Derra Leigh Purnell

Best Best & Krieger LLP Of Counsel Derra Leigh Purnell provides municipal clients with litigation support and overarching legal counsel. She is particularly well-versed in ICC code compliance, public-private partnership agreements, procurement law, small cell node regulation and land-use issues faced by local governments. In addition to acting as general counsel for municipalities and special districts, Derra has assisted many municipal clients with comprehensive updates to their land development regulations, including subdivision regulation, building/construction codes, zoning regulation and water/wastewater impact fees. Derra has also written more than 30 right-of-way management ordinances, including regulation of small cell node facility installation. She has a wealth of public service and corporate experience, which affords her a deep understanding of her clients’ range of complex legal needs.
 
With sophisticated regulatory knowledge and first-hand public sector perspective, Derra advises on matters involving city services, operations, administration and more. Her astute legal guidance allows clients to focus on what matters most: serving their constituencies. Derra enjoys working with local governments because she gets to see interesting challenges and provide creative solutions. She appreciates the unique character of each local government and enjoys adapting to clients’ individual needs.
 
Before joining BBK, Derra most recently served as director of Legal & Development Services for the City of La Marque, Texas. She also previously held roles as deputy fire marshal and oil and gas inspector for the City of Farmington, New Mexico. In addition to her vast public sector experience, Derra practiced law at Olson & Olson, LLP for more than five years.
 
Derra lives in Houston, Texas and loves to cook. She appreciates vintage buildings, clothes and jewelry.