Mc Ginnis Lochridge & Kilgore: Chris Oddo

For Texans, the concept of land and property rights runs deep. Our state is vast, and the growth and development within it often bring forth complex legal issues, particularly concerning eminent domain – the power of the government to take private property for public use. When facing such a situation, having a knowledgeable and dedicated legal advocate is not just an advantage; it’s a necessity. This article introduces you to Chris Oddo, a highly respected attorney specializing in eminent domain and condemnation matters, and the esteemed firm of Mc Ginnis Lochridge & Kilgore, a prominent name in the Texas legal community.

Chris Oddo is a partner at Mc Ginnis Lochridge & Kilgore, bringing a wealth of experience and a singular focus to representing landowners throughout Texas in eminent domain and inverse condemnation cases. His practice is exclusively dedicated to protecting the rights of individuals and corporations whose property is being acquired by governmental or quasi-governmental entities for public projects such as roads, highways, pipelines, power lines, and other infrastructure developments. Chris understands that these situations can be incredibly stressful and overwhelming for property owners, who often feel at a disadvantage when facing a government entity. His approach is rooted in ensuring that his clients receive fair compensation and that their rights are fully protected throughout the entire condemnation process. With a strong track record of successfully trying cases and achieving favorable outcomes, Chris Oddo is a trusted name for Texans seeking to navigate the challenging landscape of eminent domain law. He’s not just an attorney; he’s a zealous advocate committed to upholding property rights across the diverse regions of our state.

Mc Ginnis Lochridge & Kilgore, where Chris Oddo practices, is strategically located in the vibrant heart of Austin, Texas. Their office is situated at 600 Congress Ave. #2100, Austin, TX 78701, USA. This prime downtown Austin location offers excellent accessibility for clients from the city itself, the surrounding Central Texas area, and indeed, from any corner of the state. Being on Congress Avenue, a major thoroughfare, the office is easy to find, whether you are driving from nearby communities or traveling from other major Texas metropolitan areas like Houston, Dallas, or San Antonio. The firm's presence in the state capital is also advantageous, as eminent domain cases often involve interactions with state agencies and potentially the Texas Legislature, placing Chris Oddo and his team in an optimal position to advocate for their clients. The professional setting of their office ensures a comfortable and conducive environment for discussing sensitive legal matters.

Chris Oddo's practice at Mc Ginnis Lochridge & Kilgore is sharply focused on safeguarding the interests of property owners in a specific and critical area of law. His services are comprehensive, covering every stage of the eminent domain and condemnation process. Key services include:

• Eminent Domain and Condemnation Representation: This is the cornerstone of Chris Oddo's practice. He exclusively represents landowners (individuals and corporations) whose property is being sought for public use by condemning authorities. This involves everything from initial pre-offer planning and negotiations with the condemning entity to representing clients in special commissioner hearings.

• Inverse Condemnation: Chris assists clients with inverse condemnation claims, which arise when a government action effectively takes or damages private property for public use without formally initiating eminent domain proceedings or providing just compensation. He helps landowners pursue legal action to recover damages for such takings.

• Trial and Appellate Litigation: With extensive trial experience, having tried over 30 cases to conclusion, Chris Oddo is a formidable litigator. He represents clients in state and federal trial courts, and on appeal before Texas intermediate appellate courts and the Supreme Court of Texas, ensuring robust representation at every level of the legal process.

• Representation in Various Types of Takings: His practice covers a wide array of eminent domain cases, including complex and high-dollar road and highway takings, as well as those involving pipelines, power lines, and other special use takings. He represents diverse properties, from commercial and industrial sites to large rural ranches and unique special-use properties.

• Negotiation and Dispute Resolution: While prepared for litigation, Chris is also skilled in pre-suit negotiations, aiming to achieve fair and just compensation for his clients without the necessity of a protracted court battle where possible. He works to resolve disputes efficiently while fiercely protecting his clients' best interests.

• Land Use and Zoning Litigation: While eminent domain is his primary focus, his expertise extends to litigation involving land use and zoning matters that often intersect with property acquisition issues.

Chris Oddo and Mc Ginnis Lochridge & Kilgore offer several distinctive features that make them a preferred choice for Texans facing eminent domain challenges:

• Exclusive Focus on Landowner Representation: Chris Oddo's practice is entirely dedicated to representing landowners in eminent domain and condemnation cases. This singular focus ensures an unparalleled depth of knowledge and experience in this highly specialized and often complex area of law, providing clients with a dedicated advocate who is always on their side, not the government’s.

• Extensive Trial Experience: Having successfully tried more than 30 cases to conclusion, Chris Oddo possesses significant courtroom experience. This extensive trial background means he is well-prepared to take cases to litigation when necessary, providing clients with confidence that their rights will be vigorously defended.

• Broad Geographic Reach Across Texas: Chris Oddo's practice covers every corner of the state of Texas. Whether you are in the major metropolitan areas like Austin, Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, El Paso, and Lubbock, or in rural counties throughout the Texas Hill Country, Central, South, and East Texas, he has experience and the capability to represent landowners in your region.

• Recognized Expertise and Accolades: Chris Oddo has been consistently recognized by "The Best Lawyers in America®" for eminent domain and condemnation law and litigation for land use and zoning matters. He was also named "Lawyer of the Year" by Best Lawyers® for Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law in Austin (2025) and recognized by Austin Monthly as one of Austin's top eminent domain attorneys. These accolades are a testament to his high level of skill and reputation within the legal community.

• Leadership in the Legal Community: Chris has held significant leadership roles, including serving as President of the Austin Bar Association and a Director on the Board of Directors for the State Bar of Texas. This leadership demonstrates his commitment to the integrity of the legal profession and staying abreast of legal developments.

As a professional legal service provider, Mc Ginnis Lochridge & Kilgore, and specifically Chris Oddo, do not typically engage in promotional "special offers" in the consumer retail sense. Their value proposition is built on their extensive legal expertise, proven track record, and the personalized, high-quality representation they provide to clients facing critical eminent domain issues. The firm prides itself on its reputation for excellence and its commitment to achieving the best possible outcomes for its clients. Individuals and corporations considering legal action are encouraged to contact the firm for a consultation to discuss their specific case details. This initial discussion allows them to assess your needs and explain how their specialized services can benefit you.

To connect with Chris Oddo and Mc Ginnis Lochridge & Kilgore, you can use the following contact details:

• Address: 600 Congress Ave. #2100, Austin, TX 78701, USA

• Phone: (512) 495-6040

• Mobile Phone: +1 512-495-6040

Reaching out via phone is often the most direct and efficient way to initiate contact, discuss your legal concerns, and determine if Chris Oddo’s specialized eminent domain expertise is the right fit for your situation. The firm’s team is professional and prepared to assist you through the initial consultation process.

For Texans facing the daunting prospect of eminent domain or condemnation, Chris Oddo at Mc Ginnis Lochridge & Kilgore offers an ideal and highly suitable choice for legal representation. His exclusive focus on landowner rights in these matters means he brings a depth of specialized knowledge that general practitioners simply cannot match. He understands the unique laws and procedural nuances of eminent domain in Texas, making him an invaluable asset for anyone whose property is in the path of a public project.

Locals across Texas, from urban property owners to rural ranch families, can benefit from his expertise, knowing that he has a proven track record of advocating for clients in various regions and against different condemning authorities. His extensive trial experience ensures that if negotiations fail, clients have a tenacious and effective advocate in the courtroom. Furthermore, his active involvement and leadership within the Texas legal community reflect a deep commitment to justice and professional excellence.

Choosing Chris Oddo means choosing a lawyer who not only understands the legal complexities of property takings but also genuinely empathizes with the challenges landowners face. His dedication to ensuring fair compensation and protecting property rights makes Mc Ginnis Lochridge & Kilgore, with Chris Oddo at the helm of their eminent domain practice, an indispensable resource for Texans who need to stand firm when their land is threatened by public acquisition. He is truly a lawyer for Texans, by Texans, committed to their property and their peace of mind.