Hargis

J. Richard Hargis

Shareholder

E-Mail: jrhargis@vilolaw.com

Telephone: (713) 751-0800

Experience

Dick Hargis has over twenty-five years experience representing real estate brokers and principals in real estate transactions and related litigation throughout Texas. Since 1988, he has served as legal counsel of the Houston Association of REALTORS, one of the largest and most progressive REALTOR associations in the U.S.  He has experience in handling both real estate transactions and litigation, having successfully defended real estate brokers in more than twenty-five jury trials.  Additional practice areas of concentration include business and commercial transactions.  In 2003, he obtained certification as a mediator and provides mediation and dispute resolution services as part of his law practice.  Mr. Hargis also is AV-rated by Martindale-Hubbell (its highest level of peer review).

Speeches and Presentations

Mr. Hargis is a frequent speaker on Real Estate Law topics for continuing legal education programs sponsored by the State Bar of Texas (14th Advanced Real Estate Law Course, 16th Advanced Real Estate Law Course), South Texas College of Law (Commercial Real Estate Course, 1998, 1999, 2002, 2005, and 2008), and seminars sponsored by businesses and trade associations. His articles are regularly featured in local and state broker publications such as Houston Realtor and Texas Realtor.

Licensed to Practice

  • All State Courts of Texas
  • United State District Courts for the Southern and Western Districts of Texas
  • Unites States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit
  • Virginia

Professional Memberships

  • State Bar of Texas
  • Virginia State Bar
  • Houston Bar Association
  • Houston Bar Foundation - Fellow

Education

  • George Mason University, J.D 1980
  • University of Texas at Austin, B.A. (Government) 1973

Professional History

Prior to joining Vincent Lopez, Mr. Hargis was managing partner of Hargis & Harpold, LLP from 1997-2011. 

He is a former member of the legislative staff of U.S. Senator Henry Bellmon of Oklahoma and practiced law in Washington, D.C., before returning to Texas in 1984 to join an Austin law firm. In 1988, he relocated his practice to Houston and was a partner in another law firm for nine years before establishing Hargis & Harpold in 1997.