Eminent Domain & Condemnation
Neal & Leroy’s eminent domain attorneys represent both public bodies and private property owners in land acquisition matters, including the assembly of more than 650 parcels for the O’Hare Modernization Project, the acquisition work behind the Chicago Transit Authority’s Green, Orange, Brown, Red, and Blue lines, and numerous infrastructure projects throughout the municipalities surrounding Chicago. We handle the acquisition, valuation, right-of-way, easement, relocation and historic preservation issues that come with large-scale land assembly, and we stay with clients long after a taking is complete.
How We Approach Eminent Domain & Condemnation
Neal & Leroy is nationally recognized in eminent domain and condemnation. Since the firm’s founding in 1938, we’ve represented local municipalities, special districts, and state entities in acquiring numerous [150] land parcels a year for public projects throughout Illinois.
Additionally, we represent landowners in government takings. Ours is among the largest eminent domain practices in the country, and we have litigated the acquisition of more individual real estate properties on behalf of public entities than any other firm in Illinois.
Neal & Leroy’s involvement typically starts long before a case is filed. We assist clients in the early stage of the eminent domain process, the site designation ordinance and authorizing legislation. We will prepare the offer letters and assist the condemning authority in negotiating with property owners well in advance of any litigation. Our representation spans the full life of a project, not just one portion of the process. When litigation is necessary, we will litigate the action through all stages of litigation, including a jury trial, if necessary.
For large acquisition projects, we provide legal counsel and administrative support throughout the process. This advice and counsel includes guidance on federal and state requirements, oversight of relocation matters, litigation, if needed, progress reporting, and assistance with the legal oversight and administration of project-related payouts. We’ve also managed quick-take proceedings for both individual and multi-parcel projects, advising governmental bodies through the expedited acquisition process from the early stages to the vesting of title in the municipality.
Our eminent domain litigators have undertaken numerous jury trials and bench trials in federal and state court, litigating complex questions including railroad right-of-way acquisitions and intangible property interests like private bus line routes and landmark properties. We’ve also represented a Fortune 100 company defending against a land acquisition by a state entity, and another corporate client in an eminent domain claim brought by the federal government.
Members of the firm have taught, written, and lectured on eminent domain topics for more than 30 years, addressing both the bar and non-lawyer audiences. A member of the firm has taught historic preservation law at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and the University of Chicago Law School. Five of our attorneys have served as adjunct professors at the University of Illinois College of Law, teaching a real estate practicum to third-year students, including eminent domain issues.
OUR EMINENT DOMAIN & CONDEMNATION PRACTICE
- Pre-Litigation Acquisition and Offer Negotiation
- Quick-Take and Expedited Acquisition Proceedings
- Trial and Appellate Litigation
- Relocation Oversight and Administrative Services
- Railroad Right-of-Way and Intangible Property Acquisition
- Valuation and Just Compensation Disputes
