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.
Banking And Finance Law & More Attorney · Serving Austin, TX
Profile Summary
About Cliff Ernst at a Glance
Cliff Ernst is a business, m&a, and securities attorney based in Austin, Texas, practicing 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). Serves clients in Austin, TX and the surrounding metropolitan area.
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About 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
- 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
Practice Areas Explained
Cliff Ernst's Areas of Legal Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Cliff Ernst handles, with a practical overview of what that area of law involves and how it may apply to your situation in Austin.
Business & Corporate Law in Austin
Business attorneys advise founders and growing companies on entity formation, contracts, financing, M&A, and dispute resolution.
Cliff Ernst is one of 497,491 business attorneys indexed nationally. Browse business attorneys in Texas →
Mergers & Acquisitions in Austin
Cliff Ernst is one of 49,430 m&a attorneys indexed nationally. Browse m&a attorneys in Texas →
Securities Law in Austin
Cliff Ernst is one of 64,075 securities attorneys indexed nationally. Browse securities attorneys in Texas →
Jurisdictional Context
Why Local Counsel Matters in Austin
Practicing law in Texas. Legal matters in Texas are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive 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 venue, and the substantive 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.
Austin Courts and Legal Process
Choosing a Austin-based attorney means your counsel already knows the local docketing timelines, preferred filing formats, and how individual judges typically rule on procedural motions — details that only come from practicing in this jurisdiction day after day. That local familiarity can translate to better strategy, faster filings, and fewer costly surprises.
Looking for additional Texas attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Austin or all attorneys in Texas.
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Professional Profile
Why Clients in Austin Choose Cliff Ernst
Selecting an attorney is one of the most consequential decisions you can make when a legal matter arises. Below are the core qualities that distinguish Cliff Ernst's practice in the field of business, m&a, and securities.
Broad Practice Area Coverage
Covering business, m&a, and securities, Cliff Ernst can address the full spectrum of a client's legal needs without requiring referrals to separate specialists for each issue.
Local Presence in Austin
A Austin-based practice means Cliff Ernst attends hearings in the same courthouses, knows the local clerks, and understands the unwritten scheduling norms that affect every case filed here.
Case Types
Common Legal Issues Cliff Ernst Handles in Austin
Below is a representative sample of the types of matters Cliff Ernst has experience with under Texas law. If your situation involves one of these case categories, this attorney may be well positioned to help you understand your options.
This list is illustrative, not exhaustive. Contact Cliff Ernst directly to discuss the specifics of your situation.
Search Reference
How People Find Cliff Ernst Online
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Cliff Ernst's Practice Areas & Specializations
Education & Law School Background
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Bar Admissions & Licensed Jurisdictions
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