Business Details
50 Years
experience
Trusted Litigation Experts in Austin
Founded in 1976, our firm has built a reputation as one of Texas' premier litigation boutiques. With decades of courtroom experience, we specialize in high-stakes disputes across oil and gas, energy, tax, and complex commercial matters. Our attorneys combine deep subject-matter expertise with a client-centric approach, delivering strategic solutions tailored to each case. We maintain a strong appellate practice and one of the state's largest administrative law practices, serving clients in courts, regulatory agencies, and negotiation tables. Our team represents diverse industries including energy, technology, pharmaceuticals, and professional services, handling matters ranging from billion-dollar disputes to delicate negotiations.We pride ourselves on assembling customized legal teams that adapt to evolving client needs while maintaining the agility of a boutique firm. Our heritage of honesty, attention to detail, and exceptional client service continues to guide our practice today. We emphasize creative problem-solving and clear communication, helping clients navigate complex legal landscapes to achieve optimal outcomes. With 44 years of experience, 50 attorneys, and a 99% success rate, we remain committed to excellence in litigation and client advocacy.
Services
Oil & Gas Litigation
Tax Dispute Resolution
Appellate Advocacy
Energy Regulation
Commercial Disputes
Professional Malpractice Defense
Class Action Litigation
White Collar Defense
Intellectual Property Litigation
Government Entity Representation
Details
- Year established: 1976
Highlights and features
- 44 years of experience handling complex litigation across multiple industries
- Nationally recognized appellate practice with board-certified attorneys
- 99% success rate in client representation since 1976
- Customized legal teams for each client's specific needs
- Largest administrative law practice in Texas with regulatory expertise
Associations and certifications
- Chambers USA
- Texas Board of Legal Specialization
What people say
Go-to litigation boutique
True experts in oil and gas
Finest trial and appellate firm
Sophisticated and smart
Exceptional client service
Services
Oil & Gas Litigation
Our firm handles complex oil and gas litigation matters before courts, the Texas Railroad Commission, and University Lands. We represent clients in disputes involving exploration rights, royalty payments, and regulatory compliance. With deep industry knowledge and decades of courtroom experience, we provide strategic representation in both transactional and litigation matters for energy sector clients.
Appellate Advocacy
We maintain one of the most respected appellate practices in Texas, with attorneys board-certified in civil appellate law. Our advocates have successfully represented clients before the Supreme Court of Texas, federal appellate courts nationwide, and Texas intermediate appellate courts, leveraging decades of experience to achieve favorable outcomes in complex legal matters.
Tax Dispute Resolution
Our team resolves state and local tax disputes with the Texas Comptroller through administrative hearings and state court litigation. We provide strategic advice on tax-saving strategies while handling the full spectrum of tax issues, including mixed beverage audits and administrative appeals of audit results for businesses across various industries.
Commercial Disputes
We represent clients in complex commercial disputes involving breach of contract, fiduciary duty claims, and business torts. Our attorneys combine litigation expertise with industry-specific knowledge to resolve disputes efficiently through negotiation, mediation, or trial when necessary, always focusing on achieving the best possible outcome for our clients.
Professional Malpractice Defense
Our firm defends professionals before their respective licensing boards and in malpractice claims. We represent attorneys, physicians, accountants, and other professionals in disciplinary proceedings and litigation matters, leveraging our deep understanding of professional standards and regulatory requirements to protect our clients' reputations and licenses.
People
Cindy Saiter
Partner
Experienced litigator with decades of courtroom experience handling complex commercial disputes and appellate matters. Recognized in Austin Monthly's Top Attorneys list and committed to providing strategic legal solutions for clients.
Casey Dobson
Partner
Chairman of Opportunity Austin with over a decade of leadership experience. Serves as a strategic advisor for clients in complex litigation matters and business development initiatives across the region.
Paige Amstutz
Partner
Ranked among the world's top patent litigators by IAM Patent 1000. Brings extensive intellectual property litigation experience to the firm, handling complex technology disputes and patent infringement cases.
Jason LaFond
Counsel
Board-certified appellate attorney with a proven track record of success in over 50 appeals. Specializes in crafting persuasive legal arguments for complex cases before state and federal appellate courts.
Anthony Arguijo
Partner
Recognized leader in diversity and inclusion initiatives. Represents clients in complex commercial litigation while serving as a mentor and advocate for underrepresented groups in the legal profession.
Questions
What areas of law does Scott Douglass & McConnico specialize in?
We specialize in oil & gas litigation, tax disputes, appellate advocacy, energy regulation, commercial disputes, and professional malpractice defense. Our expertise extends to class action litigation, white collar defense, and intellectual property cases.
How long has the firm been in operation?
Scott Douglass & McConnico has been serving clients since 1976, maintaining its reputation as one of Texas' premier litigation boutiques for over four decades.
What makes SDM different from other litigation firms?
Our combination of decades of courtroom experience, board-certified attorneys, and a client-centric approach sets us apart. We assemble customized legal teams for each case while maintaining the agility of a boutique firm.
Do you handle cases outside Texas?
While based in Texas, we represent clients in high-stakes disputes across the country, leveraging our deep understanding of Texas regulatory agencies while handling cases in various jurisdictions.
What industries does the firm serve?
We serve diverse industries including energy, technology, pharmaceuticals, real estate, and professional services. Our clients range from family-owned businesses to multinational corporations.
Is SDM recognized for any specific achievements?
We're consistently ranked by Chambers USA as a top-tier litigation firm with a 99% success rate, and our attorneys are recognized for excellence in complex commercial disputes and appellate work.
