Condemnation / Eminent Domain
The Firm has experience in the area of eminent domain from the perspective of the condemning authority. Condemning authorities represented by the Firm include municipalities and public utilities. The Firm has specific experience in acquiring rights of way for road widening projects, electric transmission and distribution facilities and natural gas pipelines. The Firm also has expertise in the acquisition of the property rights necessary for underground natural gas storage facilities.
From the landowner perspective, the Firm has challenged prospective takes – both on the grounds that the projects are not necessary or are not sited properly and on the grounds that the condemning authority has failed to comply with the California Environmental Quality Act. The Firm has also prosecuted inverse condemnation claims against governmental agencies.