Eminent Domain Services

DeWitt boasts a strong team of attorneys and support staff with comprehensive experience helping clients through all phases of the condemnation process, from receipt of the initial notice of the governmental taking, through the jurisdictional offer from the condemning authority and, if necessary, any subsequent lawsuit and appeal. As a result of this experience, DeWitt’s eminent domain team has wide-ranging and deep knowledge of Wisconsin condemnation law, and a full understanding of the different strategies available to property owners to maximize their award of just compensation. In addition, DeWitt has established relationships with industry experts, including property appraisers, who have extensive experience working on behalf of both property owners and governmental authorities on property valuation issues.

Perhaps more importantly, DeWitt has a proven track record of success in eminent domain matters. For example, DeWitt helped a property owner client obtain a multi-million dollar just compensation verdict following a jury trial involving American Transmission Company (collectively, “ATC”), in connection to the Badger-Coulee transmission line project. Because the amount of the verdict was more than 115% of ATC’s jurisdictional offer, ATC was legally obligated to reimburse the property owner for all the attorneys’ fees and expenses it incurred in the litigation. DeWitt has already begun consulting with property owners with respect to ATC’s Cardinal-Hickory Creek transmission line project, which is planned to go through the Driftless area of western Wisconsin.

In addition to eminent domain matters involving electrical and other utilities, DeWitt also has a track record of success representing property owners with respect to condemnation matters involving the Department of Transportation and other governmental actors, and provides legal counsel to condemning authorities.