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 Walker’s Eminent Domain section firmwide. He has more than 30 years’ 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.), 2007-2025
- Lawyer of the Year – Austin, Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law, 2024
- Commercial Litigation, 2007-2025
- Construction Law, 2010-2011, 2015-2025
- Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law, 2013-2025
- Litigation – Construction, 2012, 2014-2025
- Texas Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers by Thomson Reuters, 2017-2019, 2021-2024
- “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
September 17, 2024
Attorney News
Jackson Walker Congratulates Its “Texas Super Lawyers” of 2024
Jackson Walker proudly announces the selection of 71 attorneys to Thomson Reuters’ 2024 “Texas Super Lawyers” 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.
August 15, 2024
Attorney News
‘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 year’s 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.
February 1, 2024
Attorney News
Tyler Wallach Joins Trial & Appellate Litigation Practice in Fort Worth
Jackson Walker is pleased to welcome Tyler Wallach as senior counsel in the Trial & Appellate Litigation practice of the Fort Worth office.
September 19, 2023
Attorney News
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.
August 17, 2023
Attorney News
‘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 year’s 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.
September 21, 2022
Attorney News
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.
August 18, 2022
Attorney News
‘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.
September 22, 2021
Attorney News
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.
August 19, 2021
Attorney News
‘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.
Recognition & Accolades
- The Best Lawyers in America (Woodward/White Inc.), 2007-2025
- Lawyer of the Year – Austin, Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law, 2024
- Commercial Litigation, 2007-2025
- Construction Law, 2010-2011, 2015-2025
- Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law, 2013-2025
- Litigation – Construction, 2012, 2014-2025
- Texas Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers by Thomson Reuters, 2017-2019, 2021-2024
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