INVICTA LAW
Invicta is a boutique Real Estate and Commercial Law Firm in Houston, Texas. We take a custom approach to problem solving for your Property, Title, and Commercial needs throughout Texas.
Invicta Law. Legally Real.®
IN-VIC-TA (adj.)
A Latin word for invincible, undefeated, or unconquered.
WHAT WE DO
Authentic Intelligence™ at its best.
TITLE AND POSSESSION TO REAL ESTATE - TITLE AND POSSESSION TO REAL ESTATE - TITLE AND POSSESSION TO REAL ESTATE - TITLE AND POSSESSION TO REAL ESTATE - TITLE AND POSSESSION TO REAL ESTATE
COMMERCIAL AND REAL ESTATE LITIGATION - COLLECTIONS AND CREDITORS RIGHTS - COMMERCIAL AND REAL ESTATE LITIGATION - COLLECTIONS AND CREDITORS RIGHTS - COMMERCIAL AND REAL ESTATE LITIGATION - COLLECTIONS AND CREDITORS RIGHTS - COMMERCIAL AND REAL ESTATE LITIGATION - COLLECTIONS AND CREDITORS RIGHTS
REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS DEALS - REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS DEALS - REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS DEALS - REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS DEALS - REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS DEALS - REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS DEALS
TITLE AND POSSESSION TO PROPERTY
Do you have a “cloud” on title to your property or is someone claiming to own your property? We can help.
COMPLEX COMMERCIAL LITIGATION
We have litigated, tried, and settled a wide range of complex commercial and real estate lawsuits.
REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS DEALS
Are you a buyer or seller of real property or a business? Do you need to negotiate a purchase contract or a lease?
COLLECTIONS AND CREDITORS' RIGHTS
We represent creditors in the enforcement of all types of debts, including creditors’ claims in bankruptcy.
WHO WE SERVE
It is an Honor and a Pleasure to Serve Our Clients.
Invicta proudly serves a vast range of businesses and individuals with their Title, Property, and Commercial needs in Houston and the State of Texas. Invicta’s clients include the following:
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Real Estate Investors, Developers, and Landlords, Commercial and Residential
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Banks and Lenders
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Title Companies and Title Insurers
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Equipment Finance Company
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Real Estate Agents, Brokers, and Buyers and Sellers of Real Property
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Homeowners' Associations
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Various Small Business Owners
TITLE AND POSSESSION TO REAL ESTATE
Do you have a defect or “cloud” on title? We can help.
A title defect or “cloud” on title often arises from a gap or “break” in the chain of title. The gap or “break” can be caused by, for example, an unrecorded deed the chain of title, a missing signature on a deed from a prior owner of the property (such as a spouse or an heir), or an unreleased lien caused by a mortgage, a judgment, or unpaid ad valorem taxes. Additionally, a title defect or “cloud” may arise due to a hostile ownership claim by another person who thinks they own your property. This is a very serious problem that needs careful handling.
Let us defend your title and possession to real property.
Invicta’s founder, Alicia Matsushima, has represented a national title company since 2001 and has extensive experience litigating complex title and possession claims, which often involves a title defect or “cloud” on title. Alicia’s title litigation experience includes:
Forgeries or fraud in real estate documents.
Errors in the property description in conveyance and encumbrance documents.
Missing or unidentified heirs in the chain of title.
Missing signature of a spouse or necessary party in conveyance and encumbrance documents.
Prior unsatisfied liens and encumbrances, including tax liens, deed of trust liens, and judgment liens.
Adverse possession claims.
Deed of a deceased person’s property not including all heirs.
Missing or unrecorded deeds in the chain of title.
Claims against trespassers and “squatters” on property.
Validity and priority of liens against real estate, including mechanic’s liens.
Trespass to Try Title lawsuits, claims of ownership of real property.
Quiet Title claims to property and removal of "clouds" on title.
Encroachments or boundary issues.
Partition of real property.
COMPLEX COMMERCIAL LITIGATION
Let our vast litigation experience serve your needs.
Invicta handles complex litigation that often covers complex commercial and real estate issues. Alicia Matsushima is highly skilled at handling cases in state and federal courts, at both trial and appellate levels, and in arbitrations and mediations. Alicia’s commercial litigation experience includes:
Statutory real estate fraud under Tex. Bus. Com. Code § 27.01.
Homeowners' association matters, including the collection of unpaid assessments.
Fraudulent transfers under Texas Uniform Fraudulent Transfer Act (TUFTA), Tex. Bus. Com. Code § 24.001 et seq.
Breach of express and implied warranties of title.
Declaratory judgments regarding real estate rights and validity of real estate instruments.
Breach of closing protection letter issued by title insurance company.
Breach of fiduciary duty against escrow officer.
Breach of contract by purchaser or seller of real estate, including specific performance of contract.
Defense of real estate professionals against TREC (Texas Real Estate Commission) ethics complaints and lawsuits.
Validity of non-judicial foreclosure sale of property under deed of trust and Chapter 51 of Texas Property Code.
Common law fraud, conversion, and other business torts.
Business divorces, dissolution, liquidations, Texas Business Organizations Code issues.
Breach of commercial contracts and tortious interference of contract.
Agency liability, alter-ego, and veil piercing issues.
Landlord-Tenant disputes under commercial or residential lease.
REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS DEALS
Are you buying or selling property or a business?
Invicta provides cost-effective counsel to those who need their questions answered in connection with a real estate matter.
Invicta advises investors, developers, realtors, and buyers and sellers of real estate. Invicta often reviews and counsels clients regarding their rights under various real estate contracts and conveyance documents, such as purchase agreements, mortgages, loan documents, commercial leases, and deeds.
Invicta also assists investors with their due diligence investigation prior to making a significant real estate purchase. When disputes arise in a real estate transaction, Invicta assists clients in resolving the dispute in hopes that they can avoid a costly lawsuit.
We understand that our clients’ cases are often time sensitive and involve significant sums of money. Invicta’s clients are often small investors who are on a strict budget and timeline and need effective counsel without breaking the bank.
COLLECTIONS AND CREDITORS' RIGHTS
Let us help you get paid.
At Invicta, we have extensive experience in collection matters and have an excellent track record of success in getting our clients paid. We represent a variety of creditors, including lenders, secured and unsecured, in the enforcement of debts of all types and sizes, such as Texas judgments and out-of-state judgments, accounts receivable, secured and unsecured loans, promissory notes and guaranties, unpaid homeowners’ assessments, unpaid invoices, bad checks, and unpaid rent.
We recognize that our clients do not wish to incur significant expense in collecting amounts that are past due. Thus, we take a cost-effective approach to the collection process based on the clients’ specific needs and budget.
We efficiently handle the entire collection process-the initial demand letter, the filing of the collection lawsuit, and the collection of the judgment. We are experienced in the following methods to maximize our client’s recovery as much as possible:
Use of post-judgment discovery to aid in the collection process, such as document requests and depositions, to locate assets of the debtor.
Garnishments or bank levies.
Domestication of foreign judgments under the Uniform Enforcement of Foreign Judgments Act ("UEFJA").
Representation of creditors in Chapter 7, 11, and 13 bankruptcy cases, including the litigation of contested matters and adversary proceedings, such as motions to lift the automatic stay, fraudulent transfers, and preferences.
Negotiation and restructuring of debts and the drafting of settlement, forbearance, and modification agreements.
Filing and serving writs of execution to levy the debtor's personal property.
Lawsuits to pierce the corporate veil, impose sucessor liability, and reverse fraudulent transfers.
Motions under the Texas Turnover Statute and the appointment of a receiver over the debtor's assets.
MEET ALICIA
Alicia’s key to success is her tenacity, work ethic, and attention to detail.
Photograph by Crystal Marsh Photography
Alicia Matsushima (Hear My Name) was born in New York City, and spent her early years living in Los Angeles, California, and London, England. The daughter of a mechanical engineer, Alicia grew up as an expatriate in Saudi Arabia and became a world traveler in her teens. Alicia’s international travel and multi-cultural background gives her a unique perspective in practicing law.
Alicia graduated from Baylor University in 1994, where she received her Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology and was a member of the Psi Chi National Honor Society. Alicia graduated from law school at the University of Notre Dame in 1997, where she completed trial advocacy taught by the National Institute of Trial Advocacy (NITA) and two externships as a public defender and a mediator. During her second year of study, Alicia lived abroad in Notting Hill, London, England, and participated in the Concannon Programme of International Law at Notre Dame’s London campus. From 2002-2004, Alicia proudly served her alma mater and held the positions of Regional Coordinator and Student Recruitment Director for the Notre Dame Asian Pacific Alumni Board of Directors. In 2011, Alicia obtained her United Kingdom law license and was admitted as a Solicitor to the Senior Courts of England and Wales.
After graduating from law school in 1997, Alicia passed the Texas bar and lived primarily in Houston, as the oil industry brought her family to Texas. Alicia obtained her law license on November 7, 1997 and has practiced law in Texas for over 26 years, starting her career in the area of insurance defense litigation. After working at a boutique commercial litigation firm for 10 years where she honed her litigation skills, Alicia opened her own law practice in 2012 and has never looked back.
“The greatest benefit of being your own boss is that you can reap the rewards of your own hard work. The sky is the limit.”
Photograph by Crystal Marsh Photography
Alicia founded the Invicta Law Firm to provide personalized attention to her clients in the areas of real estate, title, and commercial litigation. Alicia’s law practice caters to a vast array of clients, ranging from individuals and small family-owned businesses to large, “Fortune 500” companies. Alicia is very proud of the fact that the majority of her clients come from word of mouth referrals from prior clients and counsel with whom she has litigated.
In 2019, Alicia was honored as a Life Fellow of the Texas Bar Foundation, a designation granted to only one-third of 1% of lawyers practicing in the State of Texas each year based on their outstanding professional achievements in their field of law. From 2016 through 2023, Alicia has been recognized by her peers as one of Houston’s best commercial attorneys by Houstonia Magazine. She is also a member of the Texas Land Title Association (TLTA) and the Defense Research Institute (DRI).
Alicia loves the big city life and is proud to call the diverse city of Houston her home for over two decades now. In 2015, Alicia bought her “forever” home in the Washington Corridor area of Houston, where she lives with her three rescue dogs. During her free time, Alicia loves fashion, long walks, 80’s rock music, watching “The Beautiful Game,” especially Manchester United football in the English Premier League and the 2022 World Champions Argentina (Alicia is super proud of her Argentine heritage), drinking fresh coffee (Alicia likes to roast her own coffee beans), driving her customized Jeep, and spending time with her friends and family.
Alicia is very grateful for the success of Invicta and is very thankful for her clients. She invites you to reach out to Invicta and looks forward to meeting you.
Invicta’s clients are appreciative of Alicia’s reasonable rates. An effective attorney is one that is also affordable.
Photograph by Crystal Marsh Photography
Years as Attorney
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Years as Her Own Boss
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Dogs Rescued
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Countries Lived In
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Years Living Abroad
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Alicia's Licenses
State of Texas, 1997
United States District Courts for the Northern, Southern, Eastern, and Western Districts of Texas
United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit
Solicitor to the Senior Courts of England and Wales, 2011 (inactive)
Alicia's Education
University of Notre Dame du Lac, Juris Doctor, 1997
Notre Dame, Indiana, USA
Notre Dame Concannon Programme of International Law
London, England 1995-1996
Baylor University, Bachelor of Arts in Psychology 1994
Waco, Texas, USA
Alicia's Memberships and Activities
(Past and Present): State Bar of Texas, Texas Land Title Association (TLTA), Defense Research Institute, Houston Bar Association, Association for Women Attorneys, Women’s Energy Network, Women’s CEO Project, Notre Dame Alumni Club of Houston Diversity Coordinator, Notre Dame Alumni Board of Directors Regional Coordinator for Asian Pacific Alumni, Notre Dame Alumni Board of Directors Student Recruitment Director for Asian Pacific Alumni, Second Baptist Church, Houston Tornadoes Women’s Semi-Professional Soccer Team, Election Clerk for River Oaks Precinct 217, Psi Chi National Honor Society, Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity, Christian Legal Society, Business Network International, Asian American Bar Association of Houston, Law Society of England and Wales, Solicitor’s Regulation Authority in the United Kingdom, Texas Bar Foundation Life Fellow.
PROBLEMS SOLVED
Our track record for success speaks for itself.
We are proud of our track record and the results we get for our clients. Invicta has successfully handled a vast array of real estate and commercial matters:
Defense of Adverse Possession Lawsuit for a National Bank.
Obtained successful defense jury verdict as the lead counsel for a national bank in an adverse possession case; plaintiff alleged that the bank’s deed of trust lien was void because plaintiff had acquired ownership of the property under the ten-year bare possession statute.
Quiet Title of Property with Unknown Heirs.
Successfully cleared title to a property in Burleson County with a “break” in the chain of title in 1916, resulting in over 100 potential heirs to the property; summary judgment obtained under the theories of adverse possession and quiet title.
Real Estate with Missing or Void Deed in Chain of Title.
Successfully cleared title for multiple property owners with a “break” in the chain of title caused by a missing or void deed or unknown heirs of a prior owner; summary judgments obtained under the theories of adverse possession, prior possession not abandoned, and superior title out of a common source.
Validity of Lender's Deed of Trust Lien.
Obtained defense bench trial judgment in Harris County as lead counsel for a lender in a declaratory judgment claim asserted by borrower that challenged the validity of the bank’s deed of trust lien against the property.
Representation of Homeowners' Associations.
Successfully represented several Homeowners' Associations (HOA's) in connection with the election of HOA board members, the interpretation and amendment of the HOA's governing documents, the collection of assessments, and the enforcement of covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CCR's) under the Texas Property Code, including the Texas Residential Property Owners Protection Act (Chapter 209).
Boundary and Encroachment Disputes.
Successfully represented multiple landowners in boundary disputes and encroachment matters against the adjoining landowners.
Void Foreclosure Deed in Chain of Title.
Successfully represented a national mortgage lender in a dispute arising from a void foreclosure deed in the chain of title of the property.
Real Estate Fraud and Undisclosed Lien against Real Property.
Successfully represented the buyer in a complex, multi-party real estate fraud case arising from an undisclosed deed of trust lien against the purchased property; claims asserted included multiple business torts, including breach of warranty of good title, breach of implied warranty against encumbrances, statutory real estate fraud, negligent misrepresentation, and negligence of the closing agent in the closing of a real estate sales transaction.
Dispute regarding the practices of a Collection Agent for a Homeowners' Association for Unpaid Assessments.
Obtained bench trial judgment in Harris County as lead counsel for the property owners in a dispute against the homeowners’ association's collection agent regarding its practices in collecting unpaid regular and special assessments; HOA's collection agent was found liable for its failure to comply with Chapter 209 of the Texas Property Code.
Landlord-Tenant Disputes under Commercial Lease.
Successfully represented commercial landlords in disputes with tenants over unpaid rent.
Eviction-Forcible Detainer against Trespassers.
Successfully recovered possession of the leased premises for landlords in multiple eviction cases and appeals; recovered possession of an investment property from a trespassing family member of the seller who refused to vacate the premises after the property was sold; recovered possession of a foreclosed property from the borrower who defaulted on the loan and refused to vacate the property after the foreclosure sale.
Contract Negotiation for the Lease and Sale of Property.
Successfully represented tenants and landlords in connection with the negotiation of commercial, triple-net leases and buyers of sellers of commercial and residential real estate; draft of agreements and related documents.
Representation of Real Estate Professionals.
Successfully defended a real estate agent in a TREC complaint asserted by the seller of the property; defended home inspector in DTPA lawsuit; represented real estate agent and broker in claim to recover lost commission.
Post Judgment Collection and Domestication of Foreign Judgments for Creditors.
Successfully prosecuted and settled multiple foreign judgments for a national commercial equipment finance company under the Texas Uniform Enforcement of Foreign Judgments Act; post-judgment collection for multiple lenders.
Collections and Creditors' Rights.
Successfully obtained judgments and favorable settlements for multiple private lenders in collection lawsuits against the borrowers and guarantors who default on their loans; successfully represented secured creditors in complex Chapter 11 bankruptcy cases, including cash collateral matters, motions to lift stay, and adversary proceedings.
Errors in Legal Description of Property in Deed of Trust.
Successfully cleared title to property in Harris County for a private lender whose foreclosure only covered half of the mortgaged property due to an incomplete property description in the deed of trust.
Right to Access and Easement Agreements.
Obtained successful defense bench trial judgment in Harris County as lead counsel for a property owner in a dispute over the use of a public road under an easement agreement.
Partition of Real Property among Co-Owners and Heirs.
Represented multiple co-owners in connection with the partition of real property, obtained a judgment of partition of the property by sale.
Forged Deeds and Releases of Lien.
Successfully litigated title to property affected by a forged deed and a forged release of lien in the chain of title.
LET'S HAVE A CONSULTATION
Nice to meet you. How can we assist?
Invicta’s beautiful and industrial style office is located within a mile of downtown Houston at Washington Office Company, 1923 Washington Ave., Ste. 2275, Houston, Texas 77007. The crossroad is White Street. Parking is free in front of the building. There is a second parking lot, also free, behind the building on Decatur (please turn left on White Street and turn left on Decatur). We have great coffee! We look forward to your visit.
We are happy to meet any COVID-19 protocols that you may have, including the wearing of masks or meeting via Zoom. Please call 713.955.4559 if you have any requests or questions.
Feel free to complete our contact form.
Come see us.
Invicta Law Firm
1923 Washington Ave. Ste. 2275
Houston, TX 77007
Tel: 713-955-4559
Invicta Law Firm
1923 Washington Ave. Ste. 2275, Houston, TX, 77007
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- 1923 Washington Ave. Ste. 2275, Houston Texas 77007
- 713-955-4559
- info@invictalawfirm.com
- Se Habla Español
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“Invicta” and “Legally Real” are USPTO registered service marks of Alicia M. Matsushima, P.C. d/b/a Invicta Law Firm.
Unless otherwise specified, the attorneys listed on this Website are not certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult an attorney for advice regarding your individual situation. We invite you to contact us and welcome your calls, letters, and e-mail. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. Please do not send any confidential information until such time as an attorney-client relationship has been established.
