Inside GUCL

Goins, Underkofler, Crawford & Langdon was formed in May 1977 by E. Eldridge Goins, Jr. and Paul B. Underkofler, who met while representing clients on opposite sides of a lawsuit. They appreciated the distinctive approach each took in the lawsuit, and when the case was over, formed their partnership.   Eldridge Goins began his career at Coke & Coke, a preeminent Dallas firm that represented EDS, among other notable companies.  Eldridge quickly developed a reputation as an aggressive, zealous trial lawyer.  Beginning early in his career, Eldridge was involved in several important cases that created landmark law including, for example, EDS v. Powell, 524 S.W.2d 393 (Tex. Civ. App.-Dallas 1975, writ ref’d n.r.e.) (set standard for enforcement of non-compete agreements).  He has continued to be involved in landmark case law; for example, Williamson v. Tucker, 645 F.2d 404 (5th Cir. 1981)(expanded definition of a “security” under the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to include certain joint venture interests); Bradley v. State of Texas, 990 S.W.2d 245 (Tex. 1999)(Texas Supreme Court reinstated Mayor of Town of Westlake who was wrongfully removed from office).

After three years active duty as Trial-Defense Counsel with the United States Marine Corps, Paul Underkofler began private practice trying cases as a criminal defense lawyer.  Before he co-founded our firm, Paul developed an expertise in construction law.  He represents virtually everyone involved in the industry -- owners, contractors, sureties, architects, engineers and material suppliers.  He is a past Chairman of the Construction Law Section of the Dallas Bar and has lectured at construction seminars sponsored by the State Bar of Texas, University of Texas Law School, AGC, ASA, Engineering News-Record and the chapters of other construction trade associations.  Paul is generally recognized, including recently by “D Magazine,” as one of the very best construction lawyers in Dallas.

Based on this foundation, to which we have added lawyers with comparable experience in other fields, the lawyers at Goins, Underkofler, Crawford & Langdon developed their expertise and have widespread experience in various areas of law, including trials and litigation at all levels, construction, tax, corporate transactions, insurance (coverage and defense), real estate, labor and employment, and bankruptcy.  Our mission has been ingrained in each lawyer at the firm for twenty-six years:  we will build our firm and our careers by representing clients as zealously and creatively as possible, striving to achieve the results they expect for a fair charge.  Our singular focus is always on the best result for the client.

• Banking and Bankruptcy 
• Commercial Construction 
• Estate Planning and Probate 
• Franchising 
• General Business 
• Labor and Employment 
• Commercial Litigation 
• Oil and Gas
• Real Estate
• Taxation
• Insurance Defense

Our client-oriented approach of responsiveness, effectiveness and sensitivity to the cost of providing legal services is our hallmark. We focus on positive, practical problem-solving and are committed to providing the highest quality legal services through attentive, aggressive and innovative application of the law to situations our clients encounter in today's changing business environment. Many of our attorneys are recognized authorities in their fields, serving as authors of professional articles, seminar lectures and officers or directors of professional organizations within their practice areas. Their breadth of expertise and depth of knowledge within their practice areas insure legal services within time and budget constraints.

At Goins, Underkofler, Crawford & Langdon, we are proud of our success and standing within the legal, professional, business and civic communities. We look forward to even greater achievement. First and foremost, we look forward to serving you.