Ronald D. Stutes, Attorney, Tyler, Texas

Mr. Stutes was instrumental in assisting the cities of Rusk and Palestine in their successful efforts to ensure the continued operation of the Texas State Railroad. Mr. Stutes drafted agreements between the cities, as well as legislation to form the Texas State Railroad Authority, and negotiated agreements for the new authority with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and the private operators of the railroad.

Mr. Stutes also represents private entities in a wide range of commercial litigation. Mr. Stutes created and led a team of attorneys that represented a pipeline company in eminent domain efforts, and was lead counsel on a lawsuit that reduced the damages on a taking by over 80%.

Mr. Stutes has also actively participated in bar activities, serving as the President of the Smith County Bar Association, as the Secretary of the Board of Directors of the Smith County Bar Foundation, and as the President of the Texas City Attorneys Association. 

Education

• Rice University, B.A., Economics and Legal Studies, 1981.
• Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs, University of Texas at Austin, M.Pub.Aff, 1985.
• University of Texas School of Law, J.D., 1985.

Professional Experience

• Wilson, Robertson & VanDeventer, P.C., 2020 – present.
• Potter Minton, P.C., 2003 – 2020. Member.
• Private Practice, Dallas, Texas, 2000 – 2003.
• Assistant City Attorney, City of Dallas, Texas. 1993-2000.
• Hearings Examiner & Assistant Director, Railroad Commission of Texas, 1985-1993.

Professional Activities & Affiliations

• Bar Admissions: State Bar of Texas, 1985; U. S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit; U. S. District Courts for the Eastern, Northern, and Western Districts.
• Bar Associations: Smith County Bar Association (Board of Directors, President 2015-16); Smith County Bar Foundation (Board of Directors, Secretary 2021-22).
• Texas City Attorneys Association (Board of Directors 2014 – present; President, 2021-22)
• City of Tyler, Airport Advisory Board
• Woods Garden Club Homeowners Association (Board of Directors).

Speaking & Writing

Mr. Stutes is a frequent speaker at legal seminars as well as seminars for municipal board members and staff. He has spoken on litigation topics, land use, racial profiling, bankruptcy, and municipal franchises. He has spoken before such groups as the State Bar of Texas, the Texas City Attorneys Association, the North Central Texas Council of Governments, the Smith County Bar Association, the Federal Bar Association, and the National College of District Attorneys.

Honors

• Member, College of the State Bar of Texas, 2005 – present.
• Outstanding Service Award, Railroad Commission of Texas, 1987.

Personal

Born in Kilgore, Texas, Mr. Stutes grew up in East Texas and graduated from Navasota High School. He is married to Donna Gail Dozier, a Smith County native.