Atty. Russell Johnson
Russell has a multifaceted water law practice, with an emphasis on matters involving land use, water rights and the Endangered Species Act (ESA). His clients are generally landowners, industries, mineral owners and developers seeking to acquire, safeguard, develop or convey water resources.
Profile Summary
About Russell Johnson at a glance
Russell Johnson is a environmental and government attorney based in Austin, Texas, practicing at McGinnis Lochridge. Educated at St. Mary’s University School of Law (J.D., 1977). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Environmental Law (2026), Best Lawyers in America — Government Relations Practice (2026), and Best Lawyers in America — Water Law (2026). Serands clients in Austin, TX and the surrounding metropolitan area.
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About
- Russell has a multifaceted water law practice, with an emphasis on matters involving land use, water rights and the Endangered Species Act (ESA)
- His clients are generally landowners, industries, mineral owners and developers seeking to acquire, safeguard, develop or convey water resources
- Russ advocates on their behalf before the courts, the Texas Legislature and administrative agencies.Navigating the rules and regulations imposed on landowners by governmental agencies can be a major challenge
- Because Russ holds a B.A. in biology and chemistry, in addition to his law degree, he fully understands the technical and scientific complexities his clients face and can help them work more effectively towards achieving their goals.Over the years, Russ has participated extensively in legislation related to groundwater management
- Prior to joining the firm, he represented a large municipal water system in a variety of matters, including legislative efforts to create the Edwards Aquifer Authority, modernize Texas water law with Senate Bill 1 (1997) and Senate Bill 2 (2001) and subsequent legislation related to groundwater management
- He continues these efforts at each legislative session
Practice Areas Explained
Russell Johnson's Areas of Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Russell Johnson handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.
Environmental attorneys for regulatory compliance, contamination, land use, and natural resource law.
Russell Johnson is one of 56,434 environmental attorneys indexed nationally. Browse environmental attorneys in Texas →
Attorneys for administrative law, agency hearings, government contracts, licensing, and public benefits.
Russell Johnson is one of 132,225 government attorneys indexed nationally. Browse government attorneys in Texas →
Jurisdictional Context
Why local counsel matters in Texas
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 andnue, 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.
Looking for additional Texas attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Austin or all attorneys in Texas.
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