- Construction
- Litigation
Overview
Blain Donnell’s practice primarily focuses on construction litigation, where he advocates for general contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and project owners in various capacities, including litigation, negotiations, contract claims, contract review, and appeals.
Blain has tried cases in arbitration and in trial court. When representing clients, Blain strives to understand their goals to formulate a legal strategy consistent with their objectives.
Areas of Practice
Bar & Court Admissions
- Texas
- U.S. District Court, Southern, Eastern and Western Districts of Texas
Representative Experience
- Represented civil contractor in lawsuit against developer arising out of developer’s failure to pay for work, after jury selection, negotiated a settlement favorable to the civil contractor
- Represented roofing contractor in a lawsuit filed by a subcontractor for non-payment, on behalf of the roofing contractor asserted counterclaims for damages arising out of the subcontractor’s deficient work, the case was tried to the court and the roofing contractor was awarded all of its damages against the subcontractor
- Represented pool builder in arbitration when homeowner alleged violations of the deceptive trade practices act and refused to pay for completed pool work, the case was tried to an arbitrator and the pool builder prevailed
- Represented boring and tunneling contractor against general contractor in arbitration arising out of differing site conditions and allegedly non-conforming work, case was tried to an arbitrator and client prevailed on claims against the general contractor
- Represented general contractor in lawsuit against a developer for a housing authority, in which our general contractor client sought damages for delays caused by the owner, the case settled in favor of the contractor
- Obtained favorable settlement for general contractor sued in school district case alleging millions of dollars in construction defects.
- Defended mechanical contractor in lawsuit relating to HVAC issues at a college campus building.
- Defended general contractor in a dispute with the subsidiary of multinational conglomerate suing for lost profits and property damage arising out of alleged construction defects and property damage during Hurricane Harvey
- Prepared and filed a motion for summary judgment for home builder being sued in a personal injury case, which led to a favorable settlement and dismissal of the home builder.
- Obtained summary judgment in favor of contractor being sued by an owner for negligence and breach of contract.
- Defended subcontractor in multi-million-dollar dispute relating to water leaks at a hotel.
- Defended trucking company sued in fatal trucking accident.
- Assisted trucking company with drafting noncompete and nondisclosure agreement.
- Assisted contractor with drafting master service agreements for use with subcontractors.
Education
- Baylor University School of Law, Waco, Texas
- J.D. (cum laude) – 2018
- The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, Texas
- B.A. – 2014
Professional Recognition
- The Best Lawyers in America® "Ones to Watch," by BL Rankigs, LLC, Since 2026
- Texas Rising Stars® Super Lawyers® by Thomson Reuters (Construction Litigation); Since 2025
Professional Associations and Memberships
- State Bar of Texas, Construction Law and Litigation Sections
- Houston Bar Association, Construction Law Section
- Houston Young Lawyers Association
- Associated General Contractors
- Association of Builders and Contractors
Speeches and Publications
- “Are We Ready for AI Judges? What You Should Know About the American Arbitration Association’s New AI Arbitrator,” AM Monthly Law Alert, January 2026
- “When You Lack a Written Contract: Recovering Under Implied or Quantum Meruit Theories,” AM Monthly Law Alert, April 2025
- “(2024) Updated Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct,” AM CLE, November 2024
- “Understanding Differing Site Conditions Claims,” AM Monthly Law Alert, August 2024
- “Government Projects & Bonding,” National Association of Credit Managers All South Credit Conference, July 2024
- “Post Judgment Remedies & Receiverships,” National Association of Credit Managers Credit Pros Education Event, May 2024
- “AAA Construction Rule Changes Effective March 1, 2024,” AM Monthly Law Alert, March 2024
- “House Bill 19 And Its Effect on Commercial Motor Vehicle Cases,” Texas Association of Defense Counsel Magazine, Fall/Winter 2021
Contact Blain M.
Download Bio
Contact
We represent a diverse clientele in the Houston area, and Austin greater metropolitan areas, coastal Texas and statewide.
Please note, as a corporate-based law firm, we do not represent individuals seeking to sue their employer for wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, or unpaid overtime. We also do not represent homeowners in contractor disputes.
Contact us using this form or call 713.489.8799 for an appointment.
|
Blain M. Donnell
|