Featured Articles

Eminent Domain in Space?

November 11, 2010 18:55

This never would have happened five years ago.  A small game company is advertising its latest offering, Eminent Domain, a card game based on the colonization of various planets.  It's hard to imagine a game called "Eminent Domain" before the 2005 Kelo decision made the...

Recent Articles

So You Want to Be a Litigation Appraiser, Southern California Version

Rick E. Rayl
March 20, 2012 00:43

In case you didn't have a chance to attend the event my partner, Gale Connor, spoke at earlier today, there's still time to learn about appraising in a litigation context.  On Wednesday, March 21, I'll be speaking with three of my colleagues, Brad Kuhn, David Graeler, and Bernadette...

So You Want to Be an Eminent Domain Appraiser?

March 14, 2012 18:00

How is an eminent domain appraisal different from other forms of appraisals?  What is the difference between a deposit appraisal and an exchange appraisal and why do condemners usually hire separate appraisers for each?  If I am an appraiser, how do I develop a practice as an expert...

The Anti-SLAPP, Something to Remember

March 13, 2012 16:46

California provides a special procedural remedy whenever a lawsuit implicates a defendant's First Amendment right to petition or free speech.  The procedure is commonly referred to as the "anti-SLAPP."  (SLAPP is an acronym for Strategic Lawsuit Against...

What Does the End of Redevelopment Mean for Real Estate in California?

March 12, 2012 21:53

Are you interested in learning more about the impacts of the dissolution of redevelopment agencies in California? Will you be in the Walnut Creek area on Thursday? If so, please sign up to attend a candid panel discussion with influential local politicians who can articulate what aftershocks can be...

Eminent Domain Decision: Award of Litigation Expenses Requires an Actual Trial

Rick E. Rayl
March 02, 2012 19:23

Shortly before an eminent domain trial, a government agency and a property owner exchange a statutory final offer and final demand. The statute’s sole purpose is to encourage settlement before trial, providing a carrot (to the property owner) and a stick (to the condemning...

Goodwill Appraisers: Hypothetical Businesses Are a No-No

Brad Kuhn
February 29, 2012 22:17

Over the past few years, we've seen California courts go in several different directions when it comes to admitting opinions on the value of a business' loss of goodwill in the context of an eminent domain action.  As a result, eminent domain attorneys, public agencies, and...

Local and National Redevelopment Updates

Brad Kuhn
February 29, 2012 16:48

There are a number of redevelopment updates making headlines both in California and nationwide.  National Redevelopment Update: We've been following H.R. 1433 -- the "Private Property Rights Protection Act of 2011" --  a bill that would limit the power of eminent...

Eminent Domain Weekly Round-Up

Brad Kuhn
February 16, 2012 14:09

Here's a quick update about some recent headlines in our eminent domain community. Eminent Domain for New School in Foster City?  According to a Mercury News article, Charter Square owners resistant to selling property to school district, the San Mateo-Foster City School District is...

Does Condemning Nothing, Cost Nothing?

February 15, 2012 16:36

Reflecting on the Golden Age of Saturday Night Live, icons such as Chevy Chase, Bill Murray, Gilda Radner, Steve Martin, Jane Curtin, and Dan Aykroyd jump to mind.  As such, it should come as no surprise that one of my favorite recurring characters has always been Emily...