Jim Popp Austin

Jim Popp is a Partner in Ryan Law, a Principal in Ryan LLC and a Partner of Popp Hutcheson. He is a leader of the Popp Hutcheson  legislative affairs team.

Jim entered private practice in 1983. Since then, he has significantly impacted the practice of property tax representation across Texas. He pioneered the concept of start-to-finish client representation, including advocacy at the legislative, administrative, litigation, and appellate levels. This approach has greatly improved the quality and efficiency of representation for his clients. 

He has drafted numerous items of legislation, including over 250 changes to the Texas Tax Code.  Perhaps his most significant legislative contribution remains the 1997 amendment adding the equal and uniform remedy to the Tax Code. Other significant legislative contributions include the simultaneous exchange of appraisals, enhanced settlement discussions, truth-in-taxation provisions, rendition provisions, taxpayer rights before the ARB, the attorneys’ fee statute and the new equal and uniform remedy statute. These changes have significantly improved taxpayer rights and remedies and immeasurably benefited Texas property owners. He continues to be a tireless advocate for taxpayer rights at the Legislature.

Jim started his property tax career in 1979 as Counsel to the Ways and Means Committee of the Texas House of Representatives, just as the Legislature was passing the new Property Tax Code. He then served with the Office of General Counsel of the State Property Tax Board during the implementation of the Property Tax Code. 

Jim was the recipient of the coveted Peveto Award, recognizing dedication to teaching and serving Texans in the field of ad valorem taxation