Ask Before You Hire a Condemnation Lawyer
When the government curses your land it is often referred to as the leading domain. When faced with a reputable domain, you should consider getting help from a punitive attorney. Before you choose a Condemnation Lawyer who meets your criteria, there are a few questions you may want to ask the lawyer you are interviewing for:
What is their experience with leading domain law?
As a property owner faced with criticism, one of the most important decisions you have to make is the lawyer who will represent you. Their experience in handling cases like yours and their overall experience with leading domains and convictions will greatly influence how successfully they represent you.
How many prominent domain cases have they brought to court?
There are many examples of prominent domain cases that are settled out of court. But more often than not these cases have to be brought to court to achieve the full compensation that is due to the property owners. The number of times a lawyer attends a trial is a sign of their experience and puts you in a better position as a property owner.
What types of property have they handled?
An attorney who has handled cases for many types and sizes of a property will have extensive experience.
How much time was spent representing landowners in punitive cases?
Eminent domain / Condemnation is a highly specialized field of law with many loopholes and complexities. As a property owner, you’ll want to hire a lawyer who regularly handles reputable domain cases.
Have they ever handled cases like yours?
No two cases of punishment are the same, as is property. However, there may be similarities, which will make the attorney more experienced with the special circumstances surrounding your case and property.
Do they represent the property owner, the government, or both?
The term conflict of interest can be applied here. If a lawyer has already handled a case for the government, they can befriend the cursing authority and/or the opposing attorney. Be aware of this situation and decide if you feel comfortable or not before hiring a lawyer.
How much is the attorney’s fee and what does it cover?
The appropriate arrangement of fees depends on the facts and circumstances of each case. Some attorneys charge an hourly fee, which can cause time spent on the case to exceed the dollar amount received. Other reputable domain lawyers work for contingent fees. Costs should cover all work done on a trial basis. Other costs include an appraisal, deposition, and expert witnesses which are normally payable by property owners. Consider the costs and make sure you choose a situation where your expenses are less than your likely compensation.
Are there any clients you can talk to as a reference?
Reputation and personal accounts of how a lawyer handles other sentencing cases can show a lot about their experience and abilities with leading domain law.
Is there an assessor you can talk to as a reference?
Most convictions involve an appraiser. The appraiser will estimate a fair market value for the property. You want an appraiser with reputable domain experience who has worked with lawyers. If they have worked with the attorney, they can also attest to the attorney’s experience and knowledge.
Choosing a lawyer to represent you is quite possibly the most important decision you will make when it comes to punishment. Experience is the main theme of these questions. The attorney you choose should be experienced with reputable domain law and always have your best interests in mind.
