Allison A. Bastian-Rodriguez
Brownsville,Texas
Summary
Board Certified Partner in Commercial Real Estate Law with over 15 years of legal experience, specializing in real estate transactions, land use regulation, and contract negotiations for municipalities and governmental entities. Since joining the Firm in 2018, notable contributions include providing comprehensive legal support for City Attorney and General Counsel practices, addressing open meetings, elections issues, ordinance drafting, and public information requests. Previous roles as Deputy City Attorney and Planner for the City of Brownsville have enhanced expertise in municipal law. Committed to leveraging extensive legal knowledge to further advance community development initiatives.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Attorney
Denton Navarro Rocha Bernal and Zech, P.C.
01.2018 - Current
- Daily handling of real estate transactions from start to finish for clients, whether they be positioned as buyer or seller—including but not limited to negotiating, drafting, and finalizing purchase and sale agreements, letters of intent, option contracts, rights of first refusal/rights of first opportunity; drafting warranty deeds; opening title and escrow with title companies across the state; recommending title insurance policy types and endorsements, and providing cost estimates for same; reviewing title commitments and providing objections to exceptions to title insurance coverage; survey and plat review in tandem with same and otherwise; advising clients through the various contract stages (such as feasibility periods) all the way up to closing (including review of closing statements and confirmation of their accuracy).Also handle more intricate transactions which include financing mechanisms such as promissory notes and deeds of trust (whether collateralized or not); assignments of rent; subordination, non-disturbance, and attornment (SNDA) agreements; and release of collateral. Also handle structuring transactions that include the formation of limited liability companies (LLCs) and navigating applicable tax exemptions to the property being purchased. Finally, provide general and special Counsel services to clients in zoning and land use matters; contracting; and economic development agreements; drafting and reviewing municipal ordinances and resolutions; guidance in open meetings issues; and responses to public information requests.
Deputy City Attorney
City of Brownsville
01.2015 - 12.2018
- In-house counsel for the City of Brownsville, Texas; assisted and stood in at the direction of and on behalf of City Attorney in various general counsel matters, including but not limited to real estate, land use, and contract issues; attend City Commission and other City board meetings as legal counsel; reviewed and drafted various contracts, ordinances, and resolutions.
Assistant City Attorney
City of Brownsville
01.2009 - 12.2015
- Provided support to various departments regarding a variety of municipal legal issues, including developing and interpreting ordinances, reviewing contracts, and conducting legal research.
Planner II
City of Brownsville
01.2007 - 12.2009
- Assisted with land use, zoning, and annexation matters for the City, provided support in the update of impact fees, and interpretation of state and local land use law.
Education
Juris Doctor -
Oklahoma City University School of Law
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma05.2007
Bachelor of Fine Arts -
The University of Oklahoma
Norman, Oklahoma01.1994
Skills
- Board Certified in Commercial Real Estate Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization
- Accustomed to fast-paced, demanding work environment which requires successful juggling of multiple projects at once, while retaining effective and professional quality work
Affiliations
- State Bar of Texas
- Texas Bar Foundation, Fellow
- Council Member, Real Estate, Probate and Trust Law Section of the State Bar of Texas
- State Bar of Texas Real Estate Forms Committee
- Texas City Attorneys Association
- Cameron County Bar Association
- Government Lawyers Section of the State Bar of Texas
- Hidalgo County Bar Association
- International Municipal Lawyers Association
- American College of Real Estate Lawyers (nominee—to be decided 2025)
References
- Rebecca Hayward, Shareholder: Denton Navarro Rodriguez Bernal Santee & Zech, P.C.
- Christopher Boswell, Attorney
- Christina Jenkins, Attorney
- Frank Rios, City Manager, City of La Feria
Baradmissions
- State Bar of Texas, 07/2007, 24061107
- Texas Supreme Court, 07/2007
Certification
- Board Certified in Commercial Real Estate Law in 2023
Languages
English
Professional
Spanish
Limited
Timeline
Attorney
Denton Navarro Rocha Bernal and Zech, P.C.
01.2018 - Current
Deputy City Attorney
City of Brownsville
01.2015 - 12.2018
Assistant City Attorney
City of Brownsville
01.2009 - 12.2015
Planner II
City of Brownsville
01.2007 - 12.2009
- Board Certified in Commercial Real Estate Law in 2023
Juris Doctor -
Oklahoma City University School of Law
Bachelor of Fine Arts -
The University of Oklahoma