Overview In this hybrid role, you lead eminent domain and condemnation matters for diverse public and private clients, guiding high-stakes litigation from pleadings to appeal. You will provide strategic counsel on valuation, risk, and settlements while shaping case strategy and coordinating with experts. You'll mentor junior lawyers and paralegals, contribute to business development, and maintain client relationships. The position sits at the intersection of strong courtroom practice and advisory work in a mission-driven, land-use-focused practice.
Responsibilities- Serve as lead counsel on eminent domain and condemnation matters in state and federal courts through all litigation stages
- Develop case strategy, assess claims and exposures, and advise clients on valuation, acquisition risk, and settlement options
- Draft and litigate dispositive motions, motions in limine, jury instructions, briefs for trial and appellate courts, and other pleadings
- Manage discovery, coordinate with expert appraisers, engineers and surveyors, and prepare/defend expert testimony
- Negotiate settlements, coordinate takings valuations and acquisition processes, and pursue ADR when appropriate
- Supervise, mentor and train associates and paralegals; oversee quality control of work product
- Maintain and cultivate client relationships, participate in BD and client pitches, contribute to practice growth
- Ensure compliance with professional and ethical obligations, manage case budgets and docketing
Key requirements- Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school and active bar admission in relevant jurisdiction
- Minimum 7+ years of litigation experience with substantial Eminent Domain/condemnation focus; Of Counsel or senior associate experience preferred
- Proven courtroom experience including trials and appellate practice with a track record in complex takings litigation
- Expertise in motion practice, discovery management, witness preparation, and persuasive legal writing
- Experience collaborating with valuation experts (appraisers, economists), engineers and land-use professionals
- Excellent client-facing skills, business development aptitude, and ability to build trust
- Strong leadership and mentorship abilities with experience supervising junior lawyers and support staff
- Willingness to travel for hearings, trials, depositions and client meetings
- leadership and mentorship
- client-facing communication
- business development aptitude
- litigation strategy and case management
- motion practice and appellate writing
- discovery management and witness preparation
