Condemnation and Eminent Domain

Manning Fulton represents property owners across North Carolina when land, easements, access rights, or other property interests are taken for public use. Our attorneys understand that condemnation affects the remaining property, future development potential, access, visibility, business operations, and long-term value. Our work includes matters involving:

• Road widening and highway construction
• Utility easements
• Gas pipelines
• Public infrastructure projects
• Transit and transportation projects
• Government buildings and public facilities
• Airport authority projects
• Redevelopment and revitalization projects

Not every condemnation matter needs to reach a courtroom. Manning Fulton gets involved at the start with condemning authorities across North Carolina to address valuation and compensation issues before litigation becomes necessary. Our attorneys work to resolve disputes through direct negotiation and mediation supported by strong valuation evidence.

This approach is not about avoiding litigation; rather, it is about pursuing the most efficient path to a fair result. Having represented property owners in condemnation matters involving major public authorities across North Carolina, Manning Fulton brings substantial experience and credibility to the negotiation process. Condemning authorities recognize that our attorneys are thoroughly prepared and pragmatic in their approach when protecting our clients’ property rights.

Just compensation often depends on proving the property’s highest and best use. Manning Fulton works with clients and carefully selected experts to evaluate the full impact of the taking and build the strongest possible valuation case. Our attorneys assemble teams that may include:

•  Appraisers
• Land planners
  
• Traffic engineers
  
• Commercial and residential real estate brokers
  
• Real estate developers
  
• Other valuation and industry experts

This approach helps identify issues the condemning authority may overlook, including lost access, reduced visibility, impaired development potential, damage to the remaining property, and other impacts that may affect value. Our goal is to help property owners recover the full compensation they are entitled to, not simply accept the authority’s opening number.

Manning Fulton approaches condemnation matters with a focus on achieving practical, favorable resolutions whenever possible. At the same time, our attorneys are experienced litigators who are fully prepared to protect clients’ interests first and foremost. We have earned the respect of condemning authorities through our straightforward, credible advocacy and our willingness to take cases to a jury when a fair outcome cannot be achieved through negotiation.

That reputation gives property owners leverage. Condemning authorities know that Manning Fulton will follow through when negotiations fail, which helps ensure our clients’ positions are taken seriously from the beginning.