THE CALIFORNIA EMINENT DOMAIN HANDBOOK
Chapter IV: Retaining An Attorney

Why do I need an attorney?

While on some occasions a property or business owner might be able to negotiate what he or she believes to be a fair price without legal representation, the reality is that in most cases, owners will obtain a significantly better overall net result (i.e., dollars in their pocket) when they are represented by competent, knowledgeable counsel. Eminent domain is an unusual area of the law with its own peculiar rules regarding compensation. Most owners - much less attorneys - do not know the full extent of the compensation to which they are entitled. For most people, their real estate or business is their single biggest asset. This is precisely the time you want to make sure you are properly represented, and do not sell yourself short.