Noah M. Galton
Practice Areas
Experience
- Business Litigation
- Condemnation & Eminent Domain
- Condemnation & Eminent Domain Litigation
- Energy Litigation
- Real Estate Litigation
Biography
Noah Galton is a trial attorney and a problem solver. From assisting condemning authorities and landowners with large-scale land acquisition projects and eminent domain matters, to defending entities involved in complex commercial disputes, Noah has experience providing creative legal solutions in high-stakes litigation.
Noah’s practice focuses on condemnation / eminent domain and commercial litigation, including real estate litigation, energy litigation, litigating issues surrounding governmental / sovereign immunity, and general business litigation. Noah has prosecuted numerous lawsuits to jury verdict, including in both state and federal court, and has appeared in dozens of administrative hearings. Noah has a truly statewide practice, with experience in over 40 Texas counties.
Along with providing innovative and efficient representation to individuals and business entities facing challenging litigation, Noah enjoys counseling clients in litigation-avoidance strategies.
Noah has received several recognitions for his work and community involvement, including being named an Austin Under 40 Finalist (Legal, 2020 and 2023), a Texas Rising Star (Super Lawyers by Thomson Reuters, 2019-2024), a Fellow of the Texas Bar Foundation (2019-Present), and being selected for the “Up-and-Coming 100: Texas Rising Stars” List (Super Lawyers by Thomson Reuters, 2022-2024) and the “Austin’s Top Attorneys” List – Eminent Domain (Austin Monthly, 2021-2022).
Education
B.S., with highest honors, University of Texas at Austin
J.D., University of Virginia School of Law
- Virginia Environmental Law Journal, Editorial Board
Bar Admissions
Texas
Condemnation & Eminent Domain
Condemning Authority Representation: Representation of river authorities, electricity providers, oil/gas midstream and interstate pipeline companies, railroads, municipal utility districts, special utility districts, regional mobility authorities, municipalities, and independent schools districts in the acquisition of real property rights for extensive public projects aimed at expanding critical infrastructure in the State of Texas. Exemplar projects include:
- Assisted electric utility with time-sensitive renewable energy project involving the acquisition of over 600 parcels, spanning over 300 miles, and crossing 11 counties in Northwest Texas for a high-voltage transmission line, including negotiation of real property interests with affected landowners, coordination of efforts amongst a wide array of engineers, valuation experts, and land acquisition agents, and, when necessary, the pursuit of eminent domain proceedings to jury verdict.
- Assisted midstream company with the acquisition of over 200 miles of right-of-way traversing La Salle, McMullen, Live Oak, Bee, Goliad, Victoria, and Jackson Counties in order to install a new pipeline to facilitate the transportation of natural gas liquids from one of the highest production areas in the United States for oil, gas, and related substances to areas of the State of Texas where those substances are processed and stored, successfully obtaining possession of all necessary right-of-way either through voluntary negotiations or eminent domain.
- Aided river authority with numerous projects geared towards constructing and/or upgrading transmission facilities throughout Central and South Texas, including assisting in the acquisition of dozens of parcels and obtaining property interests through eminent domain, where necessary.
- Represented municipally owned utility with land acquisition and eminent domain efforts aimed at providing essential electric power to portions of Northeast Texas.
- Assisted water conservation and reclamation district with land acquisition and eminent domain efforts aimed at providing critical wastewater infrastructure to a rapidly expanding portion of Central Texas.
- Served as counsel for municipal utility districts in conjunction with land acquisition efforts necessary to meet drainage and water requirements for residential developments in Williamson and Tarrant Counties.
- Represented independent school district with land acquisition, municipal land use, and eminent domain efforts required to modernize and revitalize aging school facilities.
- In an eminent domain lawsuit involving the acquisition of land critical to the expansion of a municipal parks system, successfully defended the municipality against the landowner’s right to take challenge and achieved a favorable settlement as to just compensation, resulting in acquisition of the necessary land for fair market value.
- Represented municipality in condemnation of rights in conjunction with the development, design, and construction of improvements along key corridors to enhance mobility, safety, and connectivity.
- Obtained directed verdict in jury trial on behalf of midstream company in condemnation action in Madison County, Texas, with the court’s judgment reflecting the exact relief sought.
Landowner Eminent Domain Representation: Representation of property owners and other real property interest holders in seeking just compensation under the Texas Constitution and protecting their property rights. Representative condemnation/eminent domain matters include:
- Secured just compensation for a developer in excess of $4.2 million over TxDOT’s initial offer for a roadway taking bisecting a planned commercial development in Travis County, Texas.
- Secured just compensation for a developer in excess of $4.1 million over the City of Dallas’s initial offer in conjunction with the City’s condemnation of commercial property for a pump station to be constructed on the Trinity River in the immediate vicinity of downtown Dallas.
- Secured just compensation in excess of $2 million over TxDOT’s initial offer for a real estate developer whose property was bisected by a 40-acre roadway taking in Hood County, Texas.
- Secured just compensation for a residential developer in excess of $2.6 million over Williamson County’s initial offer in conjunction with a 21-acre roadway taking bisecting a 464-lot platted subdivision.
- Secured just compensation for a developer in excess of $2.9 million over Williamson County’s lowest offer in conjunction with a 25-acre roadway taking bisecting a residential subdivision tract.
- Secured just compensation for a landowner in excess of $1,500,000 over Harris County’s initial offer in conjunction with the County’s taking of property for drainage and road improvements.
- Secured just compensation for a developer in excess of $500,000 over TxDOT’s initial offers for a roadway taking crossing numerous commercial parcels in Dallas County, Texas.
- Secured just compensation for a landowner at a 103% increase over TxDOT’s initial offer for a roadway taking in conjunction with TxDOT’s Interstate 35 (I-35) project in Travis County, Texas.
- Secured just compensation for a landowner at a 46% increase over TxDOT’s initial offer for a roadway taking in conjunction with TxDOT’s Interstate 35 (I-35) project in Travis County, Texas.
- Secured just compensation for a commercial landlord at a 74% increase over TxDOT’s initial offer for a roadway taking in conjunction with TxDOT’s RM 620 project in Travis County, Texas.
- Representation of lienholders and other property interest holders in defending their interests in various condemnation matters.
General Business Litigation
- Representation of market participants in the Texas electric industry in over 100 cases in a multidistrict litigation (MDL) involving claims arising from Winter Storm Uri, including obtaining dismissal of numerous claims on jurisdictional grounds.
- Defended generic active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) development and supply company in the United States District Court for the Western District of Texas against breach of contract claims surrounding the development and sale of a generic Sumatriptan injector system, including trial by jury.
- Defended governmental employees against declaratory, injunctive, and ultra vires claims, ultimately obtaining a dismissal of the employees with prejudice on governmental immunity grounds.
- Argued special appearance on behalf of Connecticut limited liability company facing numerous claims in Travis County district court, resulting in a dismissal of the lawsuit with prejudice for lack of personal jurisdiction.
- Obtained final summary judgment against individual claiming trespass damages in connection with the filming of a television commercial in Elgin, Texas, and successfully argued for the affirmance of the judgment before the Third Court of Appeals. See Matthews v. Solomon, No. 03-15-00474-CV, 2017 Tex. App. LEXIS 1749 (Tex. App.–Austin Mar. 2, 2017).
- Defended homeowner’s association against claims for breach of contract and violation of the Texas Fair Housing Act, ultimately culminating in the claimant non-suiting his causes of action with prejudice.
- Defended utility company against wholesale electricity provider in contract dispute arising out of long-term power purchase agreement.
- Achieved favorable settlement for commercial tenant facing breach of contract claims in connection with alleged water damages sustained to leasehold premises.
- Negotiated pre-suit settlement of property damages claim on behalf of the owner of a unit within a high-rise luxury condominium in downtown Austin, Texas.
- The Best Lawyers in America (Woodward/White Inc.), Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law, 2025
- Texas Rising Star, Super Lawyers by Thomson Reuters, 2019-2024
- Named to “Up-and-Coming 100: Texas Rising Stars” list, Super Lawyers by Thomson Reuters, 2022-2024
- “Austin’s Top Attorneys” List – Eminent Domain, Austin Monthly, 2021-2022
- Austin Under 40 Finalist, 2020, 2023
- Fellow, Texas Bar Foundation, 2019-Present
- Speaker, “Utility Easements: A Look at New Acquisitions and Existing Easements,” ALI-CLE’s Eminent Domain and Land Valuation Litigation 2023 Conference (February 2023)
- Speaker, “Cutting-Edge Issues in Utility Easement Acquisitions,” 19th Annual CLE International Eminent Domain SuperConference, Austin (February 2020)
- Co-Author, “Texas Supreme Court Reaffirms Validity and Scope of General Easements,” Jackson Walker Insights (February 2020)
- Co-Author, “Legal Fees: Staying Grounded in the Basics in an Ever-Changing Environment,” Austin Lawyer (September 2018)
- Speaker, “Measuring Just Compensation,” Eminent Domain and Private Property Rights Law Course, University of Texas School of Law (March 2018; March 2017)
- Speaker, “Conflicts of Interest & Other Important Considerations for Your Practice,” IRWA Spring Seminar (April 2017)
- Austin Bar Association – Eminent Domain Section
- Chair, July 2022 – July 2023
- Vice Chair, November 2021 – June 2022
- Waterloo Greenway (f/k/a Waller Creek Conservancy)
- Development Committee, 2018-Present
- Generation Waller
- Community Engagement Committee, Chair, 2018
- Steering Committee, Member, 2018
- Community Engagement Committee, Member, 2017-2018
- Austin Young Lawyers Association
- State Bar of Texas
- American Bar Association
Jackson Walker Client Featured in Right of Way Magazine
January 24, 2014
August 15, 2024
Attorney News
‘The Best Lawyers in America’ Features 306 Jackson Walker Attorneys in 2025 Edition, Including 9 “Lawyers of the Year” and 75 “Ones to Watch”
The Best Lawyers in America has recognized 306 Jackson Walker attorneys across 81 specialty practice areas in its 2025 edition, including 9 Lawyers of the Year and 75 Ones to Watch. In this year’s guide, Jackson Walker saw the largest number of attorneys in the areas of Commercial Litigation (75 attorneys) and Real Estate Law (55 attorneys) and the addition of 27 attorneys as Best Lawyers.
July 11, 2024
Attorney News
‘Austin Monthly’ Lists 21 Jackson Walker Attorneys Among “Austin’s Top Attorneys” of 2024
Jackson Walker congratulates the 21 attorneys recognized among Austin Monthly’s list of “Austin’s Top Attorneys” for 2024. For recognition in the list, Austin attorneys must be nominated by their peers on the basis that they offer experienced counsel in one of 39 categories.
March 21, 2024
Attorney News
Five Jackson Walker Attorneys Named to Texas Rising Stars “Up-and-Coming 100” List
The “Up-and-Coming 100” list recognizes outstanding attorneys who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement, and selection is based on who received the highest point totals during the patented multiphase process used to identify the “Texas Rising Stars” of 2024.
March 21, 2024
Attorney News
Jackson Walker Congratulates 2024 Texas Rising Stars
Each year, Super Lawyers recognizes only 5% of Texas attorneys who either are 40 years of age or younger or have been in practice for 10 years or less as “Rising Stars.”
April 6, 2023
Speaking Engagements
Sue Ayers and Noah Galton to Discuss Ethics and Emerging Issues at Texas Eminent Domain Conference
During the 22nd Annual Texas Eminent Domain Conference, Sue Ayers and Noah Galton will share their insights related to ethics and cutting-edge eminent domain issues.
March 23, 2023
Attorney News
Jackson Walker Congratulates Its 2023 Texas Rising Stars
Jackson Walker is pleased to announce the selection of 63 attorneys to Thomson Reuters’ 2023 “Super Lawyers – Rising Stars” list, which recognizes only 5% of Texas attorneys who either are 40 years of age or younger or have been in practice for 10 years or less.
March 23, 2023
Attorney News
Eight Jackson Walker Attorneys Named Up-and-Coming Texas Rising Stars
Jackson Walker congratulates Chris Bankler, Amanda Crouch, Joshua Flores, Noah Galton, Joel Glover, Reagan Marble, and Zach Zurek on their selection to the “Up-and-Coming 100: 2023 Texas Rising Stars” list. In addition, Amanda and Veronica Polnick were named to the “Up-and-Coming 50: 2023 Women Texas Rising Stars” list.
March 9, 2023
Attorney News
Noah Galton and Jorge Padilla Named Finalists for Austin Under 40 Awards
Noah Galton and Jorge Padilla were selected as finalists for the Austin Under 40 Awards, which honor and celebrate Austin professionals who have demonstrated excellence in their careers, while also making an impact in the community.
February 1, 2023
Speaking Engagements
Noah Galton to Discuss Utility Easements at Eminent Domain and Land Valuation Litigation 2023 ALI-CLE Conference
Noah Galton is scheduled to present “Utility Easements: A Look at New Acquisitions and Existing Easements” with Nicholas Laurent (Barron, Adler, Clough & Oddo) at ALI-CLE’s 40th annual Eminent Domain and Land Valuation Litigation course on Friday, February 3, 2023.
October 25, 2022
Attorney News
‘Austin Monthly’ Lists 14 Jackson Walker Attorneys Among “Austin’s Top Attorneys” of 2022
Jackson Walker congratulates the 14 attorneys recognized among Austin Monthly’s list of “Austin’s Top Attorneys” for 2022. For recognition in the list, Austin attorneys must be nominated by their peers on the basis that they offer experienced counsel in one of 38 categories.
Practice Experience
Condemnation & Eminent Domain
Condemning Authority Representation: Representation of river authorities, electricity providers, oil/gas midstream and interstate pipeline companies, railroads, municipal utility districts, special utility districts, regional mobility authorities, municipalities, and independent schools districts in the acquisition of real property rights for extensive public projects aimed at expanding critical infrastructure in the State of Texas. Exemplar projects include:
- Assisted electric utility with time-sensitive renewable energy project involving the acquisition of over 600 parcels, spanning over 300 miles, and crossing 11 counties in Northwest Texas for a high-voltage transmission line, including negotiation of real property interests with affected landowners, coordination of efforts amongst a wide array of engineers, valuation experts, and land acquisition agents, and, when necessary, the pursuit of eminent domain proceedings to jury verdict.
- Assisted midstream company with the acquisition of over 200 miles of right-of-way traversing La Salle, McMullen, Live Oak, Bee, Goliad, Victoria, and Jackson Counties in order to install a new pipeline to facilitate the transportation of natural gas liquids from one of the highest production areas in the United States for oil, gas, and related substances to areas of the State of Texas where those substances are processed and stored, successfully obtaining possession of all necessary right-of-way either through voluntary negotiations or eminent domain.
- Aided river authority with numerous projects geared towards constructing and/or upgrading transmission facilities throughout Central and South Texas, including assisting in the acquisition of dozens of parcels and obtaining property interests through eminent domain, where necessary.
- Represented municipally owned utility with land acquisition and eminent domain efforts aimed at providing essential electric power to portions of Northeast Texas.
- Assisted water conservation and reclamation district with land acquisition and eminent domain efforts aimed at providing critical wastewater infrastructure to a rapidly expanding portion of Central Texas.
- Served as counsel for municipal utility districts in conjunction with land acquisition efforts necessary to meet drainage and water requirements for residential developments in Williamson and Tarrant Counties.
- Represented independent school district with land acquisition, municipal land use, and eminent domain efforts required to modernize and revitalize aging school facilities.
- In an eminent domain lawsuit involving the acquisition of land critical to the expansion of a municipal parks system, successfully defended the municipality against the landowner’s right to take challenge and achieved a favorable settlement as to just compensation, resulting in acquisition of the necessary land for fair market value.
- Represented municipality in condemnation of rights in conjunction with the development, design, and construction of improvements along key corridors to enhance mobility, safety, and connectivity.
- Obtained directed verdict in jury trial on behalf of midstream company in condemnation action in Madison County, Texas, with the court’s judgment reflecting the exact relief sought.
Landowner Eminent Domain Representation: Representation of property owners and other real property interest holders in seeking just compensation under the Texas Constitution and protecting their property rights. Representative condemnation/eminent domain matters include:
- Secured just compensation for a developer in excess of $4.2 million over TxDOT’s initial offer for a roadway taking bisecting a planned commercial development in Travis County, Texas.
- Secured just compensation for a developer in excess of $4.1 million over the City of Dallas’s initial offer in conjunction with the City’s condemnation of commercial property for a pump station to be constructed on the Trinity River in the immediate vicinity of downtown Dallas.
- Secured just compensation in excess of $2 million over TxDOT’s initial offer for a real estate developer whose property was bisected by a 40-acre roadway taking in Hood County, Texas.
- Secured just compensation for a residential developer in excess of $2.6 million over Williamson County’s initial offer in conjunction with a 21-acre roadway taking bisecting a 464-lot platted subdivision.
- Secured just compensation for a developer in excess of $2.9 million over Williamson County’s lowest offer in conjunction with a 25-acre roadway taking bisecting a residential subdivision tract.
- Secured just compensation for a landowner in excess of $1,500,000 over Harris County’s initial offer in conjunction with the County’s taking of property for drainage and road improvements.
- Secured just compensation for a developer in excess of $500,000 over TxDOT’s initial offers for a roadway taking crossing numerous commercial parcels in Dallas County, Texas.
- Secured just compensation for a landowner at a 103% increase over TxDOT’s initial offer for a roadway taking in conjunction with TxDOT’s Interstate 35 (I-35) project in Travis County, Texas.
- Secured just compensation for a landowner at a 46% increase over TxDOT’s initial offer for a roadway taking in conjunction with TxDOT’s Interstate 35 (I-35) project in Travis County, Texas.
- Secured just compensation for a commercial landlord at a 74% increase over TxDOT’s initial offer for a roadway taking in conjunction with TxDOT’s RM 620 project in Travis County, Texas.
- Representation of lienholders and other property interest holders in defending their interests in various condemnation matters.
General Business Litigation
- Representation of market participants in the Texas electric industry in over 100 cases in a multidistrict litigation (MDL) involving claims arising from Winter Storm Uri, including obtaining dismissal of numerous claims on jurisdictional grounds.
- Defended generic active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) development and supply company in the United States District Court for the Western District of Texas against breach of contract claims surrounding the development and sale of a generic Sumatriptan injector system, including trial by jury.
- Defended governmental employees against declaratory, injunctive, and ultra vires claims, ultimately obtaining a dismissal of the employees with prejudice on governmental immunity grounds.
- Argued special appearance on behalf of Connecticut limited liability company facing numerous claims in Travis County district court, resulting in a dismissal of the lawsuit with prejudice for lack of personal jurisdiction.
- Obtained final summary judgment against individual claiming trespass damages in connection with the filming of a television commercial in Elgin, Texas, and successfully argued for the affirmance of the judgment before the Third Court of Appeals. See Matthews v. Solomon, No. 03-15-00474-CV, 2017 Tex. App. LEXIS 1749 (Tex. App.–Austin Mar. 2, 2017).
- Defended homeowner’s association against claims for breach of contract and violation of the Texas Fair Housing Act, ultimately culminating in the claimant non-suiting his causes of action with prejudice.
- Defended utility company against wholesale electricity provider in contract dispute arising out of long-term power purchase agreement.
- Achieved favorable settlement for commercial tenant facing breach of contract claims in connection with alleged water damages sustained to leasehold premises.
- Negotiated pre-suit settlement of property damages claim on behalf of the owner of a unit within a high-rise luxury condominium in downtown Austin, Texas.
Recognition & Accolades
- The Best Lawyers in America (Woodward/White Inc.), Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law, 2025
- Texas Rising Star, Super Lawyers by Thomson Reuters, 2019-2024
- Named to “Up-and-Coming 100: Texas Rising Stars” list, Super Lawyers by Thomson Reuters, 2022-2024
- “Austin’s Top Attorneys” List – Eminent Domain, Austin Monthly, 2021-2022
- Austin Under 40 Finalist, 2020, 2023
- Fellow, Texas Bar Foundation, 2019-Present
Publications & Speeches
- Speaker, “Utility Easements: A Look at New Acquisitions and Existing Easements,” ALI-CLE’s Eminent Domain and Land Valuation Litigation 2023 Conference (February 2023)
- Speaker, “Cutting-Edge Issues in Utility Easement Acquisitions,” 19th Annual CLE International Eminent Domain SuperConference, Austin (February 2020)
- Co-Author, “Texas Supreme Court Reaffirms Validity and Scope of General Easements,” Jackson Walker Insights (February 2020)
- Co-Author, “Legal Fees: Staying Grounded in the Basics in an Ever-Changing Environment,” Austin Lawyer (September 2018)
- Speaker, “Measuring Just Compensation,” Eminent Domain and Private Property Rights Law Course, University of Texas School of Law (March 2018; March 2017)
- Speaker, “Conflicts of Interest & Other Important Considerations for Your Practice,” IRWA Spring Seminar (April 2017)
Community Involvement
- Austin Bar Association – Eminent Domain Section
- Chair, July 2022 – July 2023
- Vice Chair, November 2021 – June 2022
- Waterloo Greenway (f/k/a Waller Creek Conservancy)
- Development Committee, 2018-Present
- Generation Waller
- Community Engagement Committee, Chair, 2018
- Steering Committee, Member, 2018
- Community Engagement Committee, Member, 2017-2018
- Austin Young Lawyers Association
- State Bar of Texas
- American Bar Association