas State High School Coaches Association and the American Football Coaches Association.

Clint and his family are members of The Branch Church in Farmers Branch, Texas.

Connect with Clint

To discuss your eminent domain case, high-stakes real estate litigation, or if you require strategic counseling for complex property matters in Texas, please use the contact information above or reach out to our firm.