Practices & Industries: Eminent Domain & Valutation - Public Agencies

The eminent domain specialists at Luce Forward have earned a reputation for competence, hard work, and creativity. Prominent public agencies appreciate our track record of success.

Overall Approach.

Luce Forward’s eminent domain attorneys have a strong track record of success in the condemnation of property for public projects. We have deep familiarity with every stage of the acquisition process.

• Our condemnation team has a consistent record of success in handling the pre-acquisition appraisal and offer process required by California law.
• Our team lawyers have unmatched experience with valuation issues, relating both to real estate and business goodwill claims. Our condemnation team and its courtroom expertise have garnered substantial attention.
• Team lawyers speak and write on eminent domain issues, and pride themselves on their technical knowledge of both the law and trial techniques.

Our eminent domain team understands that strategic assessment and planning is essential to a public agency’s ability to keep projects on track. Most public projects require the condemnation of both major and minor parcels, even seemingly inconsequential parcels. A key attribute of Luce Forward’s eminent domain attorneys is the ability to differentiate between the two. Many smaller acquisitions do not require significant litigation effort or even appraisal effort. They are often resolvable through early, aggressive negotiation. We have found that measured, limited discovery can spur on such negotiations.

Of course, some ostensibly small matters can ultimately generate significant claims. Our attorneys are oriented towards spotting the warning signs early, and tailoring our litigation efforts appropriately.

Our eminent domain team also understands the importance of environmental conditions on the decision to acquire property, and on the compensation to be paid for such property. Environmental conditions allow the agency to make a reasoned and rational decision as to which property should - or should not - be acquired. When acquisition of contaminated property is to be completed, our team has the expertise to work with various agencies, including the Department of Toxic Substances, Regional Water Quality Control Board and Air Quality Management District to minimize the agency’s exposure for the contamination, and to assure compliance with project schedules.