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“Husch Blackwell’s Diversity and Inclusion event was fantastic. I especially enjoyed the opportunity to hear from Sandy Hellums-Gomez and Arturo Michel, and understand what other organizations are doing. I want to thank you for your commitment within both private and public entities. I look forward to learning more and engaging in such meaningful work.”

Ky Willson, Senior Staff Analyst - Title VI, Office of Business Opportunity

Overview

A variety of governmental entities, from colleges to counties, rely on Sandy for sound judgment and deep subject-matter knowledge in the area of public law.

Sandy’s practice focuses on governance and compliance with an emphasis on complex public business and infrastructure matters. She works closely with clients to satisfy ethical and compliance requirements while still achieving the public functions required of them. 

Whether it be addressing day-to-day business matters or responding to highly politicized disputes, Sandy utilizes her deep experience in representing educational institutions, special purpose districts and other public entities to build consensus, assess risks and solve legal problems rather than merely identifying them.

Sandy regularly provides counseling, training, investigation and dispute resolution services with an emphasis on infrastructure, federal compliance, purchasing and contracting.  She also routinely advises boards and administrations on issues related to civil rights, ethics and land use.

“Husch Blackwell’s Diversity and Inclusion event was fantastic. I especially enjoyed the opportunity to hear from Sandy Hellums-Gomez and Arturo Michel, and understand what other organizations are doing. I want to thank you for your commitment within both private and public entities. I look forward to learning more and engaging in such meaningful work.”

Ky Willson, Senior Staff Analyst - Title VI, Office of Business Opportunity

Industry

Services

Recognition

  • BL Rankings’ The Best Lawyers in America®
    • Real Estate Law, 2025
  • The Legal 500 United States
    • Real estate: Land use/zoning, Recommended attorney, 2024
  • Thomson Reuters' Texas Super Lawyer, Schools and Education, 2016-2020, 2023
  • Thomson Reuters' Texas Super Lawyers Rising Stars, Government/Cities/Municipalities, 2010-2012

Education

  • J.D., William & Mary Law School
    • William & Mary Bill of Rights Journal, Managing Editor
  • M.A., University of Houston
    • Political Science
  • B.A., Wellesley College
    • cum laude

Admissions

  • Texas
  • U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
  • U.S. District Court, Western District of Texas
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit

Professional Memberships and Certifications

  • Houston Bar Association
  • State Bar of Texas, School Law Section
  • Texas Bar Foundation, Fellow

Clerkships

Briefing Attorney for the Hon. Leslie Brock Yates, Texas Court of Appeals, Fourteenth Circuit

Experience
  • Advised largest Texas school district on all aspects of procurement and contracting related to $2 billion infrastructure improvement program.
  • Provided more than 40 hours of procurement, ethics and contracting training to large urban school district.
  • Revised junior college board policies related to financial and business operations.
  • Managed large-scale eDiscovery project for private university related to multiple Title IX claims.
  • Conducted procurement investigation on behalf of community college related to criminal allegations of bribery by trustee.
  • Investigated claims against city council member related to alleged harassment and inappropriate relationship with staff members resulting in council censure.
  • Created payment in lieu of taxes agreement for local school district in connection with foreign trade zone manufacturing subzone application.
  • Advised numerous entities regarding federal funding issues including compliance with EDGAR and FEMA.
  • Obtained summary judgment on behalf of school district of all civil rights and equal protection claims arising out of donation of property.
Case Studies
Harris County Sports & Convention Corporation

Our team negotiated a historic energy savings performance contract that will help Harris County in their efforts to dramatically reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Legal Updates | November 15, 2021
President Biden Signs Infrastructure Package into Law
Legal Updates | August 18, 2021
Open Meetings and The Firearm Carry Act of 2021
Articles | May 28, 2021
The Future of Texas Infrastructure
Legal Updates | August 07, 2020
Texas Court Rules County Is Not Immune from State Fine for Violating Water Code

Fourteenth Court of Appeals holds that the Legislature unambiguously waived counties’ governmental immunity for certain Water Code violations.

Speaking Engagements | July 28, 2021
Speaker, "Procurement," Government Law 101, TexasBarCLE
Community Leadership
  • Texas State Bar Association Government Law Section, Chair
  • Yellow Rose of Texas, Governor Commission
  • City of West University Place, Zoning Board of Adjustment, 2011-present
  • National School Boards Association – Council of School Attorneys
  • Texas Association of School Boards – Council of School Attorneys
  • Texas Association of School Business Officials