- SEATTLE: 206-621-1110
- TACOMA: 253-572-1000
Seattle and Tacoma Eminent Domain Attorney
Representing the rights of landowners facing eminent domain
When the government wants to engage in projects such as new road construction, parks, or even commercial developments, it often needs to claim numerous residential and/or commercial properties to do so. The government does have the power to take your property under eminent domain,1 however, the Fifth Amendment2 also provides landowners with certain rights and protections. The skilled eminent domain attorneys at the Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess work to stand up for these rights and provide the highest quality of representation throughout the eminent domain process.
We fight for just compensation for you
Though it is difficult to completely halt an eminent domain claim, the law does require that the government provide “just compensation” for your land and losses. Such compensation can cover:
- Fair market value of your property
- Value of improvements to the land, fixtures, and equipment
- Relocation costs
- If a portion of land was claimed, damages for lost value of the rest of the land
- Pre-condemnation damages
- Business losses for commercial properties
We have access to qualified property appraisers who understand how to value land in the context of eminent domain so that we can ensure you receive the full amount you deserve. Government offers of compensation are rarely adequate and we will negotiate on your behalf and advise you when to accept an offer.
Defending against eminent domain claims
Though stopping an eminent domain claim can be difficult, it is possible in certain cases if the government is overstepping the limits of its powers. For example, the Fifth Amendment requires that purpose of the taking be a public use. Though courts have expanded the definition of “public use,” you should not have to give up your land for a project that does not qualify as such. Additionally, the government cannot take your entire property if it only requires a small portion for its use. We can evaluate your case to see if you have any legal defense against the eminent domain action.
Contact our skilled Seattle and Tacoma eminent domain attorneys for assistance today
The skilled eminent domain attorneys at the Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess understand eminent domain laws and protect the rights of property owners in Seattle and Tacoma. Call our office at 253-572-1000 to discuss your case today.
1https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/eminent_domain
2https://www.law.cornell.edu/constitution/fifth_amendment
Attorney Robert Dickson
The core of Rob’s legal practice is civil litigation, with an emphasis on construction, real estate, and business law. He represents a wide range of clients, from large construction companies to individual homeowners. His is a practical approach to law, which strives to balance the need for a successful legal outcome with a client’s financial goals (or constraints). Outside of his private practice, Rob serves as an adjunct professor at the Seattle University School of Law where he teaches real estate litigation. [ Attorney Bio ]
Thomas L. Dickson
Tom is an experienced litigator and the founding partner of the firm. For over 30 years, he’s helped clients prevail in their real estate, construction, and business law matters.
Heather Burgess
Heather represents property owners and developers in all phases of real estate development, from pre-acquisition due diligence through local permitting and appeals.
Robert P. Dickson
The core of Rob’s legal practice is civil litigation, with an emphasis on construction, real estate, and business law. He represents a wide range of clients, from large construction companies to individual homeowners.
Daniel J. Frohlich
Dan’s legal practice focuses on civil litigation, real estate law, business law and probate law. He has more than 10 years of experience as an attorney serving clients throughout Western Washington.
Mark S. Johnson
Mark’s legal practice focuses on civil litigation, real estate law, business law and family law. He works tirelessly to help his clients achieve the outcome they are looking for.
Trevor A. Zandell
Since graduating with honors from law school in 2005, Trevor has been serving the legal needs of businesses, individuals, and families across Southwest Washington.
Daniel E. Pizarro
As an associate at Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess, Daniel is active in the firm’s civil litigation department. His practice is mainly centered around real estate law, landlord-tenant law, construction law, and probate law.
Alexander J. Wisbey
Alexander Wisbey comes to the firm with 5 years of experience as a litigator and trial attorney. He has first chaired several jury trials and has extensive experience handling arbitrations, mediations, depositions, and settlements.
Andrew Hata
Andrew is the head of our Transactional Department and focuses his practice on corporate governance, real estate transactions, commercial contracts, and corporate finance.
Kelley Duggan
As an associate at Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess, Kelley practices in a wide range of areas, including estate planning, probate, civil litigation, and intellectual property law.
Cambria A. Queen
Cambria is an Associate with Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess in the civil litigation department, where she practices primarily real estate and probate law.
George Knight
As an associate at Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess, George is active in the firm’s civil litigation and transactional departments. His practice is mainly centered around business law, real estate law, construction law, employment law, and probate law.
Chris Pierce-Wright
Chris comes to Phillips Burgess Tacoma from Seattle, where he served as an associate attorney focused on insurance litigation with Wilson Smith Cochran Dickerson.
Lacey L. Hatch
Lacey has developed an in-depth knowledge and has successfully advised clients in an array of land use matters, including project review, code drafting and interpretation, as well as a variety of litigation pertinent to land use issues.
Jennifer Yoo
Jennifer is an associate attorney at Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess where her current practice focuses on real estate law, contract and commercial disputes, and business law.
Katherine E. Baals
As an associate at Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess, Katherine practices in a range of areas, including real estate, construction, business, and civil litigation.
Kenneth Chan
As an associate at Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess, PLLC, Kenny is active in the firm’s civil litigation and transactional departments. Prior to working at Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess, Kenny was an in-house attorney for a Fortune 100 company.
Brian Buske
Following his graduation from Lewis & Clark Law School, Brian garnered valuable client experience working on international compliance and intellectual property issues.
