Top Eminent Domain Attorneys From Six States Elected to Owners Counsel of America

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., March 20, 2025 (Newswire.com) - Owners' Counsel of America, Inc. (OCA), an exclusive national organization of leading eminent domain attorneys, is pleased to announce the election of six new members nominated by the OCA Board and voted in by existing members:

California: Kristen Renfro, a partner at Desmond, Nolan, Livaich & Cunningham in Sacramento

Connecticut: Greg Servodidio, a partner with Pullman & Comley, LLC in Hartford

Indiana: Eric Rochford, a partner at Malapit & Rochford in Indianapolis

New York: Ashley Levi, a partner at Goldstein, Rikon, Rikon & Levi, P.C. in New York City

North Carolina: Jeremy Hopkins, a partner with Cranfill Sumner LLP in Raleigh

Utah: Robert Mansfield, a partner at Mitchell, Barlow & Mansfield in Salt Lake City

Owners Counsel is a great resource for corporate counsel and others with properties in multiple states to ensure they have qualified representation in each jurisdiction where a taking arises, as eminent domain is a very niche practice. Most attorneys never have a condemnation case, or handle very few, while OCA members regularly handle such matters and therefore know the idiosyncrasies involved. OCA also assists individual property owners, who may not know how to screen and select a knowledgeable attorney on their own. OCA members are screened and selected by their peers across the nation.

OCA attorneys must have extensive trial experience and dedicate a substantial portion of their practice to representing property owners facing the taking of their private property by a governmental entity through the power of eminent domain. The takings process, also known as condemnation, is typically initiated to convert private property to a public use, and the determination of the just compensation owed (a constitutional right) is critical, along with a determination as to whether the taking is proper. Lawyers accepted into OCA typically have substantial experience in other real estate, land use and commercial litigation matters, in addition to an understanding of the unique nuances and technicalities found in takings cases. "We are thrilled to have these talented lawyers join our ranks," says OCA's Executive Director Heather Cunningham. "It is important to ensure that members measure up to our organization's high standards of excellence, experience and dedication to the representation of private property owners so that people, not just governments, have access to highly qualified advocates." OCA's standards for adding new members are rigorous, and only one member per state is selected, typically from among several competing candidates. "We aim to find the leading lawyers in each state," continues Cunningham. "Not merely those with the experience and knowledge to handle complex eminent domain and related matters, but also those who have a true passion for representing private property owners in takings cases involving all types of property, and against powerful condemning authorities."

Source: OWNERS COUNSEL OF AMERICA