Practice areas / Condemnation & Eminent Domain

Eminent domain.
Deliberate advocacy.

Representation for state and local governmental agencies in eminent domain and condemnation matters.

Chicago river bridge and surrounding transportation infrastructure

Condemnation & Eminent Domain

Jendryk, Hamer & Begley represents numerous state and local governmental agencies in eminent domain and condemnation matters. Our work brings a litigation perspective to property acquisition, valuation disputes, negotiation, and condemnation proceedings.

Public-sector matters require attention to the legal issues and the objectives of the project. We work with governmental clients to develop a practical strategy for moving property-related disputes toward resolution.

From acquisition to resolution.

Acquisition & negotiation

Address contested acquisition issues with attention to the property interests involved and the objectives of the public project.

Valuation disputes

Identify the issues driving the disagreement and the evidence needed to evaluate and present the valuation dispute.

Condemnation litigation

Prepare for proceedings when negotiation does not resolve the matter, while continuing to assess practical resolution opportunities.

Public-sector condemnation and eminent domain counsel

JHB connects property acquisition, valuation disputes, negotiation, and litigation with the objectives of the public project. A focused assessment helps governmental clients identify the disputed issues and the next steps toward resolution.

Property acquisition and negotiation

An acquisition matter begins with the property interests involved, the stage of the project, and the issues that remain unresolved. Those details help define the work needed to address a contested acquisition.

JHB works with governmental clients on a practical strategy for moving the matter forward. The status of negotiations, available records, and procedural dates help frame both the immediate priorities and the next discussion.

Condemnation litigation and proceedings

When negotiation does not resolve a matter, the litigation strategy must remain connected to the project’s needs. The plan considers:

  • The procedural stage and upcoming dates
  • The disputed issues
  • The records available for review

JHB prepares for condemnation proceedings while continuing to assess practical resolution opportunities, supporting the client’s decisions as the matter progresses.

An aerial view of traffic passing beneath a highway overpass

Understanding the valuation dispute

A valuation disagreement calls for focused analysis of:

  • The issues driving the dispute
  • The points of disagreement
  • Questions that still require evidence

A clear presentation of the available evidence supports informed decisions about negotiation and litigation. The assessment remains tied to the property, the disputed valuation, and the governmental client’s objectives.

Connecting the project with counsel

Governmental counsel evaluating an assignment can begin with the acquiring entity, the property or project involved, and the current stage of acquisition or litigation. That context helps focus the discussion about the experience and work required.

Brian M. Begley’s condemnation and civil litigation background provides further information about his practice. JHB’s office is in Wheaton, Illinois; discuss the particular property, proceeding, and forum with the firm.

Discuss the property, the project, and the next step.

A focused first conversation connects the acquisition, the disputed issues, and the objectives of the public project.

For the initial conversation

  • The project: acquiring entity and property involved.
  • The stage: acquisition, negotiation, valuation dispute, or litigation.
  • The timing: procedural dates and the records available for review.

Brian M. Begley’s practice includes condemnation alongside insurance and civil litigation.