McGarvey PLLC

HONORING A LEGACY OF SERVICE
Colonel Randall B. Clark, USAF, Retired, is retiring from McGarvey PLLC. After a distinguished Air Force career, Randy dedicated his civilian life to protecting our servicemen and women, offering crucial legal defense to vulnerable veterans. While he is stepping down from his daily role, he will remain a trusted resource and trainer for our staff.

Thank you, Randy, for your selfless legacy and steadfast advocacy.

INVESTING IN THE FUTURE: Building Better Advocates
At McGarvey PLLC, we believe that investing in our people is one of the most important investments we can make. Recently, our team completed a custom-created Litigation Advocacy Training program designed to strengthen legal skills, build confidence, and enhance professional growth at every level of the firm. As course instructor James Lawrence said, ""Working with McGarvey to design and teach a 7-session advocacy workshop for their respective teams was a rare and exceptional experience for me. It was a significant commitment to their associates and to their own skill development as well. Amazing!"

That philosophy aligns with our commitment to continuous learning and development. Providing meaningful training opportunities not only helps our attorneys and staff sharpen their expertise, but also fosters a culture of excellence, collaboration, and engagement. Investments like these help us attract top talent, empower our team to reach their full potential, and ultimately deliver an even higher level of service to our clients.

When people grow, organizations grow and we’re proud to continue building a workplace where learning never stops.

COMPLIANCE: Real Estate Brokerages
Texas state law requires that policy and procedures manuals for residential and commerical brokerages be up-to-date. McGarvey's compliance program ensures that you will be in compliance while receiving an updated document that is customized for your organization.

Our experienced professionals have reviewed, updated, and customized policies and procedure manuals throughout the state of Texas for years. This expertise allows us to roll out your personal and state-compliant plan within weeks.

Visit our website at mcgarveypllc.com or contact us at 281.501.3030 to review, update and produce your compliant policies and procedures documentation.

LAW MONTH
May not only features Law Day but a focus on law throughout the entire month. McGarvey PLLC observes the fundamentals of Law Day as we celebrate the role of law in our society and work to cultivate an appreciation of the legal profession.

Services spanning commercial and residential real estate matters to deed fraud to probate and estate planning to providing fractional general counsel services position us as knowledgable partners to each and every client.

Visit our website mcgarveypllc.com and call us at 281.501.3030 for help with your legal matters.

TEXAS CLERK FILING REJECTIONS: New Authority & Clarity
Texas is tightening control over fraudulent filings with updates tied to Section 51.901 of the Texas Government Code and related amendments including:

Expanded Clerk Authority: County clerks now have clearer authority to reject filings suspected of being fraudulent or improper

Fraud Prevention Focus: Builds on existing law allowing review of documents that may create fraudulent liens or claims against property

Procedural Safeguards: Establishes more defined standards for flagging, reviewing, and rejecting questionable records

Protecting Property Owners: Helps prevent bad actors from clouding title through improper or deceptive filings

These updates empower clerks to act as a stronger first line of defense against fraudulent property records in Texas. If you suspect that you've become a victim of deed fraud, contact us immediately at 281.501.3030.

TEXAS TACKLES DEED FRAUD: New “Self-Help” Remedy
Texas is strengthening protections against fraudulent filings with SB 1734, expanding remedies under Texas Government Code §51.901(c) including these measures to protect Texans from ongoing deed fraud:

Challenge Fraudulent Filings: Property owners now have clearer procedures to contest the validity of recorded documents believed to be fraudulent

Presumption of Fraud: Certain filings may be treated as presumptively fraudulent under §51.901(c), streamlining review and action

Self-Help Mechanism: Provides a more efficient path to flag, review, and potentially invalidate fraudulent liens or deeds without lengthy litigation

Stronger Deterrence: Will help reduce title fraud schemes and protect homeowners from wrongful encumbrances

At its core, SB 1734 gives Texas property owners more practical tools to fight back against deed fraud and protect clear title. If you suspect you are a victim of deed fraud, please call McGarvey PLLC at 281.501.3030.

TEXAS CRACKS DOWN ON SQUATTERS
With the passage of SB 1333, Texas gives property owners a faster, more direct path to remove squatters now legally defined as 'unauthorized occupants.' Protecting property owners and removing the previous arduous protocol, the new law includes:

Fast-Track Removal: Owners can request that a sheriff or constable remove an unauthorized occupant from a dwelling without going through a lengthy eviction process

Affidavit Required: The process begins with a sworn complaint confirming the occupant has no legal right to be there

Strict Criteria: Applies only when the occupant is not a tenant or a family member, and has no lease or legal claim

Law Enforcement Authority: Once verified, law enforcement can act quickly to restore possession to the owner

A long time coming, SB 1333 gives Texas property owners a powerful new tool to reclaim property from unlawful occupants, quickly and efficiently. If you're having a problem with tenancy, or any real estate law matter please contact McGarvey at 281.501.3030.

📣 We're Hiring! | Client Care Specialist (Part-Time)

McGarvey PLLC is looking for someone who brings energy, pays attention to the details, and genuinely loves working with people.

You'll be the first voice clients hear and the first face they see — and that role matters more than most people realize.

✅ Part-time, in-office | Houston, TX
✅ $17.50–$25.00/hr
✅ Real potential to grow into full-time

We want someone who thinks critically, takes ownership, and doesn't wait to be told what to do next. Law firm experience? Not required. The right attitude? Non-negotiable.

📩 Interested? Send your resume + a short cover letter to [email protected]. Don't forget to tell us your favorite Girl Scout cookie. 🍪

A DAY DEDICATED TO LAW
The 2026 Law Day theme is “The Rule of Law and the American Dream.” The rule of law, the idea that no person is above the law, is what ensures the rights of people to live their lives as freely as possible and to pursue their dreams. Law Day, recognized on May 1, allows us to reflect on how the rule of law ensures that we all have the ability to fulfill our dreams.

TEXAS ADVERSARIAL LAND OWNERSHIP ACT: What You Need to Know
Texas is taking a strong stance on foreign land ownership with the passage of SB 17, often referred to as the Adversarial Land Ownership Act. The law prohibits certain “prohibited persons” and entities tied to designated countries including China, Iran, North Korea, and Russia, from acquiring interests in Texas real property. The broad reach of this act applies to residential, commercial, agricultural, and mineral interests as well as farmland. Designated countries are defined by national security threat assessments and may be expanded by the State as new threats are recognized.

The Texas Attorney General investigates violations, brings enforcement actions, and oversees compliance, with reporting obligations placed on real estate professionals. Violations can trigger civil penalties, criminal liability, and court-ordered divestment with courts potentially appointing a receiver to take control and sell property if acquired in violation of the law.

SB 17 significantly reshapes who can own Texas real estate making compliance and due diligence more critical than ever.