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Mary Colchin
Johndroe
Of Counsel

,

  • Fort Worth

Mary Colchin Johndroe vigorously represents clients in civil litigation, including construction, contract, eminent domain, inverse condemnation, property rights, and government law cases. She has handled cases at all levels of the legal system; before commissions and administrative agencies, in trials and appeals within Texas state and federal courts, including the Texas and U.S. Supreme Courts. Ms. Johndroe joined Cantey Hanger in 1986 and was elected partner in 1992.

Principal Practice Areas

Contact Information

Phone: (817) 877-2810
Fax: (817) 877-2807
Email: mjohndroe@canteyhanger.com

Address:

600 W. 6th St., Suite 300
Fort Worth, Texas 76102

EXPERIENCE

  • Represented municipality in eminent domain proceedings and negotiation of property interests to extend airport runway – involved relocation of rail and utilities on more than 50 parcels.
  • Counsel to international airport handling condemnations and risk avoidance in business disputes.
  • Lead attorney defending large hospital against condemnations by the State achieving lucrative settlements far in excess of award.
  • Attorney in charge representing river authority in substantial construction litigation resulting in favorable resolutions.
  • Obtained desirable judgments as lead counsel for river authority in eminent domain and inverse condemnation.
  • Represented municipality in defense of suit seeking to invalidate property tax resulting in summary judgment for client.
  • Represent landowners and condemnors in condemnations in Brown, Dallas, Denton, Ellis, Hood, Johnson, Parker,  Polk, Tarrant and Wise counties.
  • Intermediary dispute resolution in eminent domain.
  • Lead attorney in complex multi-party construction litigation defending Canadian company. Obtained very favorable settlement in the midst of Daubert proceedings against plaintiff’s engineering experts.
  • Lead attorney defending utility companies in numerous personal injury, contract and property damage cases.
  • Adjunct Professor, Texas A&M University School of Law – Spring 2013 and 2014 (Construction Law)
  • Martindale Hubbell “AV Preeminent” Rating
  • The American Lawyer – Texas’ Top Rated Lawyers – Eminent Domain and Construction Law

BAR ADMISSIONS& CERTIFICATIONS

  • Licensed to practice law in Texas in 1986
  • Admitted to practice before the United States District Court, Northern District of Texas
  • State Bar of Texas
    – Litigation Section
    – Construction Law Section
  • Tarrant County Bar Association
    – Construction Law Section
    – Real Estate Section
  • Women’s Bar Association, Board Member, 2012-2013
  • Certified Arbitrator (2007)

PROFESSIONAL& COMMUNITY

  • Texas Bar Foundation, Life Fellow
  • Tarrant County Bar Foundation, Fellow
  • Women Influencing Business – Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce
  • Arlington Chamber of Commerce – Business Development Advisory Council
  • Women’s Chamber of Commerce of Texas
  • International Right of Way Association
  • National Association of Women Business Owners, Supporting Member
  • The Women’s Center, Council of Honor
  • The Women’s Foundation of North Texas
  • First Texas Council of Camp Fire Blue Ribbon Award, 1996
  • YWCA Tribute to Women in Business Award, 1999
  • Great Women of Texas, 2007 Woman of Influence
  • Fort Worth Business Press Great Women of Texas Alumni Group
  • Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tarrant County, Charter Member, Attorneys for Littles

EDUCATION

  • Baylor University School of Law, Waco, Texas (J.D., 1986)
  • University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, Texas (B.A. Sociology, 1979)
    – graduate work in Urban Affairs

PUBLICATIONS& PRESENTATIONS

  • “Appeals – Direct and Cross-Examination, CLE International’s 12th Annual Eminent Domain Conference, August 9-10, 2018.”
  • “It’s Good to be King – Sovereign Immunity and Inverse Condemnation for Flooding by Dam Operations,” Texas A&M University School of Law, February 2018
  • “Are Lost Profits for Obstruction of Access Lost in Texas Condemnation?”, TCAA Monthly Member News, October 2017
  • “Inverse Condemnation Litigation: Strategies for Municipal Attorneys for Avoiding and Defending Taking Claims,” Strafford Publications Webinar, July 18, 2017
  • “Appellate Dilemmas in Eminent Domain — Right-to-Take Challenges, Expert Methodology, and Damages,” 10th Annual CLE International Eminent Domain Conference, September 15-16, 2016
  • “Jurisdictional Issues Determined in Administrative Stage of Texas Condemnations,” July 18, 2016
  • “‘Something Much Simpler’ in Texas Condemnation – The Separate Economic Unit,” IRWA Chapter 36, Spring Seminar, April 29, 2016
  • “Survey Rights and Condemnation in Texas,” March 28, 2016
  • “Appellate Dilemmas in Eminent Domain — Right-to-Take Challenges, Expert Methodology, and Damages”, CLE International’s 10th Annual Eminent Domain Conference, September 15-16, 2016.
  • “’Something Much Simpler’ in Texas Condemnation – The Separate Economic Unit,” TCAA Monthly Member News, December 2015
  • “Hot Topics in Public/Private Partnerships,” State Bar of Texas, Minority Counsel, Austin, Texas, September 3-5, 2014
  • “The Eminent and Inverse Environment – The Interplay Between Environmental Issues and Condemnation,” Tarrant County Bar Association, CLE Seminar for the Environmental Law Section, February 27, 2014
  • “Pilot Program for Property Tax Appeals Begins in 2010,” Fort Worth Business Press, July 6-12, 2009
  • State v. Stockton Bend 100 Joint Venture, No. 02-14-00307-CV, 2016 WL 3198960 (Tex. App.—Fort Worth June 9, 2016, pet. denied) (mem. op.)
  • In re Stockton Bend 100 Relator Joint Venture, No. 02-13-00368-CV, 2013 WL 5874581 (Tex. App.–Fort Worth Oct. 31, 2013, orig. proceeding)
  • Boyer, Inc. v. Trinity River Authority of Texas, 279 S.W.3d 354 (Tex. App.— Fort Worth 2008, pet. denied)
  • Blackburne & Brown Mortgage Fund I v. Atmos Energy Corp., No. 02-06-00393-CV, 2007 WL 3408653 (Tex. App.—Fort Worth Nov. 15, 2007, pet. denied) (mem. op.)
  • Gregory Connolly v. Texas Utilities Co., et al., No. 02-01-00200-CV (Tex. App.—Fort Worth Sept. 27, 2001, no pet.)
  • Christopher Aaron v. TU Electric Co., et al., No. 02-00-00240-CV (Tex. App.—Fort Worth August 25, 2000, no pet.)
  • In re Jerry’s Chevrolet-Buick, Inc., 977 S.W.2d 565 (Tex. 1998)
  • Tarrant Appraisal District v. Moore, 845 S.W.2d 820 (Tex. 1993)
  • Bryant v. Winn-Dixie Stores, Inc., 786 S.W.2d 547 (Tex. App.—Fort Worth 1990, pet. denied), cert. denied, 498 U.S. 1126, 112 L.Ed.2d 1194 (Feb. 25, 1991)
  • Tarrant Appraisal District, et al. v. Wilmington Trust Co., et al., No. 02-88-00139-CV (Tex. App.—Fort Worth August 31, 1989, no writ)
  • H. Wendorf & D. Schlueter, Supplement to Texas Rules of Evidence Manual, 1985

EXPERIENCE

  • Represented municipality in eminent domain proceedings and negotiation of property interests to extend airport runway – involved relocation of rail and utilities on more than 50 parcels.
  • Counsel to international airport handling condemnations and risk avoidance in business disputes.
  • Lead attorney defending large hospital against condemnations by the State achieving lucrative settlements far in excess of award.
  • Attorney in charge representing river authority in substantial construction litigation resulting in favorable resolutions.
  • Obtained desirable judgments as lead counsel for river authority in eminent domain and inverse condemnation.
  • Represented municipality in defense of suit seeking to invalidate property tax resulting in summary judgment for client.
  • Represent landowners and condemnors in condemnations in Brown, Dallas, Denton, Ellis, Hood, Johnson, Parker,  Polk, Tarrant and Wise counties.
  • Intermediary dispute resolution in eminent domain.
  • Lead attorney in complex multi-party construction litigation defending Canadian company. Obtained very favorable settlement in the midst of Daubert proceedings against plaintiff’s engineering experts.
  • Lead attorney defending utility companies in numerous personal injury, contract and property damage cases.
  • Adjunct Professor, Texas A&M University School of Law – Spring 2013 and 2014 (Construction Law)
  • Martindale Hubbell “AV Preeminent” Rating
  • The American Lawyer – Texas’ Top Rated Lawyers – Eminent Domain and Construction Law

BAR ADMISSIONS & CERTIFICATIONS

  • Licensed to practice law in Texas in 1986
  • Admitted to practice before the United States District Court, Northern District of Texas
  • State Bar of Texas
    – Litigation Section
    – Construction Law Section
  • Tarrant County Bar Association
    – Construction Law Section
    – Real Estate Section
  • Women’s Bar Association, Board Member, 2012-2013
  • Certified Arbitrator (2007)

PROFESSIONAL & COMMUNITY

  • Texas Bar Foundation, Life Fellow
  • Tarrant County Bar Foundation, Fellow
  • Women Influencing Business – Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce
  • Arlington Chamber of Commerce – Business Development Advisory Council
  • Women’s Chamber of Commerce of Texas
  • International Right of Way Association
  • National Association of Women Business Owners, Supporting Member
  • The Women’s Center, Council of Honor
  • The Women’s Foundation of North Texas
  • First Texas Council of Camp Fire Blue Ribbon Award, 1996
  • YWCA Tribute to Women in Business Award, 1999
  • Great Women of Texas, 2007 Woman of Influence
  • Fort Worth Business Press Great Women of Texas Alumni Group
  • Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tarrant County, Charter Member, Attorneys for Littles

EDUCATION

  • Baylor University School of Law, Waco, Texas (J.D., 1986)
  • University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, Texas (B.A. Sociology, 1979)
    – graduate work in Urban Affairs

PUBLICATIONS & PRESENTATIONS

  • “Appeals – Direct and Cross-Examination, CLE International’s 12th Annual Eminent Domain Conference, August 9-10, 2018.”
  • “It’s Good to be King – Sovereign Immunity and Inverse Condemnation for Flooding by Dam Operations,” Texas A&M University School of Law, February 2018
  • “Are Lost Profits for Obstruction of Access Lost in Texas Condemnation?”, TCAA Monthly Member News, October 2017
  • “Inverse Condemnation Litigation: Strategies for Municipal Attorneys for Avoiding and Defending Taking Claims,” Strafford Publications Webinar, July 18, 2017
  • “Appellate Dilemmas in Eminent Domain — Right-to-Take Challenges, Expert Methodology, and Damages,” 10th Annual CLE International Eminent Domain Conference, September 15-16, 2016
  • “Jurisdictional Issues Determined in Administrative Stage of Texas Condemnations,” July 18, 2016
  • “‘Something Much Simpler’ in Texas Condemnation – The Separate Economic Unit,” IRWA Chapter 36, Spring Seminar, April 29, 2016
  • “Survey Rights and Condemnation in Texas,” March 28, 2016
  • “Appellate Dilemmas in Eminent Domain — Right-to-Take Challenges, Expert Methodology, and Damages”, CLE International’s 10th Annual Eminent Domain Conference, September 15-16, 2016.
  • “’Something Much Simpler’ in Texas Condemnation – The Separate Economic Unit,” TCAA Monthly Member News, December 2015
  • “Hot Topics in Public/Private Partnerships,” State Bar of Texas, Minority Counsel, Austin, Texas, September 3-5, 2014
  • “The Eminent and Inverse Environment – The Interplay Between Environmental Issues and Condemnation,” Tarrant County Bar Association, CLE Seminar for the Environmental Law Section, February 27, 2014
  • “Pilot Program for Property Tax Appeals Begins in 2010,” Fort Worth Business Press, July 6-12, 2009
  • State v. Stockton Bend 100 Joint Venture, No. 02-14-00307-CV, 2016 WL 3198960 (Tex. App.—Fort Worth June 9, 2016, pet. denied) (mem. op.)
  • In re Stockton Bend 100 Relator Joint Venture, No. 02-13-00368-CV, 2013 WL 5874581 (Tex. App.–Fort Worth Oct. 31, 2013, orig. proceeding)
  • Boyer, Inc. v. Trinity River Authority of Texas, 279 S.W.3d 354 (Tex. App.— Fort Worth 2008, pet. denied)
  • Blackburne & Brown Mortgage Fund I v. Atmos Energy Corp., No. 02-06-00393-CV, 2007 WL 3408653 (Tex. App.—Fort Worth Nov. 15, 2007, pet. denied) (mem. op.)
  • Gregory Connolly v. Texas Utilities Co., et al., No. 02-01-00200-CV (Tex. App.—Fort Worth Sept. 27, 2001, no pet.)
  • Christopher Aaron v. TU Electric Co., et al., No. 02-00-00240-CV (Tex. App.—Fort Worth August 25, 2000, no pet.)
  • In re Jerry’s Chevrolet-Buick, Inc., 977 S.W.2d 565 (Tex. 1998)
  • Tarrant Appraisal District v. Moore, 845 S.W.2d 820 (Tex. 1993)
  • Bryant v. Winn-Dixie Stores, Inc., 786 S.W.2d 547 (Tex. App.—Fort Worth 1990, pet. denied), cert. denied, 498 U.S. 1126, 112 L.Ed.2d 1194 (Feb. 25, 1991)
  • Tarrant Appraisal District, et al. v. Wilmington Trust Co., et al., No. 02-88-00139-CV (Tex. App.—Fort Worth August 31, 1989, no writ)
  • H. Wendorf & D. Schlueter, Supplement to Texas Rules of Evidence Manual, 1985
Fort Worth

600 W. 6th Street
Suite 300
Fort Worth, Texas 76102

Phone: (817) 877-2800
Fax: (817) 877-2807

Dallas

4514 Cole Avenue
Suite 500
Dallas, Texas 75205

Phone: (214) 978-4100
Fax: (214) 978-4150

Austin

The Smith House
502 West 13th Street
Austin, Tx 78701

Phone: (512) 402-5014
Fax: (817) 877-2807

Ellis County

508 S. 9th Street
Midlothian, Tx 76065

Phone: (972) 351-0041
Fax: (972) 351-0041

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