Robert B. Neblett
Practice Areas
Experience
- Business Litigation
- Condemnation & Eminent Domain
- Condemnation & Eminent Domain Litigation
- Construction Litigation
- Energy Litigation
Biography
Robert is one of the pre-eminent condemnation lawyers in the State of Texas. He heads Jackson Walkerâs Eminent Domain section firmwide. He has more than 30 yearsâ experience in litigation and appellate matters, and has developed an emphasis in eminent domain.
For his condemnation work his experience includes representing condemnors, including public entities, private utilities, pipeline companies, railways and others in counties across the State of Texas.
Robert also has extensive commercial litigation experience, particularly in the construction and energy areas. He has litigated many significant cases involving complex issues over construction disputes, power purchase agreements, and other energy related matters and has tried cases all across the state.
Education
B.A., Tulane University
J.D., Tulane University School of Law
- Tulane Law Review
Bar Admissions
Louisiana
Texas
Court Admissions
United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit
United States District Courts for the Eastern, Northern, Southern, and Western District of Texas
United States District Courts for the Eastern and Western District of Louisiana
- The Best Lawyers in America (Woodward/White Inc.), 2007-2026
- Lawyer of the Year â Austin, Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law, 2024
- Commercial Litigation, 2007-2026
- Construction Law, 2010-2011, 2015-2026
- Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law, 2013-2026
- Litigation â Construction, 2012, 2014-2026
- Texas Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers by Thomson Reuters, 2017-2019, 2021-2025
- “Ethics: Tips and Traps for the Eminent Domain Practitioner,” American Law Institute (January 2016)
- “Procedural and Evidentiary Issues in a Condemnation Case,” CLE International (March 2014)
- “Strategies to Optimize Real property Acquisition, Relocation Assistance, and Property Management Practices,” NCHRP Transportation Research Board of The National Academies (November 2013)
- “The Intersection Between Texas Condemnation Law and Water Rights,” Texas Bar CLE (February 2012)
- “Power Lines: Condemnation Issues And The Competitive Renewable Energy Zones,” CLE International, February 2011
- “Utility Right of Way/Easement Issues,” Texas Public Power Association (July 2010)
- “Condemnation Proceedings Public Purpose and Changes to Eminent Domain Law,” Texas Rural Water Association (March 2010)
- “Utility Issues, What Juries Can Hear and Not Hear in a Condemnation Case,” CLE International (February 2010)
- “Eminent Domain Issues in Water Resources Management,” Texas Water Law Institute (December 2008)
- “The Use Of Eminent Domain In Water Resources Management,” TRWA/TWCA Water Law Seminar (January 2007)
- “Utility Condemnation: Issues Commonly Arising in Texas Utility Condemnations,” CLE International (February 2005)
- “Condemnation of Groundwater Rights Under the Texas Property Code,” University of Texas Law School (November 2004)
- “Survey of Recent Eminent Domain Opinions,” CLE International (February & October 2004)
- “Issues on Modification and Apportionment of Easements: the Krohn Case and Other Recent Developments,” CLE International (February 2003)
- “Securing Pipeline Rights of Way by Condemnation, Eminent Domain,” Texas Bar CLE and Advanced Oil, Gas & Energy Resources Law Course (October 2002)
- “Recent Developments from the Texas Appellate Courts: Focus on Proper Appraisal Methods,” CLE International (February 2002)
- “Easements Within Easements,” International Right-of-Way Association (August 2001)
- “Powerline Corridors and Acquisition of Fiber Optic Rights,” International Right-of-Way Association (August 2000)
- “Overview: Basis and Development of Condemnation Power,” CLE International (1999)
- “Preparation and Trial of Cases Involving Subcontractors and Material Suppliers,” 5th Annual Construction Law Conference (February 1992)
- Colorado River Alliance
- Board of Directors
- Executive Committee
- McDonald Observatory, Board of Visitors
- Tributary League, Founding Member
Jackson Walker Congratulates 2025 Texas Super Lawyers and Rising Stars
Jackson Walker is pleased to announce the recognition of 75 attorneys by Thomson Reutersâ Super Lawyers in the 2025 “Texas Super Lawyers” list, as well as 66 attorneys as “Texas Rising Stars” for 2025. Each year, less than 5% of attorneys are selected to Super Lawyers and 2.5% to Rising Stars. Selection is based off of peer nominations that are then reviewed by a research team. Each nominee is evaluated on his or her professional accomplishments, peer recognition, and community involvement.
Attorney News • September 18, 2025
âThe Best Lawyers in Americaâ Features 350 Jackson Walker Attorneys in 2026 Edition, Including 10 âLawyers of the Yearâ and 106 âOnes to Watchâ
The Best Lawyers in America, a widely regarded guide to legal excellence, has recognized 350 Jackson Walker attorneys across 87 specialty practice areas in its 2026 edition, including 10 Lawyers of the Year and 106 Ones to Watch.
Attorney News • August 21, 2025
Jackson Walker Congratulates Its âTexas Super Lawyersâ of 2024
Jackson Walker proudly announces the selection of 71 attorneys to Thomson Reutersâ 2024 âTexas Super Lawyersâ list.
Each year, less than 5% of attorneys in Texas are named to the list. Selection is based off of peer nominations that are then reviewed by a research team. Each nominee is evaluated on his or her professional accomplishments, peer recognition, and community involvement.
Attorney News • September 17, 2024
‘The Best Lawyers in America’ Features 306 Jackson Walker Attorneys in 2025 Edition, Including 9 “Lawyers of the Year” and 75 “Ones to Watch”
The Best Lawyers in America has recognized 306 Jackson Walker attorneys across 81 specialty practice areas in its 2025 edition, including 9 Lawyers of the Year and 75 Ones to Watch. In this yearâs guide, Jackson Walker saw the largest number of attorneys in the areas of Commercial Litigation (75 attorneys) and Real Estate Law (55 attorneys) and the addition of 27 attorneys as Best Lawyers.
Attorney News • August 15, 2024
Jackson Walker Congratulates Its “Texas Super Lawyers” of 2023
Each year, less than 5% of attorneys in Texas are named to the list. Selection is based off of peer nominations that are then reviewed by a research team. Each nominee is evaluated on his or her professional accomplishments, peer recognition, and community involvement.
Attorney News • September 19, 2023
‘The Best Lawyers in America’ Honors 287 Jackson Walker Attorneys in 2024 Edition, Including 12 “Lawyers of the Year” and 80 “Ones to Watch”
The Best Lawyers in America has recognized 287 Jackson Walker attorneys across 5 offices and 82 specialty practice areas in its 2024 edition, including 12 Lawyers of the Year and 80 Ones to Watch. In this yearâs guide, Jackson Walker saw the largest number of attorneys in the areas of Commercial Litigation (66 attorneys) and Real Estate Law (60 attorneys) and the addition of 35 attorneys as Best Lawyers.
Attorney News • August 17, 2023
Jackson Walker Congratulates Its 64 “Texas Super Lawyers” of 2022
Each year, less than 5% of attorneys in Texas are named to the list. Selection is based off of peer nominations that are then reviewed by a research team. Each nominee is evaluated on his or her professional accomplishments, peer recognition, and community involvement.
Attorney News • September 21, 2022
‘The Best Lawyers in America’ Honors 214 Jackson Walker Attorneys in 2023 Edition, Including 11 “Lawyers of the Year” and 41 “Ones to Watch”
The Best Lawyers in America has recognized 214 Jackson Walker attorneys across 6 offices and 79 specialty practice areas in its 2023 edition, including 11 Lawyers of the Year and 41 Ones to Watch. Best Lawyers listings are based on an exhaustive peer review survey of thousands of attorneys who vote on the legal abilities of others in their practice areas.
Attorney News • August 18, 2022
Jackson Walker Congratulates Its 57 “Texas Super Lawyers” of 2021
Each year, less than 5% of attorneys in Texas are named to the list. Selection is based off of peer nominations that are then reviewed by a research team. Each nominee is evaluated on his or her professional accomplishments, peer recognition, and community involvement.
Attorney News • September 22, 2021
‘The Best Lawyers in America’ Honors 178 Jackson Walker Attorneys in 2022 Edition, Including 8 “Lawyers of the Year” and 31 “Ones to Watch”
The Best Lawyers in America has recognized 178 Jackson Walker attorneys across 6 offices and 67 specialty practice areas in its 2022 edition, including 8 Lawyers of the Year and 31 Ones to Watch. Best Lawyers listings are based on an exhaustive peer review survey of thousands of attorneys who vote on the legal abilities of others in their practice areas.
Attorney News • August 19, 2021
âThe Best Lawyers in Americaâ Honors 164 Jackson Walker Attorneys in 2021 Edition, Including 9 âLawyers of the Yearâ and 25 “Ones to Watch”
Jackson Walker congratulates the 164 attorneys who were selected by their peers as Best Lawyers, including 9 Lawyers of the Year and 25 Ones to Watch, across 6 offices and 66 specialty practice areas.
Attorney News • August 20, 2020
Joe Regan and Adam Plumbley Boost Trial & Appellate Litigation Practice in Fort Worth
With backgrounds focused on energy and eminent domain, Joseph P. Regan and Adam L. Plumbley expand the scope of the Chambers USA-ranked Trial & Appellate Litigation practice to handle eminent domain and real property disputes, primarily involving pipelines.
Attorney News • May 6, 2019
Best Lawyers in America Recognizes 98 Jackson Walker Attorneys
Best Lawyers listings are based on an exhaustive peer review survey of thousands of attorneys who vote on the legal abilities of others in their practice areas. For over three decades, recognition in Best Lawyers has been regarded by both clients and legal professionals as a significant honor, since an attorney cannot pay to be listed.
Attorney News • August 16, 2018
53 Jackson Walker Attorneys Named to 2017 “Texas Super Lawyers” List
Thomson Reuters has named 53 Jackson Walker attorneys to its 2017 âTexas Super Lawyersâ list. According to Thomson Reuters, the list recognizes a âcredible, comprehensive and diverseâ selection of âoutstanding attorneys,â and serves as a resource for those in search of legal counsel.
Attorney News • September 6, 2017
Best Lawyers in America Recognizes 94 Jackson Walker Attorneys
The Best Lawyers in America, a widely regarded guide to legal excellence, has recognized 94 Jackson Walker attorneys in its 2018 edition. Best Lawyers listings are based on an exhaustive peer review survey of thousands of attorneys who vote on the legal abilities of others in their practice areas.
Attorney News • August 15, 2017
Recognition & Accolades
- The Best Lawyers in America (Woodward/White Inc.), 2007-2026
- Lawyer of the Year â Austin, Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law, 2024
- Commercial Litigation, 2007-2026
- Construction Law, 2010-2011, 2015-2026
- Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law, 2013-2026
- Litigation â Construction, 2012, 2014-2026
- Texas Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers by Thomson Reuters, 2017-2019, 2021-2025
Publications & Speeches
- “Ethics: Tips and Traps for the Eminent Domain Practitioner,” American Law Institute (January 2016)
- “Procedural and Evidentiary Issues in a Condemnation Case,” CLE International (March 2014)
- “Strategies to Optimize Real property Acquisition, Relocation Assistance, and Property Management Practices,” NCHRP Transportation Research Board of The National Academies (November 2013)
- “The Intersection Between Texas Condemnation Law and Water Rights,” Texas Bar CLE (February 2012)
- “Power Lines: Condemnation Issues And The Competitive Renewable Energy Zones,” CLE International, February 2011
- “Utility Right of Way/Easement Issues,” Texas Public Power Association (July 2010)
- “Condemnation Proceedings Public Purpose and Changes to Eminent Domain Law,” Texas Rural Water Association (March 2010)
- “Utility Issues, What Juries Can Hear and Not Hear in a Condemnation Case,” CLE International (February 2010)
- “Eminent Domain Issues in Water Resources Management,” Texas Water Law Institute (December 2008)
- “The Use Of Eminent Domain In Water Resources Management,” TRWA/TWCA Water Law Seminar (January 2007)
- “Utility Condemnation: Issues Commonly Arising in Texas Utility Condemnations,” CLE International (February 2005)
- “Condemnation of Groundwater Rights Under the Texas Property Code,” University of Texas Law School (November 2004)
- “Survey of Recent Eminent Domain Opinions,” CLE International (February & October 2004)
- “Issues on Modification and Apportionment of Easements: the Krohn Case and Other Recent Developments,” CLE International (February 2003)
- “Securing Pipeline Rights of Way by Condemnation, Eminent Domain,” Texas Bar CLE and Advanced Oil, Gas & Energy Resources Law Course (October 2002)
- “Recent Developments from the Texas Appellate Courts: Focus on Proper Appraisal Methods,” CLE International (February 2002)
- “Easements Within Easements,” International Right-of-Way Association (August 2001)
- “Powerline Corridors and Acquisition of Fiber Optic Rights,” International Right-of-Way Association (August 2000)
- “Overview: Basis and Development of Condemnation Power,” CLE International (1999)
- “Preparation and Trial of Cases Involving Subcontractors and Material Suppliers,” 5th Annual Construction Law Conference (February 1992)
Community Involvement
- Colorado River Alliance
- Board of Directors
- Executive Committee
- McDonald Observatory, Board of Visitors
- Tributary League, Founding Member