Adam L. Plumbley
Practice Areas
Experience
- Condemnation & Eminent Domain
- Condemnation & Eminent Domain Litigation
- Real Estate Litigation
- Upstream Oil & Gas
Biography
Adam Plumbley is a trial and appellate litigation attorney in Jackson Walker’s Fort Worth office representing oil and gas producers, common carriers, utilities, and midstream companies in all aspects of energy litigation, condemnation and eminent domain, and real property disputes, as well as general commercial litigation, including product liability and financial services.
Adam represents common carriers and utilities in the acquisition of land and right-of-way, by eminent domain if necessary, for the installation, construction, and maintenance of midstream facilities, including pipelines, stations, and other related appurtenances. His eminent domain practice includes representation from survey access and easement negotiations through serving as trial counsel. Throughout his career, Adam has handled hundreds of eminent domain matters for utilities and common carrier pipelines and has tried multiple jury trials on eminent domain cases in counties across Texas. Adam also represents numerous oil and gas operators and midstream companies impacted by expansion projects by the Texas Department of Transportation and municipalities.
In his trial and appellate work, Adam represents clients in numerous types of disputes, including those related to title, access to land, nuisance issues, and obligations to pay oil and gas royalties.
Education
B.A., magna cum laude, Texas Christian University
J.D., cum laude, Texas Wesleyan University School of Law (Now known as Texas A&M University School of Law)
- Editor in Chief, Texas Wesleyan Law Review
Bar Admissions
Texas
Court Admissions
U.S. District Court for the Northern and Western Districts of Texas
Eminent Domain/Real Property Litigation
Adam’s eminent domain experience includes representation from survey access and easement negotiations through serving as trial counsel. Adam also assists clients on injunctive relief and encroachment issues. Adam has tried multiple jury trials on eminent domain cases.
Representative Matters:
- Eminent domain and transactional counsel for multi-county segments of a 790-mile joint venture natural gas liquids (NGL) pipeline from the Permian Basin to a fractionation facility in Mont Belvieu, Texas, including properties located in Reeves, Ward, Pecos, Midland, Glasscock, Sterling, Mitchell, Nolan, Taylor, Callahan, Eastland, Erath, Somervell, Hood, and Johnson counties
- Eminent domain and transactional counsel for a five-county Texas segment of an approximately 125-mile interstate transmission NGL pipeline from the Red River to facilities in Johnson County, Texas, including properties located in Montague, Wise, Parker, Hood and Johnson counties
- Eminent domain and transactional counsel for multi-county segments of a 650-mile crude oil pipeline from the Permian Basin to the Texas Gulf Coast, including Brown, Comanche, Hamilton, Coryell, McLennan, Bell, Falls, Milam, Robertson, Brazos, Grimes, Walker, Montgomery, San Jacinto, Liberty, Chambers, and Harris counties
- Eminent domain and transactional counsel for a three-county segment of 20-mile NGL pipeline located in Midland, Reagan, Glasscock, and Upton counties, 9-mile lateral NGL pipeline in Reagan County, and 2-mile and 20-mile lateral NGL pipelines in Culberson County
- Eminent domain counsel for gas utility assisting in condemnation, right-of-way acquisition, and installation of critical infrastructure throughout the Barnett Shale region, including Tarrant, Johnson, Denton, Parker, Ellis, Erath, and Bosque counties
- Eminent domain and transactional counsel for multi-county segments of a natural gas pipeline spanning roughly 500 miles from the Permian Basin to the Texas Gulf Coast, including Pecos, Crane, Upton, Reagan, Crockett, Val Verde, Kinney, Maverick, Zavala, Dimmitt, La Salle, McMullen, Duval, Jim Wells, and Nueces counties
- Eminent domain and transactional counsel for a 35-mile natural gas liquids pipeline through Upton, Reagan, and Glasscock counties
- Eminent domain counsel for a gas utility assisting in condemnation of right-of-way for the multi-phase replacement of an existing natural gas pipeline running from the Permian Basin to the DFW metropolitan area, including Nolan, Taylor and Callahan counties
- Represented oil and gas operator in defense of eminent domain highway expansion project by the Texas Department of Transportation in Tarrant County, Texas
- Represented developer through trial and appeal to establish an implied road dedication
- Represented pipeline company in defense of injunction lawsuit seeking to halt construction of billion-dollar, cross-Texas NGL pipeline
- Represented developer and water supply company in protection of easement rights and defense of drainage claims.
Energy Litigation
Adam serves as counsel to oil and gas producers in royalty, title, environmental, contractual, and numerous other types of disputes, including:
- Defense of royalty litigation, including class actions and large multi-district litigation;
- Joint operating and area of mutual interest disputes;
- Defense of lease termination and failure to develop cases;
- Defense/Prosecution of title disputes, trespass, and trespass to try title actions;
- Prosecution of regulatory takings cases against municipalities over oil and gas rights; and
- Defense of environmental, emissions, and nuisance claims.
Representative Matters:
- Handled the defense of an oil and gas producer in two separate, field-wide multi-district litigation proceedings concerning the alleged underpayment of royalties, which included allegations of fraud and sham sales to affiliated entities
- Represented an oil and gas producer in the prosecution of a subsurface trespass action regarding a trespass well drilled into acreage held as a part of a large secondary recovery unit
- Handled defense of trespass to try title action between two oil and gas interest owners pertaining to ownership of certain overriding royalty interests
- Represented organization of oil and gas producers in prosecution of a regulatory taking pertaining to a North Texas municipality’s implementation of an excessive fee related to the inspection of oil and gas wells
- Represented pipeline company in defense of nuisance suit by municipality pertaining to alleged emissions from a pipeline surface site and won same on summary judgment
General Commercial Litigation
Adam has also handled multiple litigation matters that cover a broad spectrum of commercial litigation, including:
- Defense of product liability, personal injury, and wrongful death cases for aerospace and small parts manufacturers;
- Defense of fiduciary litigation for financial institutions;
- Trial and arbitration of multiple construction disputes; and
- Trial and appeal of Texas Tort Claims Act matters.
- Legal 500 Elite: Energy Litigation & Transactions, 2025 (Inaugural Edition)
- The Best Lawyers in America (Woodward/White Inc.), Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law, 2023-2026
- Texas Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers by Thomson Reuters, 2021-2025
- Texas Rising Star, Super Lawyers â Rising Stars by Thomson Reuters, 2017-2020
- Tarrant County’s Top Attorneys, Fort Worth, Texas, 2012 and 2018
- “Top Attorneys” List, 360 West Magazine, 2017-2018, 2021, 2025
- Eminent Domain, 2017-2018, 2021, 2025
- Oil & Gas, 2017
- Aviation, Admiralty, Maritime, and Transportation, 2017
- “Top Attorneys” List, Fort Worth Magazine, 2013-2020, 2022-2024
- Eminent Domain, 2020
- Commercial Litigation, 2019, 2022
- Oil & Gas, 2013-2014, 2016-2018, 2023
- Civil Litigation, 2013
- Probate, Estates, Trust, 2024
- Speaker, “ESG and the Near Term Impact to the Energy Industry,” Jackson Walker and Echo Productions Webinar (June 2021)
- Speaker, “Condemnation & Pipelines,” 22nd Annual Permian Basin Oil & Gas Law Seminar (Midland, Texas; March 2020)
- Tarrant County Bar Association
- Echo Productions, Board of Directors
- Eldon Mahon Inn of Court
- March of Dimes Fort Worth Division, Board of Directors, 2011-2013
- Ladder Alliance, Board of Directors, 2007-2011
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
Nineteen Jackson Walker Attorneys Recognized by â360 West Magazineâ as Top Fort Worth Lawyers in 2025
Jackson Walker is proud to celebrate 19 attorneys recognized as 2025 âTop Attorneysâ by 360 West Magazine for their outstanding work across Fort Worthâs legal community. Congratulations to all the honorees!
Attorney News • July 21, 2025
âFort Worth Magazineâ Lists 27 Jackson Walker Attorneys Among the âTop Attorneysâ of 2024
Jackson Walker is pleased to announce the selection of 27 Fort Worth-based attorneys to Fort Worth Magazineâs âTop Attorneysâ list for 2024. To be selected for inclusion, attorneys with an active license and who practice within the Tarrant County area must be nominated by their peers within the region. The list of nominees then goes through a ârigorous panel review to assure the highest of quality is met.â
Attorney News • December 20, 2024
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
‘Fort Worth Magazine’ Lists 16 Jackson Walker Attorneys Among the “Top Attorneys” of 2023
Jackson Walker is pleased to announce the selection of 16 Fort Worth-based attorneys to Fort Worth Magazineâs âTop Attorneysâ list for 2023. To be selected for inclusion, attorneys with an active license and who practice within the Tarrant County area must be nominated by their peers within the region. The list of nominees then goes through a ârigorous panel review to assure the highest of quality is met.â
Attorney News • December 12, 2023
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
Jackson Walker Congratulates the Fort Worth Attorneys Named to the “Top Attorneys 2021” List in ‘360 West Magazine’
Jackson Walker is pleased to announce the selection of 15 Fort Worth-based attorneys to 360 West Magazineâs âTop Attorneysâ list for 2021. To be selected for inclusion, attorneys with an active license and who practice within the Tarrant County area can nominate up to three attorneys in 44 specialty areas who reflect relevant practice areas in the region.
Attorney News • August 25, 2021
Labor & Employment Dispatch: July 2021
The June 2021 issue of Jackson Walker’s Labor & Employment Dispatch features insights on President Biden’s antitrust executive order, the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act, the 87th Texas Legislature, new guidance on PrEP coverage and retirement plans, the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Regional Center Program, ransomware attacks, and more.
Newsletters • July 27, 2021
“Global Perspectives on ESG: Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance Around the World”
Thursday, July 22, 2021 at 11.00 EDT âą 17.00 CEST âą 22.00 ICT
Join Globalaw for a webinar discussing opportunities associated with environmental, social and governance (ESG) and strategies to mitigate the key legal risks. Speakers include Kenneth Silverman at Olshan Frome Wolosky LLP, Adam Plumbley at Jackson Walker, Antoine Tremblay at Morency SociĂ©tĂ© d’avocats, and Leonardo BarĂ©m Leite at Almeida Advogados).
Webinars • July 22, 2021
âFort Worth Magazineâ Lists Nine Jackson Walker Attorneys Among the âTop Attorneysâ of 2020
Jackson Walker proudly announces the selection of nine Fort Worth-based attorneys to Fort Worth Magazineâs âTop Attorneysâ list for 2020. The full list will be released in the magazineâs December 2020 issue.
Attorney News • November 25, 2020
Jackson Walker Congratulates 30 Attorneys Listed Among 2020 âSuper Lawyers â Rising Starsâ List
Spanning five offices, six major practice areas, and experience ranging from six to 15 years, these 30 up-and-coming attorneys were selected based on peer recognition and professional achievement.
Attorney News • March 10, 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
Practice Experience
Eminent Domain/Real Property Litigation
Adam’s eminent domain experience includes representation from survey access and easement negotiations through serving as trial counsel. Adam also assists clients on injunctive relief and encroachment issues. Adam has tried multiple jury trials on eminent domain cases.
Representative Matters:
- Eminent domain and transactional counsel for multi-county segments of a 790-mile joint venture natural gas liquids (NGL) pipeline from the Permian Basin to a fractionation facility in Mont Belvieu, Texas, including properties located in Reeves, Ward, Pecos, Midland, Glasscock, Sterling, Mitchell, Nolan, Taylor, Callahan, Eastland, Erath, Somervell, Hood, and Johnson counties
- Eminent domain and transactional counsel for a five-county Texas segment of an approximately 125-mile interstate transmission NGL pipeline from the Red River to facilities in Johnson County, Texas, including properties located in Montague, Wise, Parker, Hood and Johnson counties
- Eminent domain and transactional counsel for multi-county segments of a 650-mile crude oil pipeline from the Permian Basin to the Texas Gulf Coast, including Brown, Comanche, Hamilton, Coryell, McLennan, Bell, Falls, Milam, Robertson, Brazos, Grimes, Walker, Montgomery, San Jacinto, Liberty, Chambers, and Harris counties
- Eminent domain and transactional counsel for a three-county segment of 20-mile NGL pipeline located in Midland, Reagan, Glasscock, and Upton counties, 9-mile lateral NGL pipeline in Reagan County, and 2-mile and 20-mile lateral NGL pipelines in Culberson County
- Eminent domain counsel for gas utility assisting in condemnation, right-of-way acquisition, and installation of critical infrastructure throughout the Barnett Shale region, including Tarrant, Johnson, Denton, Parker, Ellis, Erath, and Bosque counties
- Eminent domain and transactional counsel for multi-county segments of a natural gas pipeline spanning roughly 500 miles from the Permian Basin to the Texas Gulf Coast, including Pecos, Crane, Upton, Reagan, Crockett, Val Verde, Kinney, Maverick, Zavala, Dimmitt, La Salle, McMullen, Duval, Jim Wells, and Nueces counties
- Eminent domain and transactional counsel for a 35-mile natural gas liquids pipeline through Upton, Reagan, and Glasscock counties
- Eminent domain counsel for a gas utility assisting in condemnation of right-of-way for the multi-phase replacement of an existing natural gas pipeline running from the Permian Basin to the DFW metropolitan area, including Nolan, Taylor and Callahan counties
- Represented oil and gas operator in defense of eminent domain highway expansion project by the Texas Department of Transportation in Tarrant County, Texas
- Represented developer through trial and appeal to establish an implied road dedication
- Represented pipeline company in defense of injunction lawsuit seeking to halt construction of billion-dollar, cross-Texas NGL pipeline
- Represented developer and water supply company in protection of easement rights and defense of drainage claims.
Energy Litigation
Adam serves as counsel to oil and gas producers in royalty, title, environmental, contractual, and numerous other types of disputes, including:
- Defense of royalty litigation, including class actions and large multi-district litigation;
- Joint operating and area of mutual interest disputes;
- Defense of lease termination and failure to develop cases;
- Defense/Prosecution of title disputes, trespass, and trespass to try title actions;
- Prosecution of regulatory takings cases against municipalities over oil and gas rights; and
- Defense of environmental, emissions, and nuisance claims.
Representative Matters:
- Handled the defense of an oil and gas producer in two separate, field-wide multi-district litigation proceedings concerning the alleged underpayment of royalties, which included allegations of fraud and sham sales to affiliated entities
- Represented an oil and gas producer in the prosecution of a subsurface trespass action regarding a trespass well drilled into acreage held as a part of a large secondary recovery unit
- Handled defense of trespass to try title action between two oil and gas interest owners pertaining to ownership of certain overriding royalty interests
- Represented organization of oil and gas producers in prosecution of a regulatory taking pertaining to a North Texas municipality’s implementation of an excessive fee related to the inspection of oil and gas wells
- Represented pipeline company in defense of nuisance suit by municipality pertaining to alleged emissions from a pipeline surface site and won same on summary judgment
General Commercial Litigation
Adam has also handled multiple litigation matters that cover a broad spectrum of commercial litigation, including:
- Defense of product liability, personal injury, and wrongful death cases for aerospace and small parts manufacturers;
- Defense of fiduciary litigation for financial institutions;
- Trial and arbitration of multiple construction disputes; and
- Trial and appeal of Texas Tort Claims Act matters.
Recognition & Accolades
- Legal 500 Elite: Energy Litigation & Transactions, 2025 (Inaugural Edition)
- The Best Lawyers in America (Woodward/White Inc.), Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law, 2023-2026
- Texas Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers by Thomson Reuters, 2021-2025
- Texas Rising Star, Super Lawyers â Rising Stars by Thomson Reuters, 2017-2020
- Tarrant County’s Top Attorneys, Fort Worth, Texas, 2012 and 2018
- “Top Attorneys” List, 360 West Magazine, 2017-2018, 2021, 2025
- Eminent Domain, 2017-2018, 2021, 2025
- Oil & Gas, 2017
- Aviation, Admiralty, Maritime, and Transportation, 2017
- “Top Attorneys” List, Fort Worth Magazine, 2013-2020, 2022-2024
- Eminent Domain, 2020
- Commercial Litigation, 2019, 2022
- Oil & Gas, 2013-2014, 2016-2018, 2023
- Civil Litigation, 2013
- Probate, Estates, Trust, 2024
Publications & Speeches
- Speaker, “ESG and the Near Term Impact to the Energy Industry,” Jackson Walker and Echo Productions Webinar (June 2021)
- Speaker, “Condemnation & Pipelines,” 22nd Annual Permian Basin Oil & Gas Law Seminar (Midland, Texas; March 2020)
Community Involvement
- Tarrant County Bar Association
- Echo Productions, Board of Directors
- Eldon Mahon Inn of Court
- March of Dimes Fort Worth Division, Board of Directors, 2011-2013
- Ladder Alliance, Board of Directors, 2007-2011