Lawyers: Real Estate Costa Mesa

Murphy & Evertz

Lawyers: Real Estate Costa Mesa
A Reputable And Knowledgeable Team On Your Side.

Address
650 Town Center Drive
Suite 550
Place
Costa Mesa, CA   92626 
Landline
(714) 277-1700
Fax
(714) 277-1777
Website
www.murphyevertz.com
Reservations
www.murphyevertz.com

Description

Land use, real estate valuation and eminent domain laws are immensely complicated. You deserve representation that can guide you through the complex regulations. We advocate tenaciously for your rights, always explaining your options to you. Our clients include both public and private real estate owners. Only one thing matters to us: results. We know that when you hire counsel, you do so because you want results. We make your goals our priority through our time-tested, proven methods. Please contact us for more information today.

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  • John C. Murphy

    Attorney

    Managing partner John Murphy, among the most recognized and successful figures in California eminent domain, focuses his practice exclusively on eminent domain, inverse condemnation and other complex jury trials. He has earned a state-wide and an emerging national reputation representing a wide variety of public agencies, corporations, and landowners. Mr. Murphy and his firm have earned the largest owners’ awards in California for each of the past several years. These awards amount to well over $300 million over the past ten years. He has served as lead trial counsel in numerous significant, successful jury trials. He speaks regularly on eminent domain issues throughout the country, and his cases have garnered significant press coverage. He has been the subject of three Los Angeles Daily Journal profiles and has been featured on the cover of both Verdicts and Settlements and the Daily Journal. Mr. Murphy’s jury victories include one of the largest verdicts ($14.6 million) ever obtained in Marin County Superior Court. Recent victories earned by Mr. Murphy for landowner clients include a $23 million award (2021); a $48 million award (2019); a $42.7 million award (2015) and a $15.4 million award (2013). Mr. Murphy has been chosen repeatedly for inclusion in the definitive legal directory, Best Lawyers in America – – most recently for 2024 – – in two practice areas: eminent domain law and real estate law. From 2006 – 2024, the Los Angeles Times has featured Mr. Murphy in its articles, “Southern California’s Best Lawyers.” Los Angeles magazine has listed him repeatedly in Southern California Super Lawyers. Orange Coast magazine has included him for years (2007 – 2024) in its feature, “Top Attorneys in Orange County.” Best Lawyers in America, the nation’s oldest and most respected legal peer-review publication, honored Mr. Murphy in 2012 as its “Orange County Litigation – Real Estate Lawyer of The Year.” Mr. Murphy was also named one of the “Top 50 in Orange County” lawyers for 2012 by Southern California’s Super Lawyers magazine. Beginning in 2017, Mr. Murphy was appointed to the Executive Committee of the California Lawyers Association Real Property Law Section. Beginning in 2006, Mr. Murphy has been designated a Fellow of the American Bar Association. He has been continuously accorded an “AV-Preeminent” rating by Martindale Hubbell. Over the past ten years, Mr. Murphy has spoken at numerous seminars and programs, most recently in March 2023 at the annual CLE International Conference on Eminent Domain on “New Legal Developments: The Year in Review.” In just the past few years, he has spoken at several American Law Institute - American Bar Association (“ALI-ABA”) National Eminent Domain Conferences, including conferences in Arizona, Florida, San Diego, Palm Springs and Nashville. He has also addressed International Right-of-Way ("IRWA") annual conventions throughout the country, including presentations in Connecticut, West Virginia, Washington and Georgia. Mr. Murphy has served for over 20 years as the co-chairman of the annual CLE International Southern California Conference on Eminent Domain. He has spoken frequently at Appraisal Institute seminars, and authored an article published in the Appraisal Journal. Mr. Murphy also authored the chapter on condemnation for the California Continuing Education of the Bar treatise, Ground Lease Practice. He also authored a chapter in one of the American Bar Association’s leading text books on expert witnesses, Litigators on Experts. Mr. Murphy has managed, or played a lead role in, several major public agency acquisition projects. These agencies include: · Orange County Flood Control District (2008 - Present) · Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (2013 - Present) · Riverside County Flood Control and Water Conservation District (2003 – 2015) · Orange County Transportation Corridor Agencies (1996 – 2007) · Riverside County (2007 – Present) · Riverside County Economic Development Agency (2003 – Present) · San Diego Unified Port District (2015 – 2018) · City of Los Angeles Department of Airports (LAWA) (2004 – 2007) · Orange County Transportation Corridor Agencies (1996 – 2007) · City of Newport Beach (2007 – 2008); and · Alameda Corridor Transportation Authority (1998 – 2003). Mr. Murphy is the former president of Chapter 67 of the International Right of Way Association (2000) and former member of the Board of Directors of the Orange County Bar Foundation. He is a past President of the Warren J. Ferguson Chapter of the American Inns of Court and has served on the Board of Visitors of the Chapman University Law School. He is also a member of Lambda Alpha, and an affiliate member of the Appraisal Institute.

    Education: University of Southern California Law Center, J.D. - 1980 , Brown University , University of California, Riverside, B.A. - 1976

    Certifications: American Inns of Court, Warren J. Ferguson Inn , Fellow, American Bar Foundation , International Right-of-Way Association , International Right-of-Way , Lambda Alpha , Orange County Bar Foundation , Appraisal Institute , Orange County Superior Court , Chapman University Law School

    Services: Eminent Domain and Condemnation , Real Estate , Real Estate Litigation

  • Douglas J. Evertz

    Attorney

    Doug Evertz is an accomplished trial lawyer representing clients in complex litigation and real estate matters at the trial and appellate court levels. He has specialized trial experience in disputes involving eminent domain, real estate, water rights, and land use/CEQA. Mr. Evertz has served as lead trial counsel in many high profile eminent domain and land use cases, both on behalf of public agencies and private interests. Over his career, Mr. Evertz has represented a number of cities, counties, water districts and school districts in connection with major public agency acquisitions/public works projects. He has also represented a number of commercial and industrial property owners and business owners in eminent domain actions filed by Caltrans and other local governments. Clients include small family-owned businesses, Fortune 500 companies and non-profit organizations, including churches. Mr. Evertz is recognized in Southern California Super Lawyers, Best Lawyers in America, and has a Martindale Hubbell rating of AV “Pre-Eminent”. Eminent Domain Representative Matters and Clients - Public Agency Focus County of Riverside: Mr. Evertz has assisted the County with acquisition of real property for multiple projects. Some examples: Temescal Canyon Road Project. Representation of the County in a multi-parcel acquisition of properties to widen Temescal Canyon Road. Lamb Canyon Landfill. Representation of the County in acquiring approximately 70 acres to be used for drainage control, additional access, vehicle storage and maintenance, and dirt management in connection with the Lamb Canyon Landfill operated by the Riverside County Department of Waste Resources. Jurupa Road Grade Separation Project. Representation of the County in acquiring real property for the Jurupa Road Grade Separation Project. Limonite Interchange Project. Representation of the County in acquiring real property necessary for the Limonite Interchange Project. Clay Street Grade Separation Project. Representation of the County in acquiring real property necessary for a grade separation for the existing at‑grade crossing of Clay Street and the Union Pacific Railroad in the County of Riverside. South San Joaquin Irrigation District: Current representation of the District in an eminent domain action to acquire Pacific Gas & Electric’s electric system to provide retail electric service to its 40,000 customers within its service area, which includes the cites of Manteca, Escalon, and Ripon. PG&E is challenging the District’s right to take on multiple grounds. City of Los Angeles Department of Water and Power: Representation of LADWP with acquisition of real property for multiple projects and defense of LADWP in eminent domain actions brought by other public agencies seeking to acquire LADWP’s property. Most recently: o Inyo County Landfills. Representation of LADWP against the County of Inyo in three cases brought by the County to condemn three landfill sites, including water rights, owned by LADWP within the County. Murphy & Evertz successfully brought three motions for summary judgment where the court unconditionally dismissed the three eminent domain actions on right to take grounds. Matters regarding LADWP’s recovery of fees and costs are the only remaining issues. Antelope Valley-East Kern Water Agency: Assisted AVEK with a multi-parcel acquisition project. Murphy & Evertz prosecuted over 20 eminent domain cases to acquire property for AVEK’s High Desert Water Bank Project. All but one settled short of trial. Murphy & Evertz represented AVEK at trial and the jury returned a verdict at AVEK’s appraised value. Public Water District Condemnation: Mr. Evertz assisted several public water agencies in utilizing the eminent domain process to acquire private water companies. Some examples: Castaic Lake Water Agency. Most notably, Mr. Evertz represented the Water Agency (a state water project contractor) in actions to acquire the Valencia Water Company (2012) and the Santa Clarita Water Company (1999) (both water retailers). Both matters were resolved by way of stipulated judgments in condemnation calling for the payment of $73.8 million in the case of the Valencia Water Company, and $63 million in the case of the Santa Clarita Water Company, pursuant to stock purchase agreements. Tahoe City Public Utility District. Our firm represented the Utility District in actions to acquire the Mid-Sierra Water Utility and the Timberland Water Company. Both matters were resolved in 2017 through entry of stipulated judgments in condemnation.

    Education: McGeorge School of Law, University of the Pacific, J.D., Doctor of Jurisprudence - 1986 , University of San Diego, B.A., Bachelor of Arts in Business Economics - 1982

    Certifications: State Bar of California , Federal Bar Association , Orange County Bar Association , International Right-of-Way Association Chapter 67

    Services: Real Estate Litigation , Land Use , Eminent Domain , Water Rights

  • Jennifer Riel McClure

    Attorney

    Jennifer Riel McClure is an experienced trial lawyer representing and advising clients in direct and inverse condemnation matters, land use/CEQA, water, utility and environmental disputes and real estate matters. She is experienced in advising both landowner and public agency clients in all aspects of an eminent domain matter. Ms. McClure’s eminent domain experience includes right-to-take and compensation issues involving total and partial takings, loss of business goodwill, pre-condemnation claims, and severance damages. She also advises public agency and landowner clients regarding pre-condemnation planning and compliance. Over her career, Ms. McClure has also represented numerous cities, counties, water and utility districts, port districts, airports, and flood control districts in connection with major public agency work/public work projects including numerous multi-parcel acquisitions. She has also represented commercial and industrial property owners, businesses, and special-use properties in eminent domain matters filed by Caltrans, BART and various local governments. Ms. McClure litigation experience includes representation of developers in variety of construction defect litigations and national insurers in numerous environmental coverage actions. Eminent Domain Representative Matters and Clients - Public Agency Focus County of Riverside - Transportation: Ms. McClure has assisted the County with acquisition of real property for multiple projects. Examples include: Gilman Springs Road Widening Project: Current representation of the County in a multi-parcel acquisition of properties to widen Gilman Springs Road. Market Street Bridge Replacement Project: Current representation of the County in a multi-parcel acquisition of properties to reconstruct the Market Street Bridge. Jurupa Road Grade Separation Project: Current representation of the County in multi-parcel acquisition of commercial retail properties necessary for a grade separation at Jurupa Road. The County has successfully concluded litigation involving the valuation of various properties including two national fueling stations, national grocery and fast-food chain. Temescal Canyon Road Widening Project: Represented the County in a multi-parcel acquisition of commercial, residential and restaurant/bar properties to widen Temescal Canyon Road. The County prevailed against right-to-take challenges and at trial on the issue of compensation resulting in judgment at the County’s appraised value. Limonite/Interstate 5 Interchange Project: Represented the County in a multi-parcel acquisition of large tenant commercial retail, and industrial properties to improve operational performance of the 1-15/Limonite Interchange in cities of Eastvale/Jurupa Valley. Clay Street Grade Separation Project: Represented the County in connection with the acquisition of real property necessary for a grade separation for the existing at-grade crossing of Clay Street and the Union Pacific Railroad in the County of Riverside. Clinton Keith Road: Represented the County of Riverside in connection with the acquisition of real property through six eminent domain cases for the Clinton Keith Road Project. The project involved widening and improving Clinton Keith Road and extending it to create a 3.4-mile-long, six lane arterial highway. County of Riverside Department of Waste Resources: Lamb Canyon Landfill Expansion Project: Eminent domain counsel for acquisition of 70-acre parcel for the Lamb Canyon Landfill Expansion Project by Riverside County Department Waste Resources. The County prevailed in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, and at trial in against right-to-take challenges raised by owner and future interest holder. Orange County Flood Control District: Providing special eminent domain counsel to the District to assist in acquiring property for the Santa Ana River Mainstem/Prado Dam Project. The District is partnered with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Flood Control Districts of Riverside and San Bernardino Counties on this project. San Diego Unified Port District: Represented the Port in defending condemnation action filed by the United States Navy to acquire portions of the Port property. Assisted the Port with condemnation matters involving acquisition of properties for various port projects. Riverside County Flood Control and Water Conservation District: Represented the District in an action to acquire property in Old Town Temecula for the Murrieta Creek Flood Control and Environmental Restoration and Recreation Project. Property owner claimed total compensation of $1,625,000. After a successful legal issues trial, the District reached a favorable settlement involving payment of cash compensation of $325,000, plus transfer of property of nominal value. Public Water and Utility District Acquisitions: Assisted both public utility and water agencies in utilizing the eminent domain process to acquire utility properties.

    Education: University of California, J.D. - 1995 , California State University, B.A. - 1992

    Certifications: International Right-of-Way Association , Women's Transportation Seminar , American Bar Association , Orange County Bar Association , Orange County Federalist Society

    Services: Eminent Domain and Condemnation , Land Use/CEQA , Water/Utility , Real Estate , Real Estate Litigation

  • Jennifer Wood Dienhart

    Attorney

    Jennifer Dienhart’s practice focuses on eminent domain, inverse condemnation and other complex business disputes. Ms. Dienhart has represented clients in disputes concerning condemnation of real property, inverse condemnation, breach of lease agreements, breach of purchase and sale agreements, and adjustment of rental rates, among others. Her eminent domain experience includes cases concerning total and partial takings, loss of business goodwill, precondemnation damages, and severance damages. She has advised clients regarding pre-condemnation activity and relocation benefits. Ms. Dienhart spoke at the International Right of Way Chapter 57’s Education Seminar on "Possession . . . And How To Obtain It," and at the California Lawyers Association Annual Meeting on “Eminent Domain 101: Basics of Eminent Domain for the General Practitioner,” in San Diego. She has also co-authored articles regarding the United States Supreme Court eminent domain decision in Kelo v. City of New London and appropriate dates of value. Orange Coast magazine named her in their feature, “Top Attorneys in Orange County” in the area of Real Estate law. Representative Matters - Landowner Focus Carsten Co., LLC adv. City of Corona Represented owners of former Food 4 Less shopping center property in Corona, California, facing condemnation of a portion of the property for a grade separation project. The City initially offered $387,000. The case settled for $3,500,000 plus costs and interest - - nearly ten times the amount of the initial offer. BPL, LLC adv. City of Corona Represented owners of multi-tenant shopping center property and gas station business in Corona, California, facing condemnation of a portion of the property for a grade separation project. The City initially offered $1,113,000. The case settled for $4,050,000. 8650 Villa La Jolla, Inc. adv. SANDAG Represented owner of La Jolla Village Square shopping center in La Jolla, California. SANDAG sought to build an entirely new trolley station and multi-story enclosed parking garage in the Center’s parking lot. After successfully shepherding the ownership through years of complex construction coordination, the firm earned its clients a $23 million award – – nearly double SANDAG’s estimate of compensation. G6 Hospitality Property LLC adv. City of Carpinteria Represented owner and operator of Motel 6 property in Carpinteria, California, facing condemnation of a portion of their property for a bridge reconstruction project. The City initially offered $27,800. The case settled for $500,000, plus reductions to the scope of the easements taken. GDS Partners, LLC v. Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority Represented landowners and owners of a business designing and manufacturing polymer plates against LA Metro for causing the closure of its business. LA Metro waffled about its Project - - giving GDS Partners an offer to purchase its property, then rescinding it. GDS was forced to sue LA Metro. LA Metro ultimately agreed to acquire the property and settled for $5,800,000. Steel Structures, Inc. adv. California Department of Public Works, et al. Represented landowner facing condemnation of 10% of its manufacturing facility for the California High Speed Rail Project. The Agency offered $222,000. The case settled for $3.3 million. Nyenhuis Family Investments LLC v. County of San Bernardino et al. Represented the Nyenhuis family, long-time dairy farmers in Chino, against the County of San Bernardino and its Department of Airports. The family sought compensation for disruption caused by the County’s Chino Hills Airport. The County initially denied any liability or obligation. It offered nothing. Ultimately, the Nyenhuis family won an arbitration award of $48 million, including a litigation expense award of nearly $500,000. Giant Inland Empire RV Center Inc., et al. adv. Riverside County Transportation Commission Represented owners of an RV dealership located in Corona along the 91 Freeway. RCTC sought to acquire the property for the I-91 widening project. Giant RV sought approximately $4.2 million for its lost business goodwill and real estate interests. The case settled before trial for $3.9 million. Pearl Street Properties, LLC, et al. adv. Riverside County Transportation Commission Represented the owner of Newport Farms, a successful family-owned and operated food service distributor in the City of Corona, adjacent to the 91 Freeway. The partial taking impacted semi-truck access, circulation and parking. RCTC’s initial offer was $1,360,000. The case subsequently settled for $3,500,000.

    Education: University of California, Berkeley, School of Law, J.D. - 2000 , University of California, B.A. - 1997

    Certifications: Orange County Bar Association , Orange County Federalist Society Lawyers’ Chapter , International Right of Way Association, Chapter 67 , Women’s Transportation Seminar

    Services: Real Estate , Real Estate Litigation , Eminent Domain and Condemnation

  • Jennifer Wood Dienhart

    Attorney

    Jennifer Dienhart’s practice focuses on eminent domain, inverse condemnation and other complex business disputes. Ms. Dienhart has represented clients in disputes concerning condemnation of real property, inverse condemnation, breach of lease agreements, breach of purchase and sale agreements, and adjustment of rental rates, among others. Her eminent domain experience includes cases concerning total and partial takings, loss of business goodwill, precondemnation damages, and severance damages. She has advised clients regarding pre-condemnation activity and relocation benefits. Ms. Dienhart spoke at the International Right of Way Chapter 57’s Education Seminar on "Possession . . . And How To Obtain It," and at the California Lawyers Association Annual Meeting on “Eminent Domain 101: Basics of Eminent Domain for the General Practitioner,” in San Diego. She has also co-authored articles regarding the United States Supreme Court eminent domain decision in Kelo v. City of New London and appropriate dates of value. Orange Coast magazine named her in their feature, “Top Attorneys in Orange County” in the area of Real Estate law. Representative Matters - Landowner Focus Carsten Co., LLC adv. City of Corona Represented owners of former Food 4 Less shopping center property in Corona, California, facing condemnation of a portion of the property for a grade separation project. The City initially offered $387,000. The case settled for $3,500,000 plus costs and interest - - nearly ten times the amount of the initial offer. BPL, LLC adv. City of Corona Represented owners of multi-tenant shopping center property and gas station business in Corona, California, facing condemnation of a portion of the property for a grade separation project. The City initially offered $1,113,000. The case settled for $4,050,000. 8650 Villa La Jolla, Inc. adv. SANDAG Represented owner of La Jolla Village Square shopping center in La Jolla, California. SANDAG sought to build an entirely new trolley station and multi-story enclosed parking garage in the Center’s parking lot. After successfully shepherding the ownership through years of complex construction coordination, the firm earned its clients a $23 million award – – nearly double SANDAG’s estimate of compensation. G6 Hospitality Property LLC adv. City of Carpinteria Represented owner and operator of Motel 6 property in Carpinteria, California, facing condemnation of a portion of their property for a bridge reconstruction project. The City initially offered $27,800. The case settled for $500,000, plus reductions to the scope of the easements taken. GDS Partners, LLC v. Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority Represented landowners and owners of a business designing and manufacturing polymer plates against LA Metro for causing the closure of its business. LA Metro waffled about its Project - - giving GDS Partners an offer to purchase its property, then rescinding it. GDS was forced to sue LA Metro. LA Metro ultimately agreed to acquire the property and settled for $5,800,000. Steel Structures, Inc. adv. California Department of Public Works, et al. Represented landowner facing condemnation of 10% of its manufacturing facility for the California High Speed Rail Project. The Agency offered $222,000. The case settled for $3.3 million. Nyenhuis Family Investments LLC v. County of San Bernardino et al. Represented the Nyenhuis family, long-time dairy farmers in Chino, against the County of San Bernardino and its Department of Airports. The family sought compensation for disruption caused by the County’s Chino Hills Airport. The County initially denied any liability or obligation. It offered nothing. Ultimately, the Nyenhuis family won an arbitration award of $48 million, including a litigation expense award of nearly $500,000. Giant Inland Empire RV Center Inc., et al. adv. Riverside County Transportation Commission Represented owners of an RV dealership located in Corona along the 91 Freeway. RCTC sought to acquire the property for the I-91 widening project. Giant RV sought approximately $4.2 million for its lost business goodwill and real estate interests. The case settled before trial for $3.9 million. Pearl Street Properties, LLC, et al. adv. Riverside County Transportation Commission Represented the owner of Newport Farms, a successful family-owned and operated food service distributor in the City of Corona, adjacent to the 91 Freeway. The partial taking impacted semi-truck access, circulation and parking. RCTC’s initial offer was $1,360,000. The case subsequently settled for $3,500,000.

    Education: University of California, Berkeley, School of Law, J.D. - 2000 , University of California, B.A. - 1997

    Certifications: Orange County Bar Association , Orange County Federalist Society Lawyers’ Chapter , International Right of Way Association, Chapter 67 , Women’s Transportation Seminar

    Services: Real Estate , Real Estate Litigation , Eminent Domain and Condemnation

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Lawyers: Real Estate
(714)277-1700 (714)-277-1700 +17142771700