Tiffany Evans practices in Kaplan Kirsch & Rockwell’s Airports practice, working with airport operators, public entities, and private sector companies on all aspects of operations, from concessions and contracts to procurement, audits, and agreements with federal agencies, including the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

Before joining Kaplan Kirsch & Rockwell, Tiffany was the Senior Assistant City Attorney with the Houston Airport System, bringing the client’s perspective to her practice.

In that role, Tiffany provided legal counsel to the director of the Houston Airport System, the mayor’s office, city council members, and senior staff on legislation, procurement, contracts, intellectual property, and IT agreements. She was also responsible for drafting and negotiating multimillion dollar agreements between the Houston Airport System and private, local, and state government entities.

Representative Experience

• Provided ongoing legal counsel to the director of the Houston Airport System, mayor, city council members, and senior staff regarding legislation, procurement, contracts, intellectual property, and information technology agreements.
• Drafted and negotiated multimillion-dollar agreements between the Houston Airport System and various private, local, and state government entities.
• Drafted and negotiated construction agreements for the Houston Airport System’s three airports and related facilities using various delivery methods, including design-build and design-bid-build.
• Negotiated agreements for services between the Houston Airport System and federal agencies such as the Federal Aviation Administration and the Transportation Security Administration.
• Advised the Houston Airport System on negotiating and complying with Transportation Security Administration Action Plans designed to remedy security vulnerabilities.
• Assisted the Houston Airport System with preparing for and responding to federal audits. Specifically, Federal Aviation Administration audits related to airport ADA compliance. Additionally, ensured that airport contracts include all required federal provisions and do not violate Grant Assurances.
• Advised the Houston Airport System regarding complex procurement issues including compliance with Federal Acquisition Regulations, state, and local procurement laws. Responded to inquiries related to selecting the appropriate procurement method for projects and reviewed related solicitation documents for legal sufficiency.
• Advised the Houston Airport System on the merits of bid protests and reviewed responses to such protests.
• Analyzed bills proposed by the Texas Legislature and provided advice to the Houston Airport System on the impact and relevance of the proposed legislation. Proposed amendments to draft legislation when appropriate and revise the City’s standard contract language to ensure that it complies with evolving legislative requirements.
• Advised the Houston Airport System Information Technology Division in drafting and negotiating information technology agreements, including software licenses, Software-as-a-Service agreements, cloud, and general software agreements.
• Drafted and negotiated data-sharing and non-disclosure agreements between the Houston Airport System and companies seeking to discuss potential relationships with the Houston Airport System.
• Managed the Houston Airport System (HAS) and the City of Houston’s intellectual property portfolio. Specifically, filed trademark and copyright applications, responded to the United States Patent and Trademark Office “office actions” and responded to potential infringement.
• Assessed the strength of proposed trademarks by conducting searches for conflicting marks. Devised and implemented prosecution strategies for the proposed marks.
• Interpreted the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and assessed the applicability of the GDPR to Houston Airport System activities and agreements.
• Analyzed bills proposed by the Texas Legislature and provide advice to the City’s administration on the impact and relevance of the proposed legislation. Proposed amendments to legislation where appropriate.
• Provided ongoing legal counsel to the mayor, council members, department directors, and senior staff within client departments regarding various subjects including ethics, constitutional issues, and interpretation of state statutes, federal statutes, and municipal codes.
• Advised the City of Houston regarding intellectual property matters and prosecuted, protected, and maintained the City’s seals and logos.
• Prosecuted and maintained all trademarks for the City of Houston. Assessed the strength of proposed trademarks by conducting searches for conflicting marks and devised and implemented prosecution strategies for proposed marks.
• Served as counsel for the City’s Sign Administration. Provided advice regarding enforcing and interpreting the City’s Sign Code. Assisted with drafting and negotiating agreements between the City and sign companies.
• Served as counsel for the City’s Department of Administrative and Regulatory Affairs. Drafted and interpreted ordinances related to regulating vehicles for hire and credit access businesses.
• Researched and drafted legal arguments to protect information from release to the public under the Texas Public Information Act.
• Advised the City Attorney and Department Directors regarding matters related to the Texas Public Information Act.
• Advised various City boards and commissions, including the Houston Commission on Disabilities, the Houston Building and Standards Commission, and the General Appeals Board.

Professional and Civic Activities / Awards

• Edward A. Cazares Award for Excellence and Professionalism in Municipal Law (2019)
• American Jurisprudence Award in Patent Law (2009)
• Dean's List Fall 2007, Fall 2008, Spring 2009

Community 

• Served as a moot court aid at Thurgood Marshall School of Law. Provided constructive critiques on student performances during practice sessions
• Conducted mock interviews at Prairie View A & M University for college and high school students.
• Served on the Harris County Election Strike Force, which troubleshoots legal issues that arise at polling places during elections in real-time