Arbitrator | Mediator

SANFORD L. DOW

SANFORD L. DOW

Texas Justice Center

2700 Post Oak Blvd., Suite 1750
Houston, Texas 77056

Tel: 713-526-3700

 

 

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Biographical

Consistently recognized as one of the Best Lawyers in America, Sanford L. Dow, a third-generation Houston attorney, has, during his 32 year legal career, represented a diversity of individuals from all walks of life and businesses of all sizes. He has successfully represented prominent national religious leaders, a former United States Congressman, professional athletes, members of a Middle East Royal Family, an international fashion model, New York Stock Exchange companies, a restaurant franchise with over 400 worldwide locations, and a multitude of start-up and mid-size companies.

In 2024, The Best Lawyers in America recognized Mr. Dow as “Lawyer of the Year” for real estate litigation in Houston.  Mr. Dow was the only lawyer to receive this recognition, which was based entirely on peer review.

In 2024, Texas Super Lawyers named Mr. Dow as one of the “Top 100” Houston lawyers across all practice areas. This ranking was based on nominations, independent research, and a blue ribbon peer review process.

Mr. Dow’s practice involves litigating commercial disputes, as well as representing clients in various real estate, business, and entertainment transactions. Board Certified in Civil Trial Law, Commercial Real Estate Law, and Residential Real Estate Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization (one of only 6 lawyers in Texas who are triple Board Certified in those same three practice areas), Mr. Dow, who is also a licensed Texas Real Estate Salesman, is uniquely qualified to assist his transactional clients in avoiding common business traps which often result in unwanted litigation. Having tried numerous jury and non-jury cases, Mr. Dow’s background provides a basis for explaining how deals are developed and how agreements unravel. He has represented clients in both state and federal courts, and has appeared before the Texas Court of Appeals.

In addition, Mr. Dow has been called on by other attorneys to serve as a testifying expert witness on a wide variety of real estate related legal issues, including mortgage lending matters, mechanic’s and materialmen liens, title issues, real estate broker duties and liabilities, and condominium disputes.

Areas of Expertise

  • Business / Commercial Law
  • Construction
  • Insurance
  • Mediation
  • Personal Injury & Torts
  • Real Estate

Education

  • SOUTHERN METHODIST UNIVERSITY, Dallas, Texas
    Juris Doctor Degree, 1993
    Activities: Leading Articles Editor – SMU Law Review
  • COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY, New York, New York
    Master of Arts in Political Science, 1989
  • THE GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY, Washington, D.C.
    Bachelor of Arts in Political Science (with Special Honors), 1988

Memberships, Affiliations & Licenses

Texas (1993) (SBN: 00787392); District of Columbia (1994); U.S. District Court – Northern, Southern, Eastern and Western Districts of Texas (1995); United States Supreme Court (1999); Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals (2001); Texas Real Estate Salesman’s License (2008).

  • District of Columbia Bar
  • Houston Association of Realtors
  • Houston Bar Association – Fee Dispute Committee Arbitrator (2013-2018)
  • Houston Real Estate Lawyers Council
  • State Bar of Texas
  • Texas Accountants and Lawyers for the Arts
  • Texas Association of Civil Trial and
  • Appellate Specialists (TACTAS)
  • Douglas Elliman Real Estate (Agent).

 

  • Board Certified: Civil Trial Law – Texas Board of Legal Specialization (2014)
  • Board Certified: Commercial Real Estate Law – Texas Board of Legal Specialization (2009)
  • Board Certified: Residential Real Estate Law – Texas Board of Legal Specialization (2017)
  • [One of only 6 Texas lawyers triple Board Certified in same three practice areas (over 113,000 licensed Texas attorneys)]
  • Named by The Best Lawyers in America (2024) as “Lawyer of the Year” for Real Estate Litigation in Houston, Texas.
  • Named by Texas Super Lawyers as one of the “Top 100” Houston lawyers across all practice areas for 2024.
  • Included in The Best Lawyers in America (2013-2025) in three practice areas: Commercial Litigation, Litigation – Real Estate, and Real Estate
    Law.
  • Named by Texas Monthly as a “Texas Super Lawyer” in the practice area of Real Estate for the years 2003-2024 (every year since inception).
    This honor is the result of more than 20,000 votes cast by counsel across the state and a Blue Ribbon Panel selection process.
  • Named by H Texas Magazine as one of the “Top Lawyers in Houston” (Business Litigation) for the years 2004-2010, 2013-2018, 2020.
  • Named by Houstonia Magazine as one of the “Top Lawyers” in the City of Houston for the years 2014-2018.
  • “AV Preeminent” Rated by Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory (lawyer’s peers rank him at highest level of professional excellence).
  • As co-counsel, obtained Top Jury Verdict in Texas in Real Estate Law for the year 2012, as identified by Texas Lawyer’s VerdictSearch Top
    Texas Verdicts of 2012.
  • Identified in November 2004 H Texas Magazine as one of its “Lawyers on the Fast Track” (Best Houston Lawyers Under 40).

Local Areas Served

  • Houston, TX

Languages

  • English