Jace Houston

General Counsel, Risk and Compliance Director

Jace Houston, a licensed attorney, is Freese and Nichols’ General Counsel and Risk and Compliance Director. In these roles, he directs the firm’s legal strategies and services, manages litigation and claims, administers the risk and safety programs, and serves as a senior advisor on a variety of large-scale projects.

Jace’s expertise spans utility management and operations, administrative law, legislative affairs, and water resource policy and planning. He joined Freese and Nichols in 2023 with extensive legal, risk management and legislative experience from a long career that included leadership of a public water resources agency. As a former Freese and Nichols client, Jace brings valuable insights into the needs and challenges of water agencies and the communities they serve. He received his law degree and bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from The University of Texas. He is a board member of the Texas Water Foundation and National Waterways Conference and has served in leadership positions with the Texas Water Association, including as chairman of its Risk Management Fund.