Real Estate and Land Use Permitting and Litigation
Our experience in land use encompasses eminent domain, inverse condemnation, exactions and other constitutional property rights claims, affordable housing, fair housing, drafting and enforcement of regulations, historic preservation, mineral rights and earth materials, specific performance, landlord and tenant, common interest ownership communities, quiet title, tax appeals, and foreclosures. We represent clients before state and local agencies in administrative proceedings, and in civil actions in the state and federal trial and appellate courts, involving permitting, injunctions, compensation and damages, and enforcement. We represent businesses, associations, individuals, non-profits and government agencies in these matters.
Water
Our attorneys represent water companies in the acquisition of Certificates of Public Convenience and Necessity ("CPCN"), financing matters, mergers and acquisitions, receivership, and rate proceedings. We work with regulators and technical experts and counsel clients facing technical problems that trigger a legal response in administrative proceedings or in court. Our attorneys broker land swap deals with large regional water supply companies; obtain necessary permits and certificates from regulatory agencies including the Department of Public Utility Control, the Department of Environmental Protection and the Department of Public Health; work with engineering and water supply management companies to resolve technical issues; and identify instances where continued private operation is economically undesirable or infeasible, and in those instances, assist with the voluntary acquisition process and draft legislation to allow municipal involvement with groundwater contamination issues.