Cliff Ernst, Business Attorney in Austin, Texas
Over 48 years of legal practice · focused on Business, Environmental, and General · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
PartneratMcGinnis Lochridge
Austin, TX
Practicing business in Austin since 1978.
- 48+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 1
- Bar admission
Are you Cliff Ernst?
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Quick answer
Cliff Ernst is a partner based in Austin, TX. The practice focuses on Business, Environmental, and General. Cliff has over 48 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at McGinnis Lochridge. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Austin, TX
- Experience
- over 48 years
- Known for
- Business · Environmental · General
- Handles Business, Environmental, and General matters from Austin, TX.
- Over 48 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Cliff Ernst: Cliff Ernst is a partner based in Austin, TX. The practice focuses on Business, Environmental, and General. Cliff has over 48 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at McGinnis Lochridge. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Cliff takes on
Cliff concentrates on business, environmental, general, government, and litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case Cliff handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Business
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Environmental
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General
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Government
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Litigation
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Real Estate
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Business cases in Austin, Texas
Cliff takes business matters in Austin, Texas. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Cliff agrees to represent you.
Environmental cases in Austin, Texas
Cliff takes environmental matters in Austin, Texas. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Cliff agrees to represent you.
General cases in Austin, Texas
Cliff takes general matters in Austin, Texas. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Cliff agrees to represent you.
Government cases in Austin, Texas
Cliff takes government matters in Austin, Texas. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Cliff agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in Austin, Texas
Cliff takes litigation matters in Austin, Texas. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Cliff agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Cliff Ernst — business lawyer in Austin
Cliff Ernst is a partner based in Austin, TX. The practice focuses on Business, Environmental, and General. Cliff has over 48 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at McGinnis Lochridge. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Mr. Cliff Ernst is a lawyer practicing administrative & regulatory litigation, environment & natural resources: oil, gas and 5 other areas of law. Cliff received a B.A. degree from Oklahoma State University in 1975, and has been licensed for 48 years. Cliff practices at McGinnis Lochridge in Austin, TX.
Working with Cliff on a business matter
Mr. Cliff Ernst is a lawyer practicing administrative & regulatory litigation, environment & natural resources: oil, gas and 5 other areas of law. Cliff received a B.A. degree from Oklahoma State University in 1975, and has been licensed for 48 years. Cliff practices at McGinnis Lochridge in Austin, TX.
Clients Cliff works with
Cliff reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, environmental, and general matters in Austin and the surrounding Texas area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
University of Texas
J.D. · 1978
Oklahoma State University
B.A. · 1975
Jurisdictions
Cliff's state bar admissions
Texas
1978 · ACTIVE
Cliff studied at J.D. in University of Texas and B.A. in Oklahoma State University.
Law school and academic background
Cliff completed J.D. in University of Texas and B.A. in Oklahoma State University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Cliff runs in Texas is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
Cliff has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Locations
Cliff Ernst's office in Austin
Cliff's primary office is at 600 Congress Avenue, Suite 2100, Austin, TX, 78701. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Cliff Ernst — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of Cliff. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing business attorneys in Austin.
5.0
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Cliff Ernst claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Cliff Ernst — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new business attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Cliff usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Cliff charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Cliff's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Cliff will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a business attorney in Austin, Texas
A short list to run through before you commit: How many business matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Cliff
Cliff discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in business practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every business matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Cliff confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Cliff's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many business practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Cliff Ernst
How much does it cost to hire Cliff for a business case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Cliff walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Cliff offer a free consultation?
Cliff charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Cliff's office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check Cliff's current terms during booking.
How long do business cases in Texas typically take?
Simple business matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Cliff gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Cliff take my case if I'm outside Austin?
Cliff is licensed in Texas. Matters governed by Texas law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Cliff will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Cliff?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Cliff will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Cliff accepting new business clients right now?
Cliff's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Business attorneys serving Austin, Houston and Dallas in Texas
Cliff handles business matters throughout Texas. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified business attorneys in that community.
More counsel
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If Cliff's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these business attorneys in Austin handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





