With a background at the Texas General Land Office, McKenzie represents clients in land use matters.
McKenzie came to the practice of law with an interest in urban planning and public policy, and internships in various state offices as a law student led to an offer in the Texas General Land Office after graduation. She jumped at the chance to dive into land use, city planning, and urban planning issues, accepting a role where she advised on questions of eminent domain and zoning; drafted and managed state contracts; handled contract procurement; and oversaw and advised on construction projects, their funding, and related environmental regulations. McKenzie’s time in the Land Office immersed her in the intricate details of real estate and land use rules, giving her a solid foundation in the regulations that govern the development and construction worlds.
After joining Husch Blackwell in 2023, McKenzie represents clients before local governments across Texas, including city councils, zoning boards of adjustment, planning commissions, and other local governing bodies and agencies. She negotiates land use related needs, obtains various permits, and gets client development projects across the finish line.
McKenzie is unusual for her background: the most common career path in her practice area is from private practice to the public sphere, rather than the opposite, and she brings extensive public regulatory knowledge—and hands-on experience in a government office—to client projects. However, she also stands out for her listening skills. McKenzie is known for the time and attention she gives to hearing each client’s plans and goals, ensuring she understands exactly what the client wants and needs, and how best to achieve it.