Chapter IV: Retaining An Attorney
What should I look for when considering an attorney to represent me in my eminent domain action?
Experience, specialization and demonstrable results are the key factors to look for in an eminent domain attorney. Eminent domain is a peculiar area of the law, with very few attorneys having extensive experience. Ideally, you should retain a firm (1) whose practice focuses exclusively on eminent domain matters; (2) whose attorneys have handled hundreds - not just a few - eminent domain cases; (3) whose attorneys have handled both private owner's work and public agency work (this is important to be able to properly evaluate a case from all angles); (4) whose attorneys are willing and eager to work on a contingency fee basis (an attorney unwilling to work on a contingency is likely not comfortable with his or her ability to obtain a successful result); and (5) whose attorneys can provide you with numerous examples of successful results in eminent domain actions. Many attorneys claim to practice eminent domain law. However, only a few do so exclusively and well. Your property or business is likely your most valuable asset. Why trust it to a firm who does not practice exclusively and extensively in eminent domain?