Government Relations & Public Policy
Effective state representation is about relationships and cultivating trust.
The Jackson Walker Legislative team knows the key players under the dome, but more importantly, they know us. Our Legislative teamâs reputation is unparalleled and the team has longstanding relationships with the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Speaker of the House, Comptroller, Agriculture Commissioner, the Railroad Commissioners, and key members of the Texas House and Senate. Jackson Walker knows the importance of maintaining current relationships and forming new ones to accomplish goals set by our clients. In short, this team knows state government and the people who make it work. Our experience and relationships protect and advance the interests of our clients in their business endeavors.
Our Legacy
Jackson Walker has been engaged in Texas politics since the early 1900s, and our involvement has continued throughout the firmâs history, with several of our partners and lobbyists regularly involved in legislative initiatives. In addition to the firmâs longstanding record of legislative success, Jackson Walkerâs service to its clients is unparalleled among law firms in the state.
Our Legislative section is comprised of professionals with varied experience serving clients in diverse industries such as agriculture, energy, healthcare, and public utilities. These attorneys and lobbyists have significant experience representing clients before state and federal agencies and the Texas State Legislature regarding development of new legislation, responses to legislation that would disrupt or end current practices, and regulatory compliance.
Our current Legislative team has over 145 years of combined experience practicing before regulatory agencies and the Texas Legislature. We have a professional history of representing businesses and associations, and have coordinated efforts with private consultants, representatives of government agencies, elected officials and staff as a method of achieving goals and objectives for clients. We are skilled at building statewide coalitions of stakeholders to achieve consensus and make progress on complicated issues. Furthermore, we have been public servants and active members of our community.
Our relationships with members of the legislative and executive branches of state government are both personal and professional, and we have a solid reputation for implementing winning strategies, as well as thoroughly understanding the intricacies of the legislative process, working with leaders of both major political parties, and finding solutions where others only see problems.
Environmental and Energy Policy
Attorneys and lobbyists throughout Jackson Walkerâs statewide offices have significant experience serving the environmental needs of clients in a broad range of industries.
- Power generation technology â Assisted in the drafting and passage of several pieces of legislation, the net result of which is the most comprehensive financial and regulatory incentive package in the nation for new electric power generation technology and related carbon dioxide storage projects, including enhanced oil recovery projects.
- Steel manufacturing and recycling â Passed targeted legislative initiatives to ease the compliance costs for members of the steel manufacturing and recycling industries, as well as the mining and reclamation industries.
- Advanced biofuels â Preserved key incentives and developed market protection mechanisms for the biodiesel industry and worked in concert with key statewide elected officials to establish the Texas Bioenergy Policy and Research Councils.
- Renewable energy â Preserved and extended key incentive programs essential to the continued growth of the renewable energy industry in Texas. We also assisted in the drafting and passage of a first-of-its-kind grant program for electricity storage projects related to renewable energy that could pave the way for utility scale solar energy projects and further expansion of Texas wind energy.
- Special utility districts â Drafted and assisted in the passage of legislation to create special utility districts, including one of the largest, geographically, in the state.
Healthcare
Jackson Walkerâs healthcare lobbying team has over 40 years of experience dealing with an ever-changing healthcare landscape in Texas. Our experience includes:
- Legislative and Regulatory Issues â Representing client interests on matters pending before the Texas Legislature and various state and federal regulatory agencies; resolving regulatory and legislative issues with the Texas Health and Human Services Enterprise agencies, and the Sunset Advisory Commission on behalf of healthcare providers, healthcare trade and professional associations, and higher education; providing guidance and counsel during an agencyâs rulemaking process.
- Medicare and Medicaid â Advising healthcare clients on Medicaid reimbursement and billing issues and hospital financing issues; assisted clients in contract negotiations and management.
- State Appropriations Process â Advising clients on and during the interim legislative appropriations request process; guiding clients through the stateâs biennial budget process during session, including drafting and submission of budget riders and agency funding requests.
- Healthcare Workforce Issues â Representing client interests before the Legislature and various healthcare licensing bodies on issues related to clinical practice and education of healthcare professionals in Texas.
Public Utilities
The Legislative sectionâs experience includes service to public utilities such as electric, water, and wastewater.
- Rulemaking â Evaluated rule proposals, drafted comments and reply comments, and coordinated meetings with Commissioners and Public Utility Commission (PUC) of Texas staff regarding rule proposals, and oral presentations on rulemaking matters.
- Administrative Proceedings â Represented clients in administrative proceedings and consultations concerning creation and permitting of water and wastewater utilities, including transfers of permits and certificates issued by TCEQ, rate cases, defense of permit violations, and other enforcement proceedings before TCEQ.
Jackson Walker Represents Novaria Group in Completing Six Acquisitions in Seven Months
Novaria Group, a leading manufacturer of specialty hardware, components, and coatings for the aerospace and defense industries, recently completed its acquisition of STROCO Manufacturing, Inc. This deal marks the sixth acquisition Novaria has announced from December of 2021 through July of 2022, taking place after its successful acquisitions of FMi Chemical, Hohman Plating, Advanced Coating, Hydro Fitting, and GK Mechanical Systems.
Client Results • September 27, 2022
Jackson Walker Client Southern States Energy Board (SSEB) Secures Funding to Accelerate Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS) Through Texas-Based Commercialization Center
The Office of Fossil Energy and Jackson Walker client Southern States Energy Board (SSEB) have announced the award of funds to the University of Houstonâs Center for Carbon Management in Energy to accelerate clean coal and carbon management technologies, with emphasis on CCUS from coal and gas-fired power plants in conjunction with the utilization of the captured carbon dioxide in Texas enhanced oil recovery (EOR) projects.
Client Results • September 25, 2020
Union Pacific Begins Brazos Yard Construction in Texas
Years of planning and negotiating are finally paying off as Union Pacific begins construction on a $550 million, 1875-acre rail yard in Robertson County, Texas. Brazos Yard, named for the valley where it is located, will showcase best practices in operating efficiency, technology, and innovation.
Client Results • February 2, 2018
Jackson Walker Represents NuStar Energy L.P. in a $100+ Million Deal Involving NuStar’s Acquisition of Crude Oil and Refined Product Terminal Assets from Martin Midstream Partners
Stephanie Chandler successfully negotiated on behalf of NuStar Energy L.P. the acquisition of terminal assets with the capacity for 1.15 million barrels of total storage from Martin Midstream Partners L.P. for approximately $93 million in net proceeds, as well as over $14 million in reimbursements, prepaid items, and previously paid cash payments.
Client Results • November 7, 2016
Jackson Walker Represents Energy Spectrum Partners VII, LP in Equity Commitment
On Sept. 23, 2015, Bluewing Midstream LLC announced that it had secured an initial equity commitment of $100 million from Energy Spectrum Partners VII, LP and members of the Bluewing management team.
Client Results • September 28, 2015
Jackson Walker Represents Mockingbird Midstream Gas Services in Purchase of Eagle Ford Shale Assets
Jackson Walker successfully represented Mockingbird Midstream Gas Services, L.L.C., an affiliate of The Williams Companies Inc., in its acquisition of midstream gathering assets in the Eagle Ford Shale play from EOG Resources, Inc
Client Results • August 13, 2015
Jackson Walker Represents Startex Oil & Gas in Joint Development Agreement
Jackson Walker successfully represented Stratex Oil & Gas Holdings, Inc. in a Joint Development Agreement with Eagle Oil & Gas Co. and Eagle Dodge City Partners, LP involving 35,000 acres in the Mississippian Lime, a significant shale play on the border of Kansas and Oklahoma.
Client Results • September 17, 2014
Jackson Walker Represents Owners of Knox Oil Field Supply in Acquisition by Applied Industrial Technologies
Jackson Walker successfully represented the owners of Knox Oil Field Supply, Inc. in the company’s recent acquisition by Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: AIT).
Client Results • July 7, 2014
How Companies can Protect their Rights to IEEPA-based Tariff Refunds
By Dyana Mardon, Cameron A. Secord, and Robert L. Soza
On February 20, 2026, the Supreme Court ruled (6-3) that IEEPA does not allow the President to impose tariffs. See our prior publication on this decision here: Supreme Court Rules IEEPA Does Not Authorize Tariffs. The majority explained that imposing tariffs is a core power reserved for Congress, and while IEEPA allows the President to “regulateâŚimportation,” it does not include the power to tax or impose tariffs.
Insights • March 12, 2026
Supreme Court Rules IEEPA Does Not Authorize Tariffs
By Dyana Mardon, Cameron A. Secord, and Robert L. Soza
On Friday, February 20, the Supreme Court in Learning Resources, Inc. v. Trump held that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) does not authorize the President to impose tariffs. The decision resolves consolidated challenges to certain IEEPA based tariffsâincluding a 25% duty on most Canadian and Mexican imports, 10â20% on Chinese imports, and a baseline 10% “reciprocal” tariff on all trading partners.
Insights • February 21, 2026
âCap Chat Texasâ Podcast Interviews Jackson Walker Partner Denise Rose
Jackson Walker partner Denise Rose joined hosts Stephanie Chiarello and David Mintz on the Cap Chat Texas podcast to discuss the journey of her career from aspiring doctor to lawyer and lobbyist.
Mentions • February 20, 2026
Denise Rose Appointed to Texas Womanâs University Speakers Bureau
Jackson Walker is proud to announce that partner Denise Rose has been appointed to the Texas Womanâs University Center for Women in Government (CWG) Speakers Bureau, housed within the Jane Nelson Institute for Womenâs Leadership.
Attorney News • October 24, 2025
USLege Names Denise Rose Among “Top Hired Gun Lobbyists of the Year”
Jackson Walker announces that Denise Rose, Chair of the Government Relations & Public Policy practice group, has been named to USLegeâs Top Hired Gun Lobbyists of the Year as part of its 2025 Best in Government Affairs Awards.
Attorney News • October 21, 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
Travis Wussow to Present CLE on “Loper Bright, the End of Chevron Deference, and the Regulatory Environment”
Jackson Walker partner Travis Wussow will be delivering a CLE presentation titled âLoper Bright, the End of Chevron Deference, and the Regulatory Environment.â This presentation is part of the Texas General Counsel Forum’s statewide virtual CLE program.
Speaking Engagements • April 28, 2025
‘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
