John J. Hightower, Senior Counsel

John J. Hightower is one of the most experienced local government lawyers at Olson & Olson. After graduating with honors from the University of Texas Law School in 1978, John joined the City of Houston’s Legal Department where he began his career as an Assistant City Attorney. During his 13 year career a the City Legal Department, John served in a variety of position including as Chief of the Litigation Section from 1987 to 1991. He joined Olson & Olson in 1991 where he served as Managing Partner from 2012 to 2017.

Throughout his career, John has spoken on local government law and litigation issues at educational programs sponsored by a number of legal and local government organizations, including the International Municipal Lawyers Association, the Texas City Attorneys Association, the Texas Municipal League, the State Bar of Texas, the University of Texas, the Center for American and International Law, and the Public Risk Management Association.

Doctor of Jurisprudence
University of Texas School of Law, Austin, with honors, 1978

Bachelor of Science (Political Science)
University of Houston, 1975

Olson & Olson, LLP | Houston, Texas | 2018 – present | Senior Counsel
Olson & Olson, LLP | Houston, Texas | 2012 – 2017 | Managing Partner
Olson & Olson, LLP | Houston, Texas | 1996 – 2012 | Partner
Olson & Olson, LLP | Houston, Texas | 1991 – 1996 | Attorney
City of Houston | Houston, Texas | 1987 – 1991 | Section Chief, Litigation Section
City of Houston | Houston, Texas | 1984 – 1987 | Section Chief, Corporate Section
City of Houston | Houston, Texas | 1978 – 1984 | Assistant City Attorney

John Hightower currently serves as Senior Partner at Olson & Olson, where he handles a docket of administrative and regulatory law, contract law, civil rights matters, takings/inverse condemnation law, state and federal constitutional law, as well as general municipal law. He represents cities, counties, special districts, and other local government entities and public officials across the State of Texas. During his 40 years in practice, John has defended local governments and their officials in cases involving regulatory takings, zoning and subdivision regulation disputes, elections, police shootings, police pursuits, jail suicides, emergency vehicle accidents, first amendment and whistleblower claims, challenges to local regulations, construction accidents, and a myriad of other local government issues.

• Removal and Remand: The Games We Play, presented at Texas Bar CLE, Suing and Defending Governmental Entities, July 22, 2011, Austin, Texas
• Liability Risks Associated with Borrowed Employees, presented to Texas Municipal League Intergovernmental Risk Pool, 2009 Attorney Workshop, August 14, 2009, Austin, Texas
• Individual Liability Issues for Public Officials Involved in Land Use Regulation, presented to The Center for American and International Law, Short Course on Planning & Zoning, June 30, 2008, Plano, Texas
• Fair Housing Issues, presented to the University of Texas School of Law, 12th Annual Land Use Conference, March 7, 2008, Austin, Texas
• Selected Issues in Land Use Litigation, presented through Lorman Educational Services, Seminar on Plat and Subdivision Law in Texas, August 2, 2007
• Removal and Remand: Taking the Initiative, presented to Texas Municipal League Intergovernmental Risk Pool, 14th Annual Workshop for Attorneys, August 13, 2004, Austin, Texas
• Removal and Remand, the Defendant’s Choice of Forum, presented at Texas Bar CLE, Suing and Defending Governmental Entities, July 22, 2004, Galveston, Texas
• Municipal Liability for Damages Arising From Sanitary Sewer Backups, presented to Texas Municipal League Intergovernmental Risk Pool, 13th Annual Workshop for Attorneys, August 22, 2003, Association of Defense Counsel, Austin, Texas
• Substandard Housing: Cleaning Up Our Communities to Keep Property Values High, presented to Clear Lake Area Council of Cities, October 25, 2002, Shore Acres, Texas

John has tried cases before judges and juries in state and federal court and has handled appeals at all levels of state and federal courts.

• Vice Chairman, City of Houston Civil Service Commission, 1995-1997
• Instructor, “Police Civil Liability”, Houston Police Academy, 1990-1991
• Participant, NITA Trial Advocacy Program in Houston, Spring 1979