The Property Valuation Practice Group advises private and public clients which are involved in contests concerning the value of real and personal property. Our expertise in the area of property valuation dates back to the founding of the firm, when Lew Weinstein developed a practice which led the way for much of the urban redevelopment in Massachusetts. The Firm's engagements in the '60's and 70's led to judicial recognition that disproportionate assessment is a violation of constitutional rights. On the eminent domain front, our efforts empowered a number of the major redevelopment plans in Eastern Massachusetts. Since then, we have been instrumental in establishing the right of public utilities to have the limitations of regulated status considered in assessment of their property, and in setting the value of office towers in greater Boston.
Disputes involving property valuation typically take one of two forms: property tax cases or public takings of property by eminent domain. Property tax cases are usually handled in special administrative tribunals such as the Massachusetts Appellate Tax Board. Eminent domain cases are heard in the trial courts, often before a jury. Our specialists in property valuation appear routinely in both types of cases. In addition to the trial of property valuation cases, we advise clients on a wide range of procedural issues relating to these two general fields. For private clients, we help provide property tax strategy, including the negotiation of reduced assessments and arrangement of Payments In Lieu Of Taxes (PILOT agreements). We have been retained to provide advice in connection with the preparation of legislation affecting the value of our clients' property. We have also helped cities and towns to develop and defend municipal assessment strategies.
With respect to eminent domain matters, our experience includes representation of a number of major redevelopment authorities in Eastern Massachusetts, as well as municipalities and state agencies. For our public clients, we have provided advice on all aspects of public takings, such as appraisal, negotiation with land owners, and compliance with the complex procedural steps required of large-scale condemnation projects. After the taking process is complete, we have defended our clients in land damage jury trials brought by condemnees, and our trial lawyers extensive experience in defending against land damage claims brought in the trial courts of the Commonwealth.