Attorney
Soledad Valenciano
Attorney/Partner/Mediator
As a South Texas native who grew up in Maverick County, Soledad Valenciano understands the importance of individual property rights.
Eminent Domain: Ms. Valenciano represents convenience stores, national retail stores, developers, business, farm and ranch owners in eminent domain, condemnation proceedings. Soledad has represented clients in road expansion, high-voltage transmission line, pipeline, water line, railroad and public transit condemnation cases across Central and South Texas. She has negotiated numerous transmission line easements, pipeline easements, water line easements, administrative law settlements and possession and use agreements with various condemning authorities.
PUC Proceedings: Ms. Valenciano represents affected landowners before the Texas Public Utility Commission in select CCN routing cases.
Mediation: Ms. Valenciano is a certified Texas mediator. She mediates civil cases across South and Central Texas.
Education
- Southern Methodist University – Dedman School of Law, J.D., 2006
- Texas State University, M.Ed. – Special Education, magna cum laude, 2000
- Texas A&M University, B.B.A., magna cum laude, 1992
Admitted to Practice
- Texas, 2006
- United States District Courts for the Northern, Southern, and Western Districts of Texas
Work Experience
- Co-Owner, Spivey Valenciano, PLLC, May 2012 to present
- Associate, Cox Smith Matthews Incorporated, 2006-2012
- Special Education Case Manager and Classroom Teacher, 1994-2003
Professional Recognition
- Texas Super Lawyers – 2014, 2015, 2016 Texas Rising Star, a Thompson Reuters Service
- Texas Super Lawyers – 2022, 2023, 2024
- A. Scene Magazine - Top Lawyers in Eminent Domain 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022
- A. Scene Magazine – Outstanding Women in Law, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024
- Top Women Attorneys in Texas 2023, as selected by Texas Monthly
- S.A. Scene Magazine - Top Lawyers in Eminent Domain 2018, 2019, 2020 (5-15 years category)
- Judicial Intern, The Texas Supreme Court, The Honorable Wallace B. Jefferson, Summer 2005
Professional and Community Activities
- San Antonio Bar Association – Real Estate Section, Chair (August 2024 – Present)
- San Antonio Bar Association – Real Estate Section Board Member (Secretary 2021-2022 ; Treasurer 2022-2023; Vice Chair 2023-2024)
- Federal Bar Association – San Antonio Chapter Past President
- Federal Bar Association - San Antonio Chapter Board Member and Officer (Secretary 2015-2016; Treasurer 2016-2017; Vice President 2017 – 2018; President Elect 2018-2019; President 2019-2020)
- Bexar County Women's Bar Association - LEAD Academy Public Relations Chair (October 2020 - Present)
- South Texas Property Rights Association, Member
- Volunteer Mediator – Bexar County Dispute Resolution Center (2016-2018)
- North San Antonio Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Lab 2012
- San Antonio Bar Association, 2006 – Present
- San Antonio Bar Foundation, Member
- William S. Sessions American Inn of Court, Member
- San Antonio Young Lawyers Association, Director, 2007-2009
- Blattman Elementary School, First Vice President, 2007-2008
Publications/Speaking Events
- Co-Author, Federal Court Update, San Antonio Lawyer Magazine (Bi-Monthly Publication; March 2011 to Present)
- “Eminent Domain: Key Cases to Know” paper and presentation for the State Bar of Texas 25th Annual Summer School: Sun, Sand, and CLE for the General Practitioner (July 2023 Galveston).
- “Deep in the Heart of Texas: How Three Immigration Attorneys in Texas Are Making a Difference” as published in the “At Side Bar” column of Federal Lawyer Magazine with Jeffrie B. Lewis (Bi-Monthly Publication; November/December 2022).
- “Recognizing the Ever-Growing Presence of Women Owning Property” as published in the Legal Mojo Column of WALS Now, a publication by the Women and the Law Section of the State Bar of Texas (June 2022)
- “Nor is Condemnation a Trivial Affair" as published in the At Side Bar Column of the Federal Lawyer Magazine (Bi-Monthly Publication; Volume 68/Issue 4, 2021)
- “Where Property Owners Hit a Wall: A Push to Relax the Unity of Title Factor in Eminent Domain Actions" as published in the At Side Bar Column of the Federal Lawyer Magazine (Bi-Monthly Publication; May/June 2020 Issue)
- Co-Editor, San Antonio Federal Bar Association’s Newsletter (2017 to Present)
- Proof Editor, The Federal Lawyer Magazine (Bi-Monthly Publication; August 2019 to Present)
- Guest Speaker, San Antonio Chapter of the Federal Bar Association and the Paralegal Division of the State Bar of Texas, District 5, at 2014 Fox Tech Law and Research Magnet Program Mentoring Lunch (April 2014)
- “Antitrust and Consumer Protection,” SMU Law Review, Volume 65 No. 2, A. Michael Ferrill, Leslie Sara Hyman and Soledad Valenciano (March 2012)
- “Ethics and Conflicts of Interest,” Regular Presenter, Federal Bar Association Federal Court Practice Seminar, San Antonio Texas (February 2009 to Present)
- Ethics Presentation to Del Rio Division Association of Federal Attorneys (January 2012)
- “Towers, Trenches and TxDot: Strategies from the Landowner’s Perspective” (with Jim Spivey to San Antonio Real Estate Discussion Group, January 2012)
- “Antitrust and Consumer Protection,” SMU Law Review, Volume 64 No. 1, A. Michael Ferrill, Leslie Sara Hyman and Soledad Valenciano (October 2011)
- “Recent Developments in Eminent Domain Proceedings” (with Jim Spivey at 10th Annual Gas and Power Institute, Houston, Texas, September 2011)
- “Coming Soon to a Town Near You: Eminent Domain, the CREZ Project, the Shale Oil and Gas Boom and Other Takings” (with Jim Spivey to San Antonio Bar Association Natural Resources Section, September 2011)
- “Recent Developments in Eminent Domain Proceedings: Shale Oil, CREZ, Senate Bill 18 and a Proposed Taking by the U.S. Army” (September 2011)
- “Antitrust and Consumer Protection,” SMU Law Review, Volume 63 No. 2, A. Michael Ferrill, Leslie Sara Hyman and Soledad Valenciano (March 2010)
- “Anatomy of a Civil Trial XII,” Panel Discussion, Bexar County Local Rules (April 2008)
Languages
Soledad is fluent in Spanish.
Interests
Soledad loves her dog Zeus, barre yoga, reading, trying to keep her plants alive, Texas A&M events, and (most of all) spending time with her three children.
"I pride myself in resolving issues without compromising results or client resources."
— Soledad Valenciano
Meet Soledad Valenciano: A Dedicated Advocate for Property Owners
At SPIVEY VALENCIANO PLLC, we are fortunate to have Soledad Valenciano as a partner and a driving force behind our firm’s success. Soledad brings an exceptional blend of legal expertise, attention to detail, and a genuine commitment to her clients’ well-being. Known for her straightforward, personable style, Soledad is committed to helping her clients navigate the complexities of eminent domain law with confidence and peace of mind. Whether she’s navigating the complexities of eminent domain or representing clients in the courtroom, Soledad’s approach is always client-focused, results-driven, and fiercely dedicated.
A Reputation for Excellence and Attention to Detail
Soledad’s clients consistently praise her for her thorough and thoughtful approach to each case. She takes the time to examine every facet of a property owner’s situation, ensuring that nothing is overlooked. From carefully reviewing the government's offer to examining every legal avenue available, Soledad works tirelessly to protect her clients' interests. She doesn’t just check boxes—she digs deep to find the best possible outcome for those she represents.
Soledad has represented a wide range of clients throughout Texas — from individual ranchers, convenience store chains, national retailers, small businesses, developers and more. She knows how to handle the intricacies of property valuations, government negotiations, and the courtroom challenges that can arise in eminent domain cases. Whether you're facing a highway expansion, pipeline construction, or any other public project that threatens your property, Soledad’s insight and experience will guide you through the entire process, ensuring that your rights are fully protected. Soledad is not satisfied with a quick resolution; she aims for the best possible resolution for her clients.
Clients Love Her: Compassionate and Personable
Soledad’s clients often speak about the warmth, empathy, and genuine care she shows throughout their cases. She is exceptionally approachable and takes the time to listen carefully to each client’s concerns. Her ability to connect on a personal level makes a significant difference during a stressful time when property owners are facing the uncertainty of eminent domain.
She understands that losing your property to a public project is not just a legal issue — it’s a personal one. Soledad works hard to ensure that her clients feel heard, understood, and supported every step of the way. With Soledad, you're not just another case—you're a person who deserves the utmost respect and care.
A Personal Approach with a Proven Track Record
Soledad’s personalized, client-first approach ensures that every aspect of your case is handled with care. She’s a dedicated advocate, a compassionate listener, and a skilled negotiator and litigator — all qualities that have earned her a stellar reputation among property owners throughout Texas. Her clients know that they can count on her to fight for what’s right, and they trust her to handle their case with the attention and expertise it deserves.
Specialized Representation in PUC Routing and CCN Proceedings
In addition to eminent domain, Soledad also represents clients in select Public Utility Commission (PUC) routing cases, also known as Certificate of Convenience and Necessity (CCN) proceedings. If the goal is to keep a new electric transmission line off your property, then contact Soledad. From analyzing the application, the evidentiary record, trial, and briefing, Soledad has the experience needed to navigate a CCN matter to a fair outcome.
Why Clients Choose Soledad Valenciano
Clients choose Soledad because they know they’ll receive the right combination of personal attention and strong legal advocacy. Her approachable nature and willingness to listen make her a trusted advisor, while her extensive experience ensures that she can handle complex legal issues and deliver results. With Soledad, you get a dedicated attorney who’s fully invested in your case, someone you can trust to guide you through a challenging process and fight for what’s fair.
Let Soledad Valenciano Help Protect Your Rights
If you’re facing an eminent domain issue, Soledad Valenciano is ready to work with you to protect your property and secure the compensation you deserve. Known for her straightforward, personable style, Soledad is committed to helping her clients navigate the complexities of eminent domain law with confidence and peace of mind.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and discover how Soledad can help you with your eminent domain matter. Let her expertise work for you.
