Municipal Law

Eminent Domain Law • Condemnation

Eminent domain proceedings are an extremely sensitive area of real estate law that requires the assistance of a legal advisor with real world experience, who can advise municipalities on ways to minimize negative consequences for the municipality and the community as a whole.

The experienced eminent domain / condemnation attorneys at Huff Wilkes, LLP work with municipal leaders to develop effective strategies of public outreach that will convey the goals of the community while remaining sensitive to the concerns of property owners. 

The first issue to be addressed is whether the municipality has the authority to take possession of a property-whether the proposed use is a legitimate public use. The eminent domain law attorneys at Huff Wilkes can provide public officials with an assessment of problems they might encounter in court if their determination to condemn is challenged.

When it becomes clear that a property condemnation will occur, the next question concerns the amount the municipality will pay the property owner for the property as just compensation. This is not merely a question of valuation, but also of understanding the rules and legal standards that apply to the process, the types of damages that might be paid, and negotiation and trial strategies.

The property condemnation lawyers at Huff Wilkes have significant experience with real estate valuation.

An experienced eminent domain attorney will assist his or her client in every phase of the condemnation process, including preparation or evaluation of the initial offer, negotiation of an acceptable settlement (before trial if possible), or taking / defending a claim for compensation to trial and through appeals, if warranted.

Contact David Wilkes or John Cavallaro at Huff Wilkes for legal counsel regarding a condemnation proceeding. The real estate law firm of Huff Wilkes, LLP, provides legal counsel and litigation services to businesses, municipalities and individuals in Westchester County and Rockland County, New York.