Jody Sodd McSpadden has built a distinguished career representing clients in a wide range of successful courtroom battles and negotiations involving eminent domain and property rights disputes. Her diverse experience provides unique insight into the complexities of condemnation cases, allowing her to effectively advocate for landowners facing takings for various public and private projects.
With a primary focus on serving property owners throughout Texas, Jody is committed to guiding clients through challenging legal landscapes, from initial offers to complex litigation. She has been integral to the firm’s efforts in significant matters, including the ongoing eminent domain fight against the Texas High-Speed Rail Project, and is dedicated to protecting landowners from unjust condemnation.
Focus on Eminent Domain & Property Rights Litigation
Jody’s practice is centered on vigorously representing landowners in various condemnation proceedings. This includes direct condemnations initiated by entities like the State of Texas (TxDOT) and numerous gas pipeline companies, as well as cases involving cities and complex projects such as the Dallas Cowboys football stadium and Dallas/Fort Worth Trinity River projects.
Her representation extends to diverse property types and taking scenarios, including inverse condemnations, water rights takings, takings for powerlines, highway projects, and condemnations affecting operating businesses like convenience stores, restaurants, and gas compressor sites. This breadth of experience enables her to anticipate challenges and develop effective strategies tailored to each client’s unique situation and property.
Representative Experience & Notable Outcomes
Settlement for a group of 11 landowners facing pipeline easement takings on valuable ranching properties, achieving a $1,986,177 net combined recovery on $348,000 combined initial offers.
Achieved a $1,947,638 net recovery for a landowner in a partial taking case for a pipeline easement, from an initial offer of $621,405.
Secured a $5.48 million net recovery for an adult entertainment business owner in Tarrant County in a partial taking by the State/TxDOT (initial offer $3.4 million) that resulted in the loss of the building.
Negotiated a $5.77 million net recovery for a convenience store owner/operator in Dallas County in a partial taking by the State/TxDOT, from an initial offer of $4,114,808.
Obtained a $3.22 million net recovery (settled for jury verdict amount after State appeal) for a property owner where TxDOT condemned 28 acres for an I-35 rest stop (initial offer $389,323); co-counsel, presented valuation witness.
Successfully negotiated a settlement for a unique airline manufacturing owner/operator in Tarrant County involving a complete loss of buildings/facilities, resulting in a $3.5 million net recovery on a $1.8 million offer.
Represented a convenience store owner in Bell County in a whole taking, achieving a $1.355 million net recovery on a $900,000 offer.
Achieved a $1.85 million net recovery (favorable early settlement prior to litigation) for a Brazoria County property owner in a partial taking for a natural gas pipeline easement, from a $700,000 offer.
Co-counsel in a jury trial for a natural gas pipeline easement on vacant commercial property in Tarrant County, resulting in a jury verdict and $1 million net recovery on a $154,700 offer.
Successfully negotiated a settlement for a shopping center where TxDOT condemned a portion for a roadway project, resulting in a $807,285 net recovery to the clients on an initial offer of $49,670.
Achieved a $786,859 net recovery for a restaurant owner in a partial taking case where TxDOT condemned part of the property for a roadway project, from an initial offer of $460,000.
Secured a $1,567,000 net recovery for a landowner in a partial taking for a pipeline easement within an existing pipeline corridor, from an initial offer of $510,000.
Obtained a settlement for a landowner in a partial taking by TxDOT for a roadway project, resulting in a net recovery representing a 267% increase over the initial offer.
Successfully resolved an inverse condemnation claim for a sand and gravel operator (tenant) who was not compensated by a pipeline company before a gas pipeline was installed on their active leased operation, achieving a $226,000 net recovery where no initial offer had been made by the pipeline company.
Presentations & Publications
“Road Warriors: Building and Trying an Eminent Domain Case From Your Laptop,” presented at the 37th Annual ALI CLE Advanced Course, Eminent Domain and Land Valuation Litigation 2020.
Presenter, 29th Annual Outlook for Texas Land Markets Conference, 2019.
“Improving the Landowner’s Odds in Eminent Domain Cases,” published in April 2015 issue of Headnotes for the Dallas Bar Association (co-authored with Matt Hurt and Tyler Milton).
“Condemnation Proceedings for Easements from the Landowner’s Perspective,” presented at the Law of Easements: Legal Issues and Practice Considerations seminar, hosted by Lorman Education Services, August 2007.
“Defending Property Owners from the Government,” presented at the Advanced Consumer Law CLE on behalf of the State Bar of Texas, November 2005.
Recognition & Awards
Featured as Partner of the Month, Attorney at Law Magazine (Greater Dallas Edition), March 2018.
Texas Super Lawyer, Eminent Domain, Thomson Reuters (2022 – 2025).
Baylor University School of Law, Juris Doctor, 2002
Texas A&M University, Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Development, 1998
Bar Admissions
All Texas Courts Statewide
Professional Affiliations
State Bar of Texas
Texas Trial Lawyers Association
Dallas Bar Association
Dallas Women’s Lawyer Association
Navarro County Bar Association
Community Involvement & Service
Board Member, The Camp of the Rising Sun (assisting children with special needs)
Past Co-Chairperson, Corsicana Independent School District Bond Committee
Past Member, Corsicana Education Foundation Board
Appointed Member (Past), City of Corsicana Planning and Zoning Board
Past Co-Chairperson, Navarro County Youth Exposition
Past Secretary, Board of Directors, Navarro County Child Advocates
Former Adjunct Professor, Navarro College
Personal Commitment
A Corsicana native, Jody married her husband, Chris, in 1998. She is a devoted mother to their four children and enjoys spending quality time with her family at their ranch. This personal connection to land and family values deeply informs her commitment to advocating for Texas property owners.
Connect with Jody
To discuss your Texas eminent domain or property rights case with Jody Sodd McSpadden, please use the contact information above or reach out to our firm for a consultation.
