Michael W. Eaton
EatonLaw
- Biography
A 4th generation Texas lawyer with over 35 years of experience, I serve clients in throughout Texas. I have extensive experience in real estate, tax, and business formation, start-up, and operation. I have closed over 200 LIHTC projects in eight (8) different states, and more than 150 other affordable and market rate transactions. I have also advised hundreds of clients on personal and business real estate matters. I have taught at multiple colleges and universities as well over the last twenty plus years.
- Practice Areas
- Business Law
- Business Contracts, Business Dissolution, Business Finance, Business Formation, Business Litigation, Franchising, Mergers & Acquisitions, Partnership & Shareholder Disputes
- Estate Planning
- Guardianship & Conservatorship Estate Administration, Health Care Directives, Trusts, Wills
- Real Estate Law
- Commercial Real Estate, Condominiums, Easements, Eminent Domain, Homeowners Association, Land Use & Zoning, Mortgages, Neighbor Disputes, Residential Real Estate, Water Law
- Tax Law
- Business Taxes, Criminal Tax Litigation, Estate Tax Planning, Income Taxes, International Taxes, Payroll Taxes, Property Taxes, Sales Taxes, Tax Appeals, Tax Audits, Tax Planning
- Fees
-
Free Consultation
Most services provided based upon hourly fee arrangements, but some matters are also handled on a flat fee basis.
- Jurisdictions Admitted to Practice
- Texas
- Since 1984
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- Languages
- English:
Spoken, Written
- Professional Experience
- Managing Attorney
- The Eaton Law Firm, PLLC
-
2006 –
Current
- Provide representation and advice to clients regarding highly complex tax and finance structures for real estate acquisition and development, especially in the multifamily arena. Mr. Eaton has acted as borrower’s counsel, developer’s counsel, lender counsel or bond counsel in transactions totaling over $1,500,000,000 over the past 25+ years, and routinely advises high profile developers, institutional investors, national rating agencies, elected officials, and private individuals in these areas.
- Managing Attorney
- Eaton, Deaguero & Bishop, PLLC
-
2002 –
2006
- Provide representation and advice to clients regarding highly complex tax and finance structures for real estate acquisition and development, especially in the multifamily arena. During his time with this firm, Mr. Eaton became nationally known as an expert on affordable housing finance and tax issues, especially federal and state tax exemptions available to affordable housing projects.
- Attorney
- Eaton & Kemp, P.C.
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1998 –
2002
- All phases of client representation of businesses, real estate investors, real estate developers, and other businesses, including some of the first internet service providers (ISP’s) in Texas.
- Attorney
- Law Offices of Norman L. “Happy” Nelson, Jr.
-
1995 –
1998
- Real estate and business practice focusing on HUD financing for multifamily and seniors projects.
- Attorney
- Law Offices of Michael W. Eaton
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1988 –
1995
- Practice focusing on all aspects of business litigation and transactional matters.
- Founding Texas Attorney
- Hall & Vance LLP
-
1987 –
1988
- Opened Texas office for California offshoot of Finley Kumble focusing on financial institution representation. The firm chose to withdraw from Texas at the end of 1987 because of expense considerations, and Mr. Eaton continued in active representation of developers, real estate investors, and a wide variety of businesses.
- Associate
- Page & Addison, P.C.
-
1986 –
1987
- Advanced real estate and related litigation practice for a boutique law firm which represented more country clubs, private dining clubs, and city clubs than any other law firm in the nation, including representation of Club Corporation of America.
- Assistant General Counsel
- Kirby Oil, Inc.
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1984 –
1985
- All phases of client advising and representation on real estate, tax, and oil and gas issues for a large independent oil and gas producer.
- Education
- Academy of International Modern Studies
- Ph.D. (2020) | Finance
-
2017
–
2020 - Honors: 3.87 GPA
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- Southern Methodist University
- Doctor of Jurisprudence/Juris Doctor (J.D.)
-
1984
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- Southern Methodist University
- B.S. | Political Science/Economics
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1976
–
1980 - Honors: Graduated with Departmental Distinction
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- University of Texas – Dallas
- Political Economy
-
1994
–
1998 - Honors: Passed Comprehensive Examinations in Theory and Quantitative Methods
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- Auburn University
- Austrian Economics
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1995
–
1995 - Honors: Certificate of Completion from Ludwig von Mises Institute
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- Awards
- Decade of Service Award
- Texas Lawyers Assistance Program
- 2007
- Award for representing TLAP for over a decade at speaking appearances sponsored by the Texas Center for Legal Ethics & Professionalism.
- Eisenhower Commission
- Republican National Committee
- 2007
- The Eisenhower Commission is awarded for outstanding service and dedication demonstrated by a Life Member of the Republican National Committee.
- Professional Associations
- Northeast Tarrant County Bar Association
- Member
-
2006 –
Current -
- National Association of Bond Lawyers
- Member
-
2000 –
Current -
- Office of the Chief Disciplinary Counsel of the State Bar of Texas
- Attorney Monitor
-
1998 –
Current - Activities: Act as attorney monitor for lawyers whose licenses have bee suspended and for whom monitoring is a condition of their suspension or probation.
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- Texas Board of Law Examiners
- Attorney Monitor
-
1998 –
Current - Activities: Act as attorney monitor for newly licensed Texas lawyers given a probationary license.
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- Lawyers Concerned For Lawyers
- Past President, Dallas Chapter 1999-2000
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1994 –
Current - Activities: Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers (LCL) is a group which provides support and guidance for lawyers suffering from alcoholism, drug addiction, and mental health issues. LCL works closely with the Texas Lawyers Assistance Program to provide treatment and recovery options for lawyers, law students and judges who suffer form substance abuse and mental health issues.
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- Texas Lawyer Assistance Program
- Attorney Volunteer
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1994 –
Current - Activities: Act on behalf of TLAP communicating and aiding lawyers, law students, and judges with alcohol, substance abuse, or mental health issues that impact their ability to practice law.
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Texas State Bar
 # 06383800
- Member
-
1984 –
Current -
- Websites & Blogs
- Website
- Website
- Contact & Address
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