Criminal Lawyer Accepts Half Rate to Defend Dallas Gun Restrictions Against State Attorney General

A high-profile defense attorney representing Dallas has accepted a substantially reduced fee to defend the city against multiple firearms lawsuits filed by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, with the outcome potentially reshaping gun access policies across one of America's most gun-friendly states. Jeff Tillotson, who typically bills clients at $2,000 per hour, agreed to charge the city $895 per hour for at least one of three related cases.

The Legal Dispute

The lawsuits center on whether private entities operating events on public property can enforce bans on legally carried firearms. Paxton, a staunch defender of gun rights, contends that Dallas cannot authorize third parties to restrict firearms access on municipal property, arguing the city lacks the authority to delegate such prohibitions. Dallas has secured favorable rulings in all three pending suits.

The dispute has particular relevance given Texas property subject to the litigation, including the State Fair of Texas, an event that draws millions of visitors. Texas state law permits handgun possession in libraries, recreation centers, the state capitol, and government buildings when no meetings are occurring—among the nation's most permissive firearm access standards.

Tillotson's Background and Motivation

Tillotson, 64, is an acclaimed litigator with a documented history of supporting Democratic political candidates. In September, he contributed $3,500 to State Representative James Talarico, a Democrat running for U.S. Senate against Paxton. However, Tillotson stated his decision to reduce his fee stems from support for public safety measures rather than partisan opposition.

"They have many, many fine lawyers in the city's office so the fact they'd give me the opportunity to work on this is an honor. This is about the city's rights and obligations, and I think we're 100% right on it."

The city has not publicly disclosed total legal expenditures for defending the cases. For two of the three suits, Dallas may recover costs from private organizations whose firearm restrictions prompted Paxton's legal action.