We're now only a bit more than two weeks away from the 2016 Eminent Domain and Land Valuation Litigation - Condemnation 101 Conference, which runs from January 28-30, 2016, in Austin, Texas.
As we've noted here earlier, we think that this is going to be a fantastic conference that will cover a lot of ground, and the hot topics of the day. Here's the full agenda for the program. If you are not familiar with the conference or have not attended recently, we've undergone some formatting changes lately, but are still bringing the best faculty and topics to bear. Here's a summary of last year's San Francisco conference, to give you an idea of how we've updated the programs, while keeping the best elements and traditions unchanged.
This is the first time the conference has been held in Austin, and thus far, the registration figures are doing exceedingly well. But there is still space remaining, so we're going to make one last push to encourage you to attend. This conference is a great opportunity to hear the lawyers, academics, and judges on the cutting edge of eminent domain and takings law. It is also a good chance to meet them, and your colleagues nationwide.
In addition to those sessions which we noted earlier, here are some other highlights:
- "The Right to a Jury Trial in Federal Condemnations" with Mark F. (Thor) Hearne, II, Arent Fox LLP, Washington, D.C. Everyone knows that property owners don't get juries in either direct federal condemnations, or federal inverse and takings cases in the Court of Federal Claims. But is that supported by the law and history? Find out from the lawyer who is challenging that assumption right now in federal court.
- One of the real benefits to this conference is the ability to meet and speak with "old hands," and hear their advice for the less experienced. In "Advice for Beginning Eminent Domain Trial Lawyers on How to Win a Case," Anthony F. Della Pelle, McKirdy & Riskin P.A., Morristown, New Jersey; J. Casey Pipes, Helmsing, Leach, Herlong, Newman & Rouse, P.C., Mobile, Alabama; Randall A. Smith, Smith & Fawer, L.L.C., New Orleans; and Christian F. Torgrimson, Pursley Friese Torgrimson, Atlanta, will do just that. Among them, they have decades of experience trying eminent domain cases, and they will share that with us.
- In "Motions Practice: Define, Narrow, Win" Joshua E. Baker, Waldo & Lyle, P.C., Norfolk, Virginia; Mark M. Murakami, Damon Key Leong Kupchak Hastert, L.C., Honolulu; and Joshua H. Rikon, Goldstein Rikon Rikon & Houghton P.C., New York, will address what might be an overlooked aspect of trial practice: how to use motions strategically to win your case, and to set up an appeal or an appellate defense, if necessary.
- Another practice-related session, "Voir Dire: Hunting for Biases," will be lead by Janet Bush Handy of the Maryland Attorney General's office and Christian F. Torgrimson, Pursley Friese Torgrimson, Atlanta. This is your first chance to actually speak the jury, so use it wisely!
- Relocation, relocation, relocation. A topic a lot of us are familiar with, but not everyone is conversant in. This session will remedy that. Jill S. Gelineau, Schwabe, Williamson & Wyatt, P.C., Portland, Oregon; Brian G. Kunze, Waldo & Lyle, P.C., Norfolk, Virginia; and Michael Sullivan, Range West Consultants LLC, Prescott, Arizona will present "Relocation: Personal Property, Fixtures, and Equipment - How to Succeed."
We will highlight more in the next few days.
Register here (includes hotel registration information as well as information on how to take advantage of early-bird and multiple attendee registrations).
Special thanks to our sponsors: Barron & Adler, LLP, Forensic Appraisal Group, Ltd., McFarland - Condemnation Attorneys, and Miller Nash Graham & Dunn.
Come, join your colleagues for three days of fantastic programming, networking, and fun in Austin. Hope to see you there.
