This is an exciting time to be a condemnation lawyer.
We are attorneys who represent governments and private property owners; we are academics and scholars; we are law students interested in this growing area of law. Our membership includes some of the most experienced condemnation lawyers in the nation, as well as newer attorneys looking to network with colleagues.
While we come from both sides of the table, we're collegial and friendly. And we don't just focus on direct condemnations, but our interests include inverse condemnation, regulatory takings, land use law, and just about anything that could be related to "Condemnation Law."
Until recently, most of our practices involved issues related to just compensation, with "right to take" issues taking a very secondary part. After the Supreme Court's decision in Kelo v. City of New London, however, issues of public use and public purpose are again being litigated in state and federal courts.
During the next few years, issues involving "smart growth" and consequent down-zoning, will grow in importance. Environmental issues and their intersection with property rights is also a burgeoning area. These developing areas have only made our practices more interesting and challenging.
You are invited to participate in the Committee -- join the email listserv, attend (or teach) an in-person or virtual CLE, publish an article in the Urban Lawyer, the SLG News, or the section's e-news. Join in our of our bi-monthly conference calls in which we informally discuss the latest issues and decisions. Come to one of our meetings and get to know your colleagues.
Come, join us!
Robert H. Thomas, Chair
rht@hawaiilawyer.com
