William S. Dahlstrom
Practice Areas
Experience
- Digital Infrastructure & Data Centers
- Energy Land Use & Municipal Law
- Land Use & Municipal Law
- Public-Private Partnerships
- Zoning & Land Use Incentives
“William Dahlstrom offers strength handling the zoning aspects of hotel, mixed-use, and office projects for his developer clients. One client noted, 'He is a very fine lawyer.'”
— Chambers USA
Biography
William “Bill” Dahlstrom combines the practical knowledge learned as a professional land planner with his legal training to provide a most unique approach to land use matters. He focuses his practice on all areas of land use and incorporates a planning problem solving process in land use and land development issues.
Bill has spoken at numerous seminars on land use law, including programs at the University of Texas School of Law Land Use Law Conference, State Bar of Texas Advance Real Estate Law Course, PESI Land Use Law Seminar, CLE Eminent Domain Conference, TXAPA Conferences, The Institute for Local Government Studies Short Course.
Education
B.U.P., University of Cincinnati, College of Design, Architecture, Art & Planning
J.D., University of Texas School of Law
Professional Designation
Fellow, College of the American Institute of Certified Planners (FAICP)
Bar Admissions
Texas
Land Use Areas
- Zoning
- Subdivision
- Annexation
- Economic development
- Development agreements
- Signage
- Ordinance drafting
- Transportation
- Comprehensive planning
- Utilities
- Special districts
- Development fees
- Conservation
- Master planned developments
- Chambers USA: Americaâs Leading Lawyers for Business, Ranked for Real Estate: Zoning/Land Use â Texas, 2016-2025
- The Best Lawyers in America (Woodward/White Inc.), 2006-2026
- Lawyer of the Year â Dallas/Fort Worth, Land Use and Zoning Law, 2016, 2018, 2025
- Lawyer of the Year â Dallas/Fort Worth, Litigation â Land Use and Zoning, 2017, 2019, 2022
- Land Use and Zoning Law, 2007-2026
- Litigation â Land Use and Zoning, 2011-2026
- Real Estate Law, 2006-2026
- Texas Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers by Thomson Reuters, 2007-2016, 2019-2020, 2023-2024
- “Best Lawyers in Dallas” List, D Magazine, 2008-2009, 2011-2025
- The Lawdragon 500 Leading Global Real Estate Lawyers (Real Estate, Land Use), 2024-2025
- Named to Hall of Fame for ranking as a “Best Lawyer in Dallas” for 15+ years, D Magazine, 2022
- Presidentâs Award, Texas Chapter of the American Planning Association, 1991
- Associate Professor of the Practice, College of Architecture at Texas A&M University, 2022
- Speaker, âGetting in the Zone: Texas Land Use Fundamentals and Legislative Updates,â Collin County Bar Association (Febraury 2026)
- Guest Lecturer, âTexas Land Use Fundamentals,â SMU Cox School of Business (March 2026)
- American Planning Association
- Former Board Member, Texas Chapter
- Former Chair, Texas Planning and Law Division
- American Institute of Certified Planners
- College of the American Institute of Certified Planners (FAICP), Fellow
- UT Law Land Use Conference and Fundamentals, Planning Committee and Conference Faculty
- The Real Estate Council
- Urban Land Institute, Member
- Greater Dallas Home Builders Association, 2000-2006
- Connemara Conservation Foundation, Former Member Advisory Board of Directors
- Greater Dallas Planning Council, Former Board Member
- Board of Directors for the Dallas Habitat for Humanity, Former Board Member
- Ursuline Academy of Dallas, Board Member, 2008-2014
Lawdragon Recognizes Six Jackson Walker Attorneys in 2025 List of 500 Leading Global Real Estate Lawyers
Jackson Walker is pleased to announce the selection of Priya Coffey, Bill Dahlstrom, Suzan Kedron, Brad Lowry, Travis McNellie, and Alfie Meyerson to the second annual âLawdragon 500 Leading Global Real Estate Lawyersâ list.
Attorney News • September 2, 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
Chambers and Partners Releases 2025 USA Guide Featuring 79 Jackson Walker Attorneys and 28 Ranked Departments
Jackson Walker is pleased to announce that Chambers and Partners has selected 79 attorneys and 28 departments for inclusion in the 2025 edition of the Global and USA guides. Attorneys were ranked across 29 departments, with 4 attorneys listed among multiple areas, 9 ranked nationwide in their respective areas, and 12 recognized for the first time.
Spotlight • June 5, 2025
Jackson Walker Congratulates 21 Attorneys Named Among 2025 “Best Lawyers in Dallas”
Jackson Walker congratulates the 21 attorneys recognized among D Magazineâs list of the âBest Lawyers in Dallasâ for 2025. For recognition in the list, Dallas attorneys must be nominated by their peers on the basis that they offer unmatched counsel in one of 40 categories.
Attorney News • April 25, 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
Six Jackson Walker Attorneys Named to Lawdragonâs List of 500 Leading Global Real Estate Lawyers
Jackson Walker is pleased to announce the selection of Priya Coffey, William Dahlstrom, L Suzan Kedron, C. Bradford Lowry, Travis McNellie, and Alfred Meyerson to the first-ever âLawdragon 500 Leading Global Real Estate Lawyersâ list.
Attorney News • August 12, 2024
Chambers and Partners Releases 2024 USA Guide Featuring 67 Jackson Walker Attorneys and 23 Ranked Departments
Jackson Walker is pleased to announce that Chambers and Partners has selected 67 attorneys and 23 departments for inclusion in the 2024 edition of the Global and USA guides. Attorneys were ranked across 27 departments, with 3 attorneys listed among multiple areas, 8 ranked nationwide in their respective areas, and 15 recognized for the first time.
Spotlight • June 6, 2024
Jackson Walker Congratulates 23 Attorneys Named Among 2024 “Best Lawyers in Dallas” List
Jackson Walker congratulates the 23 attorneys recognized among D Magazineâs list of the âBest Lawyers in Dallasâ for 2024. For recognition in the list, Dallas attorneys must be nominated by their peers on the basis that they offer unmatched counsel in one of 40 categories.
Attorney News • April 19, 2024
William Dahlstrom to Serve on Planning Committee for 28th Annual UT School of Law Land Use Conference; Leonard Dougal to Present on âPractical Water Law Considerationsâ
Jackson Walker partner William âBillâ Dahlstrom served on the planning committee for The University of Texas School of Lawâs 28th Annual Land Use Conference. Additionally, Jackson Walker partner Leonard H. Dougal will be a presenter on Friday, April 5.
Speaking Engagements • March 8, 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
Chambers and Partners Recognizes Jackson Walker Attorneys and Practices in 2023 USA and Global Guides
Jackson Walker is pleased to announce that Chambers and Partners has selected 51 attorneys and 17 departments for inclusion in the 2023 edition of the Global and USA guides. Attorneys recognized in the guides were ranked in 19 practice areas, with 4 attorneys listed among multiple areas and 6 named among the top attorneys nationwide in their respective areas.
Spotlight • June 1, 2023
Jackson Walker Congratulates 24 Attorneys Named Among 2023 “Best Lawyers in Dallas” List
Jackson Walker congratulates the 24 attorneys recognized among D Magazineâs list of the âBest Lawyers in Dallasâ for 2023. For recognition in the list, Dallas attorneys must be nominated by their peers on the basis that they offer unmatched counsel in one of 40 categories.
Attorney News • April 25, 2023
‘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
Chambers and Partners Recognizes Jackson Walker Attorneys and Practices in 2022 USA and Global Guides
Jackson Walker is pleased to announce that Chambers and Partners has selected 48 attorneys and 16 departments for inclusion in the 2022 edition of the Global and USA guides.
Spotlight • June 1, 2022
Jackson Walker Congratulates 21 Attorneys Named Among 2022 “Best Lawyers in Dallas” List
Jackson Walker congratulates the 21 attorneys recognized among D Magazineâs list of the âBest Lawyers in Dallasâ for 2022. For recognition in the list, Dallas attorneys must be nominated by their peers on the basis that they offer unmatched counsel in one of 40 categories.
Attorney News • April 25, 2022
‘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
Chambers and Partners Recognizes Jackson Walker Attorneys and Practices in 2021 USA and Global Guides
Jackson Walker is pleased to announce that Chambers and Partners has selected 41 attorneys and 14 departments for inclusion in the 2021 edition of the Global and USA guides.
Spotlight • May 20, 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
‘D Magazine’ Lists 20 Jackson Walker Attorneys Among Best Lawyers in Dallas 2020
Twenty Jackson Walker attorneys were recognized in the âBest Lawyers in Dallas 2020â list by D Magazine, one of the premier publications in the city of Dallas. To be recognized in the list, attorneys must be nominated by their peers on the basis that they offer unmatched counsel in one of 40 categories.
Attorney News • April 24, 2020
Chambers and Partners Recognizes Jackson Walker Attorneys and Practices in 2020 USA and Global Guides
Jackson Walker is pleased to announce that Chambers and Partners has selected 30 attorneys and nine practice areas for inclusion in the 2020 edition of the Global and USA guides.
Spotlight • April 23, 2020
Bill was named as a Fellow in the College of the American Institute of Certified Planners in 2014. Bill was also a former Adjunct Faculty Member for âLegal Issues in Sustainable Developmentâ at the Southern Methodist University-Lyle School of Engineering.
Practice Experience
Land Use Areas
- Zoning
- Subdivision
- Annexation
- Economic development
- Development agreements
- Signage
- Ordinance drafting
- Transportation
- Comprehensive planning
- Utilities
- Special districts
- Development fees
- Conservation
- Master planned developments
Recognition & Accolades
- Chambers USA: Americaâs Leading Lawyers for Business, Ranked for Real Estate: Zoning/Land Use â Texas, 2016-2025
- The Best Lawyers in America (Woodward/White Inc.), 2006-2026
- Lawyer of the Year â Dallas/Fort Worth, Land Use and Zoning Law, 2016, 2018, 2025
- Lawyer of the Year â Dallas/Fort Worth, Litigation â Land Use and Zoning, 2017, 2019, 2022
- Land Use and Zoning Law, 2007-2026
- Litigation â Land Use and Zoning, 2011-2026
- Real Estate Law, 2006-2026
- Texas Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers by Thomson Reuters, 2007-2016, 2019-2020, 2023-2024
- “Best Lawyers in Dallas” List, D Magazine, 2008-2009, 2011-2025
- The Lawdragon 500 Leading Global Real Estate Lawyers (Real Estate, Land Use), 2024-2025
- Named to Hall of Fame for ranking as a “Best Lawyer in Dallas” for 15+ years, D Magazine, 2022
- Presidentâs Award, Texas Chapter of the American Planning Association, 1991
- Associate Professor of the Practice, College of Architecture at Texas A&M University, 2022
Publications & Speeches
- Speaker, âGetting in the Zone: Texas Land Use Fundamentals and Legislative Updates,â Collin County Bar Association (Febraury 2026)
- Guest Lecturer, âTexas Land Use Fundamentals,â SMU Cox School of Business (March 2026)
Community Involvement
- American Planning Association
- Former Board Member, Texas Chapter
- Former Chair, Texas Planning and Law Division
- American Institute of Certified Planners
- College of the American Institute of Certified Planners (FAICP), Fellow
- UT Law Land Use Conference and Fundamentals, Planning Committee and Conference Faculty
- The Real Estate Council
- Urban Land Institute, Member
- Greater Dallas Home Builders Association, 2000-2006
- Connemara Conservation Foundation, Former Member Advisory Board of Directors
- Greater Dallas Planning Council, Former Board Member
- Board of Directors for the Dallas Habitat for Humanity, Former Board Member
- Ursuline Academy of Dallas, Board Member, 2008-2014
Career Highlight
Bill was named as a Fellow in the College of the American Institute of Certified Planners in 2014. Bill was also a former Adjunct Faculty Member for âLegal Issues in Sustainable Developmentâ at the Southern Methodist University-Lyle School of Engineering.