Pat McGowan

For the past twenty years, Pat McGowan has faithfully served the City of Fredericksburg as our city attorney. Pat was born in Lubbock, Texas, and raised in Mobile, Alabama. After graduating from the University of South Alabama with a Political Science degree in 1974, Pat moved to Texas, where she attended law school at the South Texas College of Law in Houston. During her college years, Pat was awarded a forensics scholarship, made the President's List and Dean's List, and was involved in the Student Government Association and the Debate Team. In 1980, Pat received her doctorate of jurisprudence, and became licensed to practice law after passing the Texas Bar Exam in February, 1981. After working for the Federal Land Bank of Texas as a staff attorney from 1981 to 1984, Pat felt the calling of the beautiful and peaceful Texas Hill Country as the place where she wanted to establish her career.

In addition to managing a very busy career in law, Pat has found the time to contribute to our community. Over the years, she has been involved in and supported organizations such as the State Bar Committee on Agriculture, Crime Stoppers, the Fredericksburg Heritage Federation, the Zonta Club, Rotary, and the Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors. She is also a member of the Texas City Attorney's Association, has served as a UIL debate judge, and has recently been appointed to the Board of Directors of Texas Public Radio.

Professionally, Pat has been an attorney in private practice since she moved here in October, 1984. Her general areas of practice include municipal law, real estate, wills and probate. In addition to being licensed to practice law in the State of Texas, Pat is also State Bar of Texas Board Certified in residential real estate.

As the City of Fredericksburg's city attorney, Pat advises city staff, as well as elected and appointed officials, in all areas of municipal law. She oversees real estate transactions, and works with the staff to draft ordinances, codes and regulations. Additionally, Ms. McGowan attends all city council meetings, and advises the council and staff during executive sessions. When the need arises, Pat prosecutes on behalf of or defends the City of Fredericksburg in legal proceedings. Her extensive background in real estate and municipal law has proven to be invaluable to the City of Fredericksburg over the past 20 years, and we appreciate her contribution.