gstaplesl@toase.com

George Staplse

Of Counsel

Areas of Practice

  • Municipal Law
  • Annexation
  • Eminent Domain
  • Civil Rights
  • Economic Development
  • Employment Law
  • Litigation
  • Zoning
Contact Info

Education

  • B.A. North Texas State University
  • JD University of Texas School of Law 1965

George was born in Lynn County, Texas in 1940. He traces his ancestry to George Staples of Amherst County, Virginia, who came to Texas in 1858 to cowboy for his brother in law. His ancestor moved to Kerr County where he taught school before enlisting in the service of the Confederacy, survived that and named his three sons after officers he served under. His prewar correspondence with his father, Charles Staples, are treasured possessions of the subject of this resume, who happens to believe that history is wasted on the young. He has been practicing law in Texas for over 60 years.

George received his B.A. in Government from North Texas State University and received his Juris Doctor from the University of Texas School of Law in 1965. He began his practice in 1965 as an assistant city attorney for the City of Lubbock. He practiced in Victoria from 1968-1971, and in Tarrant County since 1971. He served as executive director of the Golden Crescent Council of Governments from 1969-1970. He has served as Director of the Texas City Attorneys Association and a member of the Advisory Board of the Municipal Legal Studies Center of the Southwestern Legal Foundation, now The Center for American and International Law. He advises several economic development corporations (Art. 5190.6, Sec. 4A and 4B) and acts as city attorney for the cities of Springtown, Blue Mound, Annetta South, Balch Springs Type A Economic Development Corporation, and Westworth Village. He is currently defending several cities in state and federal litigation involving takings and federal civil rights claims. He has an active trial and appellate litigation practice primarily limited to the defense of cities and public officials in civil rights, personnel actions, eminent domain, zoning and other issues. He is a frequent lecturer on a variety of subjects and accepts engagements involving examinations and investigations of events and legal matters involving public officials and employees, as well as the recommendation of practices and procedures to protect private and public employers. 

Professional Affiliations and Memberships

Licensed:

• State Bar of Texas

Admitted:

• Texas Supreme Court
• U.S. District Court Northern District of Texas
• U.S.District Court Southern District of Texas
• U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas
• Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals
• United States Supreme Court

Member:

• Tarrant County Bar Association
• Texas City Attorneys Association
• Advisory Board of the Municipal Legal Studies Center of the Center for American and International Law Society