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Eminent Domain / Inverse Condemnation

Protecting Property Owners from Government Overreach

When the government takes private land for public use—or damages property without offering fair compensation—owners often face undervalued offers, tight deadlines, and a process tilted in the government’s favor. Hoffman & Forde’s eminent domain and inverse condemnation attorneys level the playing field. We fight for fair treatment and the full compensation you deserve.

Eminent domain and inverse condemnation cases move quickly, often leaving property owners scrambling to protect their rights. We step in early, guide you through each stage, and fight to secure the outcome you deserve.

Challenging Government Actions

Not every taking is lawful. We examine whether the government has the right to acquire or affect your property and challenge overreach when agencies push beyond their authority.

Valuation & Compensation Disputes

Government offers often fall short of true market value. We work with appraisers, economists, and other experts to build a strong case for full compensation—covering not just the land, but also lost business value or diminished use.

Negotiation & Settlement

Many cases can be resolved without a trial, but only if negotiations are handled strategically. We represent you in talks with agencies to secure fair terms while keeping pressure on the other side.

Litigation When Necessary

When the government comes after your property, you need attorneys who know how to respond. Clients turn to Hoffman & Forde because we’ve been there before—and we know how to protect what’s yours.

Our Eminent Domain and Inverse Condemnation attorneys bring a wealth of expertise and a commitment to protecting your property rights, ensuring you are treated fairly in the face of government actions. With a focus on achieving just compensation, we navigate complex negotiations and legal challenges on your behalf, providing you with the support you need every step of the way.

Focused on Property Owners

We never represent government agencies. Our sole commitment is to protecting property owners and making sure your rights aren’t steamrolled.

Compensation That Matches Reality

Government offers often fall short. We push beyond “just compensation” to recover the true value of your land, improvements, and lost use.

Experience in High-Stakes Cases

We’ve handled takings and condemnation disputes across California—from small parcels to large commercial properties. That depth of experience means we know where agencies cut corners and how to hold them accountable.

Advocacy That Lasts

Eminent domain isn’t over once you sign a settlement. We guide clients through every stage, from initial notice to final payment, making sure you’re supported until your case is truly resolved.

The Team Behind the Results

Our attorneys are trusted with complex matters because they bring more than credentials—they bring results.
This is a team built for clients who expect insight, action, and accountability at every turn.

Schuyler V.V. Hoffman

Schuyler V.V. Hoffman

Shareholder


Residential Real Estate, Civil Litigation, Business Consulting

Daniel R. Forde

Daniel R. Forde

Shareholder


Civil Litigation, Commercial Real Estate, Residential Real Estate, Business Consulting, …See More

Angela Elpers Barnes

Angela Elpers Barnes

Managing Attorney


Residential Real Estate, Civil Litigation

Amanda Allen

Amanda Allen

Senior Associate


Business, Real Estate, Civil Litigation

Dalia Astalos

Dalia Astalos

Associate


Landlord-Tenant Law, Commercial Real Estate, Civil Litigation, Trust & Estates Litigation, …See More

Alison Barry

Alison Barry

Senior Counsel


Residential Real Estate, Civil Litigation

Victoria Boynton

Victoria Boynton

Senior Counsel


Residential Real Estate, Commercial Real Estate, Transactional and Litigation, Business Advisement

Jim Buche

Jim Buche

Of-Counsel


Residential Real Estate, Civil Litigation

Michael Dicks

Michael Dicks

Senior Trial Attorney


Civil Litigation, Residential Real Estate, Commercial Real Estate, Personal Injury

Christina Elhaddad

Christina Elhaddad

Senior Associate


Civil Litigation, Residential Real Estate, Commercial Real Estate, Immigration Law

Alanna Haefner

Alanna Haefner

Senior Associate


Real Estate Law, Civil Litigation, Tax Advisory

Mia Kelly

Mia Kelly

Senior Counsel


Real Estate Litigation, General Civil Litigation, Personal Injury, Employment Law, …See More

Nicholas Kritikos

Nicholas Kritikos

Of-Counsel


Civil Litigation, Residential Real Estate, Commercial Real Estate, Business Consulting, …See More

Matt LeFevre

Matt LeFevre

Junior Associate


Real Estate Law, Civil Litigation, Boundary Disputes, Business Consulting

Ian McKinley

Ian McKinley

Senior Associate Attorney


Eminent Domain/Inverse Condemnation, Business Torts, Boundary Disputes, Shareholder & Member Derivative Litigation, …See More

Joshua Morrison

Joshua Morrison

Junior Associate

Adam Reifman

Adam Reifman

Senior Associate


Residential Real Estate, Commercial Real Estate, Corporate Law — Entity Formation & Planning, Easement & Land Use, …See More

William H. Sauls

William H. Sauls

Of-Counsel


Estate Planning, Tax Advisory, Business Consulting

Stefan Seper

Stefan Seper

Attorney


Civil Litigation, Landlord-Tenant Law , Commercial Real Estate, Habitability Issues, …See More

Shelly Ann Stewart

Shelly Ann Stewart

Junior Associate


Real Estate Law, Civil Litigation

Michael Stuart

Michael Stuart

Of-Counsel


Criminal Defense, Restraining Orders, Civil Litigation, Administrative Law

Vincent Russo

Vincent Russo

Senior Counsel


Trust & Probate Litigation, Business Law, Real Estate Law

Our Paralegals

Our dedicated paralegals are the behind-the-scenes experts who ensure our firm runs smoothly. They play a critical role in our client-focused approach, enabling our attorneys to deliver the highest quality service with precision and care.

Tania Gomez

Tania Gomez

Paralegal


Estate Planning, Probate, Tax Law

Lily Korpman

Lily Korpman

Senior Paralegal

Jacinda Maheras

Jacinda Maheras

Paralegal

Magdalena Valdez

Magdalena Valdez

Paralegal

What Our
Clients Say

I personally worked with Mr. Hoffman who provided me with prompt, detailed and sound legal advice. I was in a situation where the seller of my home cut corners and he helped me get out of paying an arm and a leg by using his expertise to demonstrate why the seller was responsible. Don’t look any further for your legal needs.

Patrick W.

Sky and Dan are great to deal with on matters of real estate and business. Cogent, concise, and pragmatic legal advice. I feel very well represented and have been treated fairly when it comes to their fee schedule. I am very selective when it comes to giving referrals and Hoffman & Forde have never dropped the ball when I have sent them one.

Patrick C.

Schuyler and his whole team of associates are the best! They have provided valuable and reliable information in helping me from my business entity. They are very trustworthy, and helped save me a lot of time and money.

Tim S.

Positive outcomes start with clear communication, practical solutions, and follow-through. That’s our philosophy—and what we deliver to every client who entrusts us with protecting what matters most.

Proudly Serving San Diego &
the North Coast

From Bankers Hill to La Jolla, Hoffman & Forde represents clients across Southern California with clear counsel, strategic insight, and results that hold up under pressure.

Bankers Hill

3033 Fifth Ave, Suite 400, San Diego, CA 92103

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La Jolla

1200 Prospect St #375, La Jolla, CA 92037

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