ABHR - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- General Counsel
- Senior Attorney
Aaron practices public law with an emphasis on land development, water districts, and tax-exempt finance.
Aaron serves as general counsel and bond counsel to various special purpose local governments that provide for the financing and construction of water, sewer, drainage, roads, and park and recreational facilities, as well as other development infrastructure. Aaron also works with private developers to structure development agreements with cities, counties, and other local government entities for public participation in commercial, residential, industrial, and mixed-use developments.
Adisa's practice focuses on public finance, local government regulation, and urban development law.
Bio
Adisa works with special purpose districts, such as municipal utility districts and levee improvement districts, both in the role of general counsel and bond counsel, as well as with developers. She represents districts with shared facilities as well as stand-alone districts.
In her capacity as general counsel and bond counsel, Adisa assists her clients with public law matters, regulatory compliance, administration of public meetings, community relations, and negotiation and preparation of contracts with cities, counties and other government entities. She brings to her practice the skills she acquired from 10 years of prior experience as an Assistant United States Attorney and commercial litigator.
Education
Stanford Law School (J.D., 1992)
Ms. Vinson's practice focuses on public finance, urban development law and local government regulation.
"I was drawn to ABHR because our work provides me the opportunity to help improve the quality of life for Texans in a tangible way every day, by building great communities with high-quality public infrastructure."
Allison's practice focuses on public finance, urban development law, and local government regulation.
Bio
Allison works with special purpose districts, such as municipal utility districts and water control and improvement districts, both in the role of general counsel and bond counsel.
In these capacities, Allison represents her clients in public law matters, contract negotiations and preparation, the administration of public meetings, and regulatory compliance. Allison further brings to her practice skills previously learned as a commercial litigator.
Education
South Texas College of Law (J.D., 2016, summa cum laude)
Texas Christian University (B.A., Communications 2013)
Andrew's practice involves public finance, local government regulation, and urban development.
Angie's practice includes all aspects of public law with an emphasis on tax-exempt finance, urban development, and water districts.
Partner Angie Lutz shares her connection to both the practice area and the people at ABHR.
Job Titles:
- Director of Human Resources
Angela joined ABHR in 2017 as its Director of Human Resources. She and her team support ABHR's most important asset - its employees. Angela earned a BBA in Human Resource Management, and has more than 20 years of Human Resources experience in industries including land development, oil and gas and construction.
Angela is a member of the Society for Human Resource Management.
Anne's practice focuses on public finance, urban development law, and local government regulations.
Bio
Anne works with special purpose districts, such as municipal utility districts, public improvement districts, and municipal management districts.
Job Titles:
- General Counsel
- Senior Counsel
Annette's practice focuses on public finance, local government regulation, tax incentives, and real estate development.
Bio
Annette serves as general counsel and bond counsel for a variety of special districts including municipal utility districts, municipal management districts, public improvement districts in Bexar County, and master districts in large master-planned communities. Annette focuses on a variety of real estate finance tools such as economic development agreements and tax increment reinvestment zones. Annette also represents developers and industries in obtaining certain tax incentives including economic grants, tax abatement agreements, and Chapter 313 agreements.
Annette has extensive experience in her role as bond counsel working with special districts and the Attorney General's office in unique and complicated financings. In her representation with developers and industries, Annette excels in negotiating and drafting agreements with a wide range of governmental entities to effectuate and incentivize development. She also serves as general counsel for special districts and has worked extensively with administrative agencies such as the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.
Education
University of Texas School of Law (J.D., 1989)
Dartmouth College (B.A., 1986)
Job Titles:
- General Counsel
- Senior Attorney
Brooke's practice focuses on public finance, urban development, and local government regulation.
Bio
Brooke's practice focuses on public finance, urban development, and local government regulation. Brooke serves as general counsel and bond counsel to various special purpose districts that provide for the financing and construction of water, sewer, drainage, road, and recreational facilities and other development infrastructure.
In these capacities, Brooke represents her clients in public law matters, contract negotiations and preparation, the administration of public meeting, and regulatory compliance. Brooke also works with private developers to structure development agreements with local government entities for public participation in commercial, residential and mixed-use developments. Brooke further brings to her practice skills previously learned as a capital markets lawyer at one of the nation's premier law firms.
Education
South Texas College of Law (J.D., summa cum laude, 2016)
University of Texas at Austin (B.A., 2012)
Trey's principal area of practice relates to public finance, development, local government regulation, and state legislative matters.
Christina's practice spans seven counties across southeast Texas and includes all aspects of public law including tax-exempt financing and special purpose districts.
Chris has practiced for more than 25 years in the areas of public law and public finance.
"What I've always enjoyed about this practice is being able to see the tangible results of our work. I never lose sight of the fact that the infrastructure we assist in financing helps to build and develop new communities across Texas."
For nearly 40 years Clay's practice has focused on financing, construction, and operation of public infrastructure by special purpose districts and public/private partnerships to serve master planned and mixed-use real estate developments.
Bio
Clay began his career in the mid-1970s creating and representing special purpose districts in the greater Houston area.
He was appointed to the City of Houston Housing Improvement Program Review Committee and later to the Houston Parks Board. He also served as General Counsel to the Association of Water Board Directors and a board member of the Utility District Advisory Counsel.
In the early 1990s, Clay moved to Dallas and served as special counsel to entities affiliated with the Trammell Crow organization responsible for the formation of a public/private partnership that financed construction of Lone Star Park at Grand Prairie, as well as operation and disposition of a portfolio of retail sewer companies. For the past 23 years, he has served as general counsel to various types of special districts located in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, as well as representing landowners and developers before local and state government in the creation of districts.
Education
University of Houston, Bates College of Law, 1975
University of Pennsylvania, College of Arts & Sciences, 1972
Duggan's practice involves public finance, local government regulation, and urban development.
Duggan serves as general counsel and bond counsel for special purpose districts that provide water, sewer, and drainage infrastructure for land development projects. Duggan works with both private companies and public entities on the construction, financing, and operation of water, sewer and drainage infrastructure.
Ryan's practice focuses on public law with an emphasis on tax-exempt finance, urban development, and water districts.
David's clients construct, finance and operate water, sewer, drainage, road and park facilities across Texas.
"The great aspect of our practice is to see something-in a meaningful and measurable way-begin from a blank canvas and go on to become a thriving community where people live, work, and play."
David's practice focuses on urban development, with an emphasis on the acquisition and financing of critical infrastructure facilities to serve residential, commercial, industrial, and mixed-use projects. David also serves as Chair of the firm's Executive Committee.
David serves as general counsel and bond counsel to special purpose local governments that provide water, sewer, drainage, road, and park facilities to developments of all types across the greater Houston region. David also represents private developers in negotiations with local government entities for public participation in various land and economic development matters.
Education
Georgetown University Law Center (LL.M. in taxation, with honors distinction, 1999)
Louisiana State University (B.S., 1995, J.D. 1998);
Partner David Oliver discusses what makes ABHR unique and drives his passion for his work.
Frances' practice focuses on public finance, urban development law, local government regulation, and state legislative matters.
Bio
Frances serves as general counsel and bond counsel to various special purpose districts that finance and construct water, sewer, drainage, and road facilities.
In these capacities, Frances represents her clients in public law matters, contract negotiations and preparation, the administration of public meetings, and regulatory compliance. Frances also works with cities, counties, and developers in connection with economic development agreements, tax increment reinvestment zones, local government corporations, municipal management districts, and other financing mechanisms used to facilitate urban development and renewal activities and the financing of public works and infrastructure. Frances brings to her practice skills previously learned as a civil litigator and as a former Assistant United States Attorney. After graduating law school, Frances served as a judicial law clerk for the Honorable Hayden Head, Jr., in the Southern District of Texas. During her third year of law school, Frances was elected by her peers to serve as the permanent class president.
Education
The University of Texas School of Law (J.D., 2014)
The University of Texas at Austin (B.A., with honors, 2009)
Greer's practice includes all aspects of public law with an emphasis on water districts and tax-exempt finance.
Bio
Greer's practice includes all aspects of public law with an emphasis on water districts and tax-exempt finance.
Greer represents municipal utility districts located in the extraterritorial jurisdiction or corporate limits of the cities of Houston, Conroe, Katy, Sugar Land, Richmond, Rosenberg, League City, Texas City, Dickinson, and Santa Fe. He has worked with tax increment reinvestment zones and redevelopment authorities in Houston, Katy, and Sugar Land. Greer has also served as bond counsel and underwriters' counsel in tax-exempt financings for counties, cities, universities, and student housing.
Education
University of Houston (J.D., magna cum laude, 1998);
Hannah's practice focuses on public finance, urban development, and local government regulation.
Bio
Hannah serves as general counsel and bond counsel for special purpose districts that provide for the financing and construction of water, sewer, drainage, road, and recreational facilities and other development infrastructure.
In her capacity as general counsel and bond counsel, Hannah leads clients in contract negotiations and preparation as well as the administration of public meetings and regulatory compliance. Hannah routinely represents clients before various regulatory agencies and negotiates with local, city, and county government officials regarding land development and zoning issues. Hannah further brings to her practice skills previously learned as a capital markets and mergers and acquisitions lawyer at a large national law firm.
Education
South Texas College of Law Houston (J.D., summa cum laude; 2019)
The University of Houston (B.A., Corporate Communications; 2015)
Hannah's practice focuses on master planned communities and public finance.
Bio
Hannah's practice focuses on public finance, urban development law, and local government regulation. Hannah works with special purpose districts, such as municipal utility districts and public improvement districts, both in the role of general counsel and of bond counsel.
Hannah represents clients in many areas in and around Houston and the surrounding counties. She works with clients on contract matters, relationship-building in communities, regulatory compliance, and guidance in the handling of public meetings. Hannah works with developers to allow for additional growth and development in the communities she represents. She also facilitates partnerships with local government agencies and entities to bring additional services to enhance those communities. Hannah also works with clients in the role of bond counsel, providing guidance and leadership during the process of issuing bonds to finance roads, parks, and other public infrastructure.
Education
South Texas College of Law, J.D. 2004
Boston University, BS, 1997, Broadcast Journalism/Spanish minor
Harry's practice focuses on public finance, urban development, and local government regulation.
Bio
Harry serves as general counsel and bond counsel to various special purpose districts that provide for the financing and construction of water, sewer, drainage, and road facilities and other development infrastructure.
In these capacities, Harry represents his clients in public law matters, contract negotiations and preparation, the administration of public meetings, and regulatory compliance. Harry also works with private developers to structure development agreements with cities and other local government entities for public participation in commercial, residential, and mixed-use developments. Harry further brings to his practice skills previously learned as a litigator.
Education
The University of Texas School of Law (J.D., 2013)
Vanderbilt University (B.A., 2010)
Job Titles:
- General Counsel
- Senior Attorney
Heather's practice focuses on public finance, urban development law, and local government regulation.
Bio
Heather's practice focuses on public finance, urban development law, and local government regulation.
Heather serves as general counsel and bond counsel to special purpose districts that provide for the financing and construction of water, sewer, drainage, and road facilities and other development infrastructure. Heather also works with private developers to structure development agreements with cities and other local government entities for public participation in commercial, residential, and mixed-use developments.
Prior to joining the firm, Heather was associated with Baker Botts LLP and AZA with a focus on employment and commercial litigation.
Education
University of Chicago, The Law School (J.D. 2002)
Rice University (B.A., cum laude, 1999)
Jessica's practice focuses on public finance, land development and local government regulation, serving as general counsel and bound counsel to municipal utility districts and other special districts in the Houston metropolitan area.
Bio
Jessica's practice focuses on public finance, land development and local government regulation, serving as general counsel and bound counsel to management districts, municipal utility districts and other special purpose districts in Harris and surrounding counties to assist with construction and financing of public infrastructure.
Jessica regularly works with special purpose districts whose chief objective is constructing and financing water, sewer, drainage, roadway, and green space improvements. Jessica has handled a broad range of matters representing landowners, cities and developers in connection with the creation and operation of municipal utility districts, tax increment reinvestment zones, local government corporations, municipal management districts, and other financing mechanisms used to facilitate urban development and associated infrastructure. Jessica has experience working with private developers to build regional infrastructure agreements, utility agreements, and economic development agreements with local government entities for public participation in commercial, residential, and mixed-use developments.
Education
The University of Texas at Austin (J.D., 2004)
The University of Texas at Austin (M.P. Aff., 2004)
Trinity University (B.A., 1999)
Job Titles:
- Retired Founding Partner Joe B. Allen Describes How the Firm 's Capabilities Make It Distinct from Other Law Firms.
Retired Founding Partner Joe B. Allen describes how the firm's capabilities make it distinct from other law firms.
Jonathan's practice focuses on public finance, urban development law, and local government regulation.
Bio
Jonathan serves as counsel to special purpose districts, including municipal utility districts, water control and improvement districts, and fresh water supply districts that provide for the financing and construction of water, sewer, and drainage facilities and other public infrastructure that serve communities.
Jonathan represents clients in public law matters, contract negotiations and preparation, the administrative of public meetings, regulatory compliance, and the issuance of tax-exempt bonds. He has worked with North Texas counties, cities, developers, and other constituents to facilitate achieving the goals of clients. Jonathan further brings to his practice skills previously learned as a litigator and contract negotiator in real estate and construction matters.
Education
Texas Wesleyan University School of Law (J.D., 2007)
Texas A&M University (B.S., Construction Science, 2001)
Job Titles:
- Director of Training
- Director of Training, Professional Development & Knowledge Management
Julie Gerdes serves as the Director of Training, Knowledge Management and Professional Development. As such, she is developing and implementing a long-term training and professional development program for the firm that provides support and education for the firm and its attorneys and other professionals.
Prior to joining ABHR in 2022, Julie worked as a financial advisor to municipal utility districts for 15 years and a public finance and tax legal assistant for 18 years.
Kathryn's practice focuses on local government law, urban development and public finance.
Bio
Kathryn's practice focuses on local government law, urban development and public finance.
She joined the firm in 2019 to focus her practice on general counsel and bond counsel work for municipal utility districts and other special districts. Prior to joining the firm, Kathryn spent over thirty years working with cities, counties, school districts, community colleges, nonprofit organizations, and special districts, including municipal utility districts, on numerous matters regarding federal tax law, securities law and bond issuance
Education
J.D. South Texas College of Law (1986, with Honors; Order of the Lytae)
B.S. Baylor University, (1976, Magna Cum Laude) and M.S. (1978).
Katie's practice focuses on public finance, urban development law, local government regulation, and State and federal election law.
Bio
Katie works with special purpose districts, such as municipal utility districts, both in the role of general counsel and bond counsel. These districts provide for the construction and financing of water, sewer, and drainage, road, and park and recreational facilities and other development infrastructure and services, such as fire protection and emergency medical services and law enforcement or security services.
Katie's practice focuses on public finance, urban development, and local government regulation.
Bio
Katie serves as both general counsel and bond counsel to various special purpose districts in Texas that provide for the financing and construction of water, sewer, drainage, and road facilities and other development infrastructure. She also represents private entities in matters related to the development of property within special purpose districts.
In these capacities, Katie represents her clients in public law matters, regulatory compliance, and drafting of agreements with public and private entities. Katie also works with landowners, developers, and homebuilders in connection with the creation and dissolution of special purpose districts, negotiation and drafting of development, utility, and strategic partnership agreements with cities, and agreements for the construction and financing of public infrastructure projects. Katie brings to her practice broad experience in both real estate matters, as a former commercial real estate and land use lawyer in Houston and Dallas, and government matters, as the chief of staff to former Houston City Councilman Michael Berry.
Education
University of California at Los Angles School of Law (J.D., 1992)
Claremont McKenna College (B.A., Economics, 1989)
Job Titles:
- Director of Information Technology
Keiva has been a core member of the ABHR internal technology team for almost 15 years. She assists with the scheduling, organizing, and implementation of internal and client-focused technology projects. Keiva works to ensure ABHR's IT infrastructure and systems perform optimally to support ABHR's employees and clients.
Kelsey's practice focuses on public finance, urban development, and local government regulation.
Bio
Kelsey's practice focuses on public finance, urban development, and local government regulation. Kelsey serves as general counsel and bond counsel to various special purpose districts that provide for the financing and construction of water, sewer, drainage, road, and park facilities and other development infrastructure.
In these capacities, Kelsey represents her clients in public law matters, contract negotiations, and the administration of public meetings and regulatory compliance. She also works with private developers in negotiations with local government entities in various land and economic development matters.
Education
SMU Dedman School of Law (J.D. 2015)
Texas A&M University (B.B.A - Finance, 2004)
Job Titles:
- Director of Network Administration
- Director of Network Engineering
Ken Aleman joined ABHR as the Director of Network Engineering in 2021. He brings over 20 years of technology experience to his role at ABHR, giving him deep insight on how technology impacts the end user and how to deliver an enhanced technology experience.
Job Titles:
- Senior Manager of Office Operations & Facilities
Kori Peters currently serves as the Senior Manager of Office Operations and Facilities. She handles office operations, facilities and construction related matters firm-wide.
She is a member of the International Facility Management Association, Houston Chapter. In Kori's spare time, she volunteers for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and Soldier's Angels.
Kristen has been with ABHR since its inception in 2003. She began her career as a legal assistant serving various water districts and now focuses the majority of her time on political and legislative matters.
Kristina's practice focuses on public finance, urban development, and local government regulation.
Bio
Kristina's practice focuses on public finance, urban development, and local government regulation. Kristina serves as general counsel and bond counsel to various special purposes districts that provide for the financing and construction of water, sewer, drainage, and road facilities, and other development infrastructure.
Kristina represents clients in public law matters, contract negotiation and preparation, the administration of public meetings, and regulatory compliance. Kristina also works with private developers to structure development agreements with governmental entities for public participation in commercial, residential, and mixed-use developments. To her practice, Kristina brings her litigation skills and experience working with governmental agencies as both a federal and state prosecutor, and as a litigator in private practice.
Education
The University of Texas School of Law (J.D. 2017)
The University of Texas at Austin Liberal Arts Honors Program (B.A. Geography, and B.A. French, 2011).
Retired Founding Partner Lynne Humphries talks about ABHR's desire to make Texas a better place to live.
Retired Founding Partner Lynne Humphries talks about what has driven the culture at the firm from the start: People.
Melissa's principal area of practice is real estate law.
Bio
Melissa's principal area of practice is real estate law. She has represented developers, owners, operators, investors and national and regional tenants in connection with the acquisition, disposition, financing, development and leasing of commercial, residential and mixed-use developments.
Prior to joining the firm, Melissa practiced as a solo practitioner, dedicated to all aspects of commercial and residential real estate development and financing; retail, office and industrial warehouse leasing; and corporate entity formation. Melissa has also served as general counsel for NewQuest Properties in Houston, Texas and practiced law at Jenkens & Gilchrist, P.C. and Kane Russell Coleman & Logan P.C. in Dallas, Texas.
Education
Georgetown University Law Center (LL.M. in International and Comparative Law, 1995)
St. Mary's University School of Law (J.D., cum laude, 1994)
The University of Texas at Austin (B.A. in Spanish, 1990)
Michele leads the business operations of the firm, implementing the firm's strategic plan while also ensuring that daily operations run smoothly.
Bio
Michele oversees the operations of the firm's three offices; including its finance, human resources, information technology, space planning, special events, recordkeeping and office systems functions.
Working closely with the firm's partnership and Executive Committee, Michele implements their strategic objectives in a manner that allows ABHR's personnel to provide the best possible service to firm clients. Prior to joining ABHR, Michele was a practicing lawyer for more than twenty years.
Education
University of Houston Law Center (J.D. 1998)
The University of Texas at Austin (B.A., 1992)
Nancy joined ABHR as its Finance Director & Controller in 2022. Her responsibilities include financial and corporate accounting, budget management, cash management, A/P, and compliance reporting. Prior to joining ABHR, Nancy was the co-owner of a Houston public accounting firm specializing in corporate and individual tax accounting and business consulting.
Nellie's practice focuses on public finance, urban development law, and local government regulation.
Bio
Nellie's practice focuses on public finance, urban development law, and local government regulation.
Nellie works with special purpose districts, such as municipal utility districts and water control and improvement districts, both in the role of general counsel and bond counsel.
Education
University of Texas School of Law (J.D., 2005)
University of Texas (B.A., 1999)
Paul's practice focuses on public finance, urban development law, and local government regulation.
Bio
Paul works with special purpose districts, such as municipal utility districts, public improvement districts, and water control and improvement districts.
In representing special purpose districts, Paul draws from his experience as high-stakes commercial litigator and Assistant United States Attorney in the U.S. Attorney's Office in the Western District of Texas, a federal law enforcement district in the Department of Justice consisting of the Austin, Del Rio, El Paso, San Antonio, and Waco divisions.
Education
University of Texas School of Law (J.D., 2013)
University of Texas at Austin (B.A., 2009)
Rob's clients construct and finance the water, sewer, drainage, road and park facilities serving many of the communities that collectively make Texas our home.
"When a lawyer can stand on a piece of property from the moment a special district is organized, and play a significant role in that property's transformation into a thriving community where people live, work and play, that makes for a unique and meaningful legal practice."
Job Titles:
- General Counsel
- Senior Attorney
Sandra's practice focuses on public finance, urban development, and local government regulation.
Bio
Sandra's practice focuses on public finance, urban development, and local government regulation. Sandra serves as general counsel and bond counsel to various special purpose districts that provide for the financing and construction of water, sewer, drainage, road, and park facilities and other development infrastructure.
In these capacities, Sandra represents her clients in public law matters, contract negotiations and preparation, the administration of public meetings and regulatory compliance. She also works with private developers in negotiations with local government entities in various land and economic development matters. Sandra has also served as bond counsel, underwriters' counsel, and disclosure counsel in tax-exempt bond financings for cities, counties, school districts and special districts throughout Texas.
Education
The University of Texas at Austin (J.D. with honors, 2015)
Vassar College (B.A., 2010)
Job Titles:
- Founding Partner
- Partner
- Retired Founding Partner Joe B. Allen Describes How the Firm 's Capabilities Make It Distinct from Other Law Firms.
Founding Partner Steve Robinson shares how ABHR has supported growth in Texas by working collaboratively with local governments and the land development community.
Founding Partner Steven ‘Steve' Robinson discusses having the best practice in law at ABHR.
Job Titles:
- Director of Firm & Political Affairs