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Los Angeles Eminent Domain Attorneys

Need a Los Angeles Eminent Domain Lawyer? Get Trusted Legal Help Before It’s Too Late

If you’ve received notice that the government wants to take your property through eminent domain, you may feel shocked, frustrated, or unsure of what happens next. But you are not alone—and you are not without options.

In Los Angeles, the complexities of property valuation, zoning, land use regulations, and relocation expenses can turn a condemnation case into a high-stakes legal battle. But Peterson Law Group PC helps Los Angeles property owners protect their rights when facing condemnation.

The clock starts ticking the moment you receive a notice of intent or an offer. Don’t wait to act. Whether you’re a homeowner, business operator, or landowner, our firm is equipped to guide you through every phase of eminent domain action.

With decades of experience in these matters, John S. Peterson leads a team that is focused exclusively on cases involving eminent domain, inverse condemnation, land subsidence, and real estate litigation.

Why Choose Us Over Other Los Angeles Eminent Domain Attorneys

• Decades of Legal Experience in eminent domain, inverse condemnation, and land use litigation.
• Selected “Lawyer of the Year” by Best Lawyers for Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law in Los Angeles.
• AV Rated by Martindale-Hubbell®, reflecting the highest level of legal ability and ethical standards.
• Recognized by Best Lawyers since 2014 and named to Southern California Super Lawyers every year since 2011.
• Member of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, awarded to trial lawyers who have won multi-million dollar verdicts or settlements.
• Elected Member of the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA), an elite invitation-only group of trial attorneys.
• Tailored Litigation Strategy for every case—we don’t take a one-size-fits-all approach.

Getting Fair Market Value in Los Angeles Eminent Domain Cases

If the government damages or takes away your property under eminent domain, you have the right to receive fair market value, and this can turn out to be much higher than the government’s initial offer. It’s important to find an eminent domain lawyer who knows how to get the maximum valuation for your property. If you wish to contest the government’s right to take your property, your Los Angeles eminent domain attorney will advise you on your best course of action.

The Los Angeles area is home to several major public works projects, such as the Metro Rail. John S. Peterson is deeply knowledgeable about California law, and he understands the nuances of the eminent domain process. Our attorneys at Peterson Law Group PC have been aggressively protecting the rights of property owners in Los Angeles for over 35 years.

Our firm has been featured in U.S. News & World Report and selected for the Best Law Firms award by Best Lawyers. John S. Peterson has been featured as an attorney speaker on eminent domain on local television and national radio shows.

John is uniquely qualified to handle your Los Angeles eminent domain case, and he makes himself available to each client so that he can address all your questions or concerns.

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Don’t Let the Government Take Your Property Without a Fight—Call Peterson Law Group PC at (213) 236-9720 for a Free Case Review

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What Is Eminent Domain?

Eminent domain is the government’s power to condemn private property for public use. Under the Fifth Amendment of the United States Constitution, the government is required to provide “just compensation” for any property taken away from a private citizen for government use. Furthermore, the California State Constitution requires that private property may only be taken away or damaged for public use. In these cases, “just compensation” will be “ascertained by a jury” unless that right has been waived by the property owner.

To challenge the government’s right to take possession of private property under eminent domain, the property owner must demonstrate that that there is no public benefit that will result from the government’s actions.

The eminent domain process is outlined under California’s Code of Civil Procedure (CCP). As a property owner, you have the right to:

• Be informed of the government’s specific need for your property, such as a public works project
• Receive written notice about the government’s intent to take your property
• Receive just compensation based on the fair market value of your property
• Receive additional compensation for relocation assistance and other considerations
• Challenge the government’s need to take your property
• Seek your own appraisal
• Negotiate fair market value
• Have a jury trial if no agreement is reached
• Appeal the results of a jury trial all the way up to the California State Supreme Court

What Is Fair Market Value Under Eminent Domain in Los Angeles?

Fair market value is the estimated highest price that the property would bring if offered on the open market for a reasonable period of time. Fair market value is not necessarily how much the government is willing to put forth in its initial offer. In fact, the initial offer is likely to be far below the actual value for private or commercial property in Los Angeles, which is home to some of the most lucrative real estate in the world.

Factors to consider when appraising fair market value include:

• Size
• Shape
• Location
• Neighborhood trends
• The most advantageous and profitable potential use

Additional factors to consider when calculating the fair compensation that owners are entitled to when private property is damaged or destroyed by the government include:

• Inventory
• Equipment that cannot be removed
• Value of business goodwill
• Severance damages
• Interest
• Attorney’s fees
• Appraisal fees
• Relocation fees

When Does the Government Have the Right To Take Property Under Eminent Domain?

Conveyance means transfer of property by sale, lease, gift, franchise, or otherwise. In California, eminent domain conveyance must be for public benefit. The government is prohibited from conveying your property to a private person. Projects that have been deemed worthy of public domain include:

• Schools
• Seaports
• Water-related facilities
• Common carriers
• Energy-related projects
• Infrastructure
• Communications-related projects
• Wastewater-related facilities
• Recovery from natural disaster
• Public works improvement
• Public health
• Highways, rails, and public transit
• Blight removal
• Public housing
• Flood control
• Private utility systems
• Reservoirs and dams
• Parks
• Endangered species habitats
• Airports
• Public buildings

Entities that may be entitled to conveyance under public domain include:

• State agencies
• Special districts
• School districts
• Cities
• Counties
• Public utilities
• Redevelopment agencies
• Quasi-public agencies

Some of Our Eminent Domain Case Results

Eminent Domain - $4,390,000

In an eminent domain case in North Hollywood, Peterson Law Group successfully increased the government’s initial compensation offer from $1,760,000 to an award of $4,390,000. Representing a property owner who produced fiberglass and resin products, Peterson argued at a jury trial that the property’s highest and best use was for a mixed-use commercial residential development.

Eminent Domain - $4,000,000

In an eminent domain case in Downtown Los Angeles, Peterson Law Group successfully increased the compensation for a 20,000-square-foot parking lot from the initial government offer of $840,000 to $4,000,000. Despite the City’s appeal, the Court of Appeal affirmed the Jury verdict and also awarded litigation expenses.

Eminent Domain - $3,950,000

In an eminent domain case in Los Angeles, Peterson Law Group successfully increased the government’s initial compensation offer of $2,360,000 to a final award of $3,950,000 for a corporation owning a property with a successful gas station. The case involved partial acquisitions of the property.

Getting Fair Compensation for Your Los Angeles Property

You worked hard to build your business and develop the property you own. No one should be allowed to take that away from you without providing fair compensation. At Peterson Law Group PC, we understand how much your property means to you, and we’re here to help.

Call (213) 236-9720 to speak with our Los Angeles eminent domain lawyers today.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is eminent domain?

Eminent domain is the government’s power to take private property for public use, such as for highways, public buildings, or utility infrastructure. The government must pay the property owner just compensation under the Fifth Amendment.

Can I stop the government from taking my property?

In some cases, yes. If the taking is not for legitimate public use or is not legally justified, you may be able to challenge the condemnation. However, many cases focus on ensuring you receive fair compensation.

What qualifies as “just compensation” in California?

Just compensation typically means the fair market value of your property, including land, improvements, and potentially business losses. It should reflect the highest and best use of the property.

How is fair market value determined in California?

It is usually based on comparable sales, income potential, and replacement cost, taking into account zoning, permitted uses, and market conditions. We work with experienced appraisers to maximize this valuation.

Can I be compensated for business losses or relocation expenses?

Yes. California law may entitle you to compensation for loss of business goodwill and reasonable relocation expenses. These areas often require specialized legal support to prove.

Will I have to go to court?

Not always. Many cases in Los Angeles are resolved through negotiation or mediation. However, if the government refuses to offer fair compensation, litigation may be necessary, and we are fully prepared to take your case to trial.

Do I need a lawyer if I agree with the taking?

Yes. Even if you accept the taking, you still deserve fair compensation. A skilled attorney can help ensure you are not shortchanged by a lowball offer.

Additional Information

• Can California Property Owners Challenge Public Use in Eminent Domain Cases?
• Can You Challenge an Eminent Domain Taking?
• 2028 Olympics Planning Causes Eminent Domain Disputes in LA