The History of RattikinLaw
A Legacy Rooted in Texas Real Estate Law
Jack Rattikin, Sr. – The Pioneer (1916–1960s)
Jack Rattikin, Sr. began practicing law in 1916 and quickly developed a passion for real estate and land records. By the 1920s, he was helping lead the charge to establish the title insurance industry in Texas alongside industry pioneer Maco Stewart.
- Did You Know?
Jack Sr. played a large role in introducing the concept of title insurance to Texas by opening title offices across the state.
Despite the challenges of the Great Depression, Jack Sr. launched his own law office and title company—eventually growing it into one of the largest independent title agencies in the nation.
The Story of the Records
In 1934, Jack Sr. was offered a rare opportunity:
He could claim one of only three full copies of the Tarrant County real property records—if he could remove them from their building that same afternoon.
How did he do it?
He backed a pickup truck under a second-floor window and tossed the records out the window into the truck bed. Years later, Tarrant County used large portions of the Rattikin records to supplement missing data resulting from numerous courthouse fires that occurred in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s.
That second-story record rescue preserved a vital piece of Tarrant County history.
Jack Rattikin, Jr. – Carrying the Torch (1968–1990s)
In 1968, Jack Rattikin, Jr. took the reins of both the law firm and title company. A respected leader in the real estate legal field, Jack Jr. earned numerous lifetime achievement awards for his contributions to title insurance and real estate law, not just in Texas—but nationwide.
Through his leadership within both the Texas and American Land Title Associations (serving as President of each, like his father and son Jack III, the first three-generation family leading both organizations), Jack Jr. helped position the title industry as a vital component in the safety and security of real estate ownership, paving the way for tremendous economic growth and igniting the American Dream for families across America.
Jeffrey A. Rattikin – Innovation & Expansion (1993–Present)
In 1993, Jeffrey A. Rattikin joined the family firm with a vision for expanding beyond traditional title services. Under Jeff’s leadership, the firm embraced innovation and carved out new niches:
Strategic Expansions Under Jeff’s Leadership
- Boutique Closing Services – Serving select residential and commercial clients
- 1031 Exchanges – National leader in tax-deferred exchanges, now operating three dedicated companies
- TexasLegalDocs.com – A first-of-its-kind online platform delivering secure, attorney-prepared real estate documents across Texas
Today, RattikinLaw combines its legacy of legal excellence with cutting-edge tech to better serve clients across the state.
