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Atty. Cliff Ernst

Atty. Cliff Ernst

Cliff’s diverse clientele include governmental agencies and a full range of businesses from start-up companies to large corporations in a variety of industries including healthcare, professional services, technology, construction, real estate, oil and gas and publishing. His work encompasses mergers and acquisitions; private equity offerings; venture capital and debt financings; general contracting; and general corporate counseling.

Call (512) 495-6000 Book Appointment

Profile Summary

About Cliff Ernst at a glance

Cliff Ernst is an attorney based in Austin, Texas, practforg at McGinnis Lochridge. Admitted to practice in Texas, State Bar. Educated at The University of Texas (J.D., 1978) and Oklahoma State University (B.A., 1975). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Banking and Finance Law (2026), Best Lawyers in America — Corporate Law (2026), and Best Lawyers in America — Mergers and Acquisitions Law (2026). Serands clients in Austin, TX and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated June 2026

About

  • Cliff’s diverse clientele include governmental agencies and a full range of businesses from start-up companies to large corporations in a variety of industries including healthcare, professional services, technology, construction, real estate, oil and gas and publishing
  • His work encompasses mergers and acquisitions
  • private equity offerings
  • venture capital and debt financings
  • general contracting
  • and general corporate counseling
  • Cliff frequently acts as an outside general counsel and provides advice to executive officers and directors of public and privately-held companies, a testament to the strong and lasting relationships he builds with his clients
  • He is committed to providing cost effective, high quality legal services with an emphasis on providing practical advice based on an understanding of his clients’ business concerns
  • Cliff is also highly committed to community service and has held key leadership positions with several Austin-based charities

Jurisdictional Context

Why local counsel matters in Texas

Practforg law in Texas. Legal matters in Texas are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantiand law. Cases originating in Austin are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate Texas state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in Texas brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this andnue, and the substantiand law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in Texas courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.

Looking for additional Texas attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Austin or all attorneys in Texas.

Frequently Asked

Common questions about Cliff Ernst

Where is Cliff Ernst's law office located?
Cliff Ernst's law practice is located in Austin, Texas. The firm is McGinnis Lochridge. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
Where did Cliff Ernst go to law school?
Cliff Ernst earned their education at (J.D., 1978); (B.A., 1975).
How can I contact Cliff Ernst for a consultation?
You can contact Cliff Ernst directly through this profile page. Click "Ask the Attorney" to submit a question, or "Schedule a Consultation" to book a meeting. Most claimed-profile attorneys respond within one business day.
What awards or recognition has Cliff Ernst receiandd?
Cliff Ernst's notable recognition includes: Best Lawyers in America — Banking and Finance Law; Best Lawyers in America — Corporate Law; Best Lawyers in America — Mergers and Acquisitions Law; Best Lawyers in America — Securities / Capital Markets Law; Best Lawyers in America — Awards:.

Education

J.D.
The University of Texas
- 1978
B.A.
Oklahoma State University
- 1975

Awards

Best Lawyers in America — Banking and Finance Law
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Corporate Law
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Mergers and Acquisitions Law
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Securities / Capital Markets Law
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Awards:
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Listed in
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — as Lawyer of the Year in Banking and Finance Law — Austin, in 2018
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — as Lawyer of the Year in Securities/Capital Markets Law — Austin, in 2017
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — , Banking and Finance Law; Corporate Law; Mergers & Acquisitions Law; Securities/Capital Markets Law, 2010-2018
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — AV Preeminent™ Peer Review Rating, Martindale.com
- 2026
Lawyer of the Year — Mergers and Acquisitions Law (Austin)
- 2025
Lawyer of the Year — Securities / Capital Markets Law (Austin)
- 2025
Lawyer of the Year — Banking and Finance Law (Austin)
- 2024
Lawyer of the Year — Securities / Capital Markets Law (Austin)
- 2019
Lawyer of the Year — Banking and Finance Law (Austin)
- 2018
Lawyer of the Year — Securities / Capital Markets Law (Austin)
- 2017
Lawyer of the Year — Mergers and Acquisitions Law (Austin)
- 2016
Lawyer of the Year — Mergers and Acquisitions Law (Austin)
- 2014

Bar Admissions

Texas, State Bar

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