Allensworth Celebrates 30 Years

Allensworth proudly marks its 30th anniversary, celebrating three decades of dedication to serving the construction industry. Founded in 1995 by William R. Allensworth and Bob Roller, the firm has evolved into a nationally recognized powerhouse, renowned for its construction law expertise and commitment to clients.

A Visionary Beginning

After 20 years at Haynes and Boone, William R. Allensworth pursued his vision of creating a law firm laser-focused on serving the Texas construction industry. This bold move laid the foundation for Roller and Allensworth, LLP, which would grow to become a beacon of excellence in construction law. In 2003, Wade Porter joined the firm, which then became known as Allensworth and Porter, LLP. Later, in 2020, the firm rebranded to Allensworth.

Specialized Expertise and Expansion

Over the years, Allensworth developed a niche specialty in representing architects and engineers in design and professional liability disputes. The firm’s expertise expanded further with the addition of a robust transactional practice, drafting contracts that set the firm’s clients and their construction projects up for success. Today, Allensworth represents a diverse range of clients, including owners, developers, public entities, contractors, subcontractors, lenders, and design professionals. This comprehensive approach and broad perspective allows the firm to leverage a 360-degree view of disputes, crafting strategies that help clients achieve their goals efficiently and effectively.

In addition to advocacy, Allensworth offers alternative dispute resolution services, bringing its understanding of all industry perspectives to mediation and arbitration to help parties reach definitive, well-reasoned resolutions. In recent years, Allensworth introduced a water law practice group, providing critical support in permitting, water acquisition, disputes, and planning essential for development and construction projects in this field. To round out the 360-degree approach, the firm most recently added the insurance coverage and risk management practice group, helping clients maximize their coverage and mitigate risks.

Leaders in Law and Community

One of the firm’s core values is “Doing a Damn Fine Job.” Allensworth embodies this both in its legal practice and its significant contributions to the construction industry and the larger community. During the last 30 years, the firm’s attorneys have argued cases at every level of the Texas and Federal courts, including a landmark case before the U.S. Supreme Court, demonstrating expertise and influence in the legal landscape of construction law. 

William R. Allensworth, the firm’s founder, was honored with the Pioneer Award by the State Bar of Texas Construction Law Foundation in 2016 for his “extraordinary contributions to the practice of construction law.” In 2018, he was appointed by Governor Abbott as Chairman of the Texas Facilities Commission. Beginning in 1998, he taught construction law at the University of Texas School of Law, where he co-authored a widely used textbook on the subject. His legacy continues with two Allensworth partners now teaching construction law and construction litigation at UT, continuing William’s commitment to teaching future generations of lawyers about construction law. The firm’s dedication to fostering the next generation of construction law professionals is reflected in the William R. Allensworth ‘74 Endowed Scholarship at his alma mater, Texas Tech School of Law, as well as the Allensworth Endowed Scholarship at Texas A&M, which supports construction science majors with aspirations of attending law school. These scholarships are designed to nurture future talent in construction law and ensure that our founder’s impact endures. 

Beyond their legal achievements, Allensworth’s attorneys are leaders in the industry and the community. They serve in key roles as advisors and on the boards of directors for nonprofits and professional organizations, including AIA Austin, Downtown Austin Alliance, SAFE Alliance, Travis County Women Lawyers Foundation, Headliners Club, State Bar of Texas Construction Law Council, State Bar of Texas Insurance Law Council, Austin Bar Association Construction Law Council, ULI Austin, American Bar Association Forum on Construction Law Division 3 (Design), and the Building Enclosure Council. These positions exemplify the firm’s dedication to community service and fostering a culture of leadership among the team.

A Culture of Excellence

Today, Allensworth boasts a team of 24 attorneys, led by 10 partners, all committed to delivering exceptional legal work. Long-standing team members like Marilyn Soltau, celebrating her 25th year as a paralegal, and Matt Ryan, who has also been with the firm for 25 years, attest to the firm’s strong culture.

When asked about his enduring commitment to the firm, Matt Ryan noted, “It’s the people, the culture, and the quality of the work that keep me here. The firm prioritizes service to each other, our clients, and the community, making it a truly fulfilling place to work.” Marilyn added: “It really feels like a family. I’ve loved being a part of it and seeing it grow over the last 25 years.” 

Co-Managing Partner Amy Emerson said, “Our culture is built on teamwork, integrity, and a passion for delivering results that exceed our clients’ expectations. It’s what sets us apart and drives our success.”

Looking to the Future

As Allensworth embarks on the next chapter, the firm remains committed to enhancing its services to better serve the construction and development industries. Co-Managing Partner Joe Basham shared his vision for the future, stating:

“As we celebrate this milestone, I’m excited about the next generation of leadership growing within our firm. Our team is not only dedicated to delivering top-notch legal services, but also passionate about mentoring and developing the next wave of construction law experts. This commitment to growth and excellence ensures that Allensworth will continue to be a trusted partner for clients seeking expert guidance in the ever-evolving construction landscape.”