Eminent Domain / Right of Way
Pender & Coward attorneys have extensive experience in the eminent domain, right of way and condemnation practice area working with state agencies, municipalities, transit authorities, utilities and right of way consultants all across the Commonwealth of Virginia. We have also tried cases out-of-state via pro hac vice admission.
Two of our attorneys are certified Right of Way Agents and are very active in the International Right of Way Association. We stay on top of emerging issues to help our clients address and handle challenges during every phase of project design and development including:
Assistance with relocation and analysis of the Uniform Relocation Act
Title examinations and title services
Right of way agreements
Public use
Appropriation
Negotiations among landowners and public entities
Voluntary land acquisitions
Eminent domain/condemnation litigation
Closings and distribution of funds
Title certifications and opinions
Encroachment issues and related litigation
When engaged early in the project planning and land acquisition process, our eminent domain and right of way attorneys identify and resolve potential issues which could prove costly down the line.
REPRESENTATIVE CASES
Defeated inverse condemnation suits by over a dozen residential landowners against a regional airport involving claims that aircraft noise had increased as the airport’s use took or damaged their properties.
Defeated a landowner’s attempt to remove a condemnation to federal court premised on claimed violations of the federal Uniform Relocation Assistance and Property Acquisitions Policy Act.
Defeated a landowner’s claim that a condemnation was invalid based on defense that the landowner had waived any challenge to the condemnation drawing down the funds deposited with a certificate of take and thereby acknowledging that the only remaining issue in the case was the determination of just compensation.
Successfully represented a condemning authority in suit for inverse condemnation brought by numerous landowners whose properties were flooded following an unprecedented storm, and who claimed that a culvert under a highway was inadequate or was improperly maintained.
Represented a state agency in a complex federal litigation involving both admiralty and eminent domain, stemming from allegations by lessees of substantial damages to oyster grounds.
Join Our Team
At Pender & Coward, we work hard for our clients. We are always on the lookout for outstanding lawyers to join our team who take pride in providing the highest quality work. If you share our commitment to excellence, then let’s talk.