About Donnell
Biography
Donnell “Donnie” Colbert joined Hayes Hunter PC in 2023 as an Associate Attorney, bringing a wealth of experience from his role as an associate attorney at a Houston law firm specializing in real estate litigation, probate, and business disputes. As a graduate of South Texas College of Law Houston, Donnie actively participated in the Black Law Student Association, the Sports and Entertainment Society, and AMICUS during his academic journey.
Currently a member of BESLA, the Sports and Entertainment section of the HBA, and the LGBT Law section of the HBA, Donnie is dedicated to advancing his legal expertise. He is actively pursuing licensure in New York and California, expanding his reach to better serve clients with diverse legal needs. Notably, Donnie channels his passion for the arts into volunteer work with TALA (Texas Accountants and Lawyers for the Arts), underscoring his commitment to both legal excellence and community service.
Donnie’s multifaceted legal background, combined with his involvement in entertainment law and commitment to professional growth, positions him as a valuable asset to Hayes Hunter PC and a trusted advocate for clients seeking comprehensive and dynamic legal representation.
“The law is not always fair, and justice is not always guaranteed. That is why having the right attorney matters.”Donnell Colbert
Practice focus
Real Estate Litigation
Title, contract, fraud, lien, lease and co-ownership disputes, handled by trial-ready counsel in Harris County and across Texas.
Learn more Real Estate LawQuiet Title Lawsuits
Clear the cloud on your title so you can sell, refinance, develop or pass on your property with confidence.
Learn more Real Estate LawTrespass to Try Title
When two parties claim the same land, Texas law decides ownership through a trespass to try title action. We bring and defend them.
Learn more Real Estate LawPartition Lawsuits
When co-owners, heirs or former partners can’t agree on what to do with property, a partition action gives everyone a way out.
Learn more Real Estate LawDeed Disputes
Forged, fraudulent, mistaken or improperly obtained deeds can be challenged, cancelled or corrected. We handle all of it.
Learn more Real Estate LawSpecific Performance
When a seller backs out of a signed contract, Texas law can force the sale to close. When you’re accused of breach, we defend you.
Learn more Real Estate LawMechanic's Liens
Get paid for the work you performed, or protect your property from a lien you don’t owe. Texas Property Code Chapter 53, handled precisely.
Learn more Real Estate LawLien Removal
An invalid lien can block a sale, refinance or draw request. We move fast to remove it through summary motions, bonding or litigation.
Learn more Real Estate LawConstruction Disputes
Payment disputes, change orders, delays, terminations and diverted funds on residential and commercial projects across Houston.
Learn more Real Estate LawConstruction Defects
Foundation movement, water intrusion, roofing failures and code violations. We pursue and defend construction defect claims under Texas law.
Learn more Real Estate LawCommercial Real Estate
Acquisitions, dispositions, due diligence, development and the disputes that follow, for investors, owners and businesses.
Learn more Real Estate LawCommercial Leases
Lease drafting, review and negotiation for landlords and tenants of office, retail, restaurant, medical and industrial space.
Learn more Real Estate LawLandlord-Tenant Disputes
Unpaid rent, evictions, lockouts, CAM overcharges, repair failures and guaranty claims, resolved for landlords and tenants.
Learn more Real Estate LawPurchase & Sale Contracts
Drafting, negotiating and enforcing residential and commercial contracts, including earnest money disputes and defaults.
Learn more Real Estate LawContract Review & Closings
Independent legal review of your contract, title commitment, survey and closing documents, so nothing surprises you at the closing table.
Learn more Real Estate LawBroker & Agent Disputes
Claims against agents who failed their clients, defense of brokers facing claims, and commission disputes between brokers and clients.
Learn more Real Estate LawSeller Disclosure Fraud
The seller knew about the flooding, the foundation or the roof, and didn’t tell you. Texas law gives buyers real remedies.
Learn more Real Estate LawAdverse Possession
Whether you’re claiming land through long possession or defending against someone who is, the statutory requirements decide the case.
Learn more Real Estate LawEasement & Boundary Disputes
Blocked access, encroaching structures, disputed fence lines and conflicting surveys, resolved with the right survey evidence and the right legal claim.
Learn more Real Estate LawHOA Disputes & Foreclosure
Fines, assessments, deed-restriction enforcement and HOA foreclosure, for homeowners and associations under Property Code Chapter 209.
Learn more Business LitigationBusiness Litigation Overview
Contract, partnership, fraud and intellectual-property disputes for Houston companies and owners, plus the contracts that help prevent them.
Learn more Business LitigationBreach of Contract
Enforce the deal you made, recover what you’re owed, or defend against claims that you broke an agreement.
Learn more Business LitigationPartnership & Shareholder Disputes
Business divorces, buyouts, deadlocks and fiduciary breaches between partners, LLC members and shareholders of closely held companies.
Learn more Business LitigationBusiness Fraud & Fiduciary Duty
When a deal was built on lies, or someone you trusted used their position against you, Texas law allows recovery beyond the contract.
Learn more Business LitigationTrademark & Trade Secrets
Protect your brand and confidential information, and pursue or defend infringement and misappropriation claims.
Learn more Business LitigationBusiness Contracts
Drafting, review and negotiation of the agreements your business runs on, built to hold up if a dispute arises.
Learn more Business LitigationBusiness Formation
Entity selection, formation and governing documents (LLC, partnership or corporation) that prevent owner disputes later.
Learn moreCredentials
Education
- Sam Houston State University, 2017
- BS Criminal Justice, BS Psychology
- South Texas College of Law Houston, 2020, J.D.
Bar admissions & courts
- State Bar of Texas, 2021
- State Bar of New York, 2024
- Southern District of Texas, 2024
Professional experience
- Guerra Days Law Group, 2022-2023
- Caruthers Law Office, Jan 2020- June 2020
- Ozlat Injury Lawyers, 2019-2020
Professional associations
- HBA Corporate Counsel Section
- HBA Mergers & Acquisitions Section
- HBA Real Estate Section
- HBA Entertainment and Sports Section
Talk with Donnell and the Hayes Hunter PC team.
Start with a no-obligation discovery call. Book online or call (346) 363-0334.
