Property ownership carries legal protections, yet agencies may seek land for projects that serve a public use. That process is called condemnation, and it flows from eminent domain authority under constitutional and statutory rules. Government condemnation can affect a full
Ackerman & Ackerman
Ackerman & Ackerman is a law firm specializing in eminent domain and property rights law. The firm publishes detailed analyses and commentary on federal and state condemnation procedures, just compensation issues, and the legal implications of property takings by government and utilities. Their content often addresses complex topics such as broker commissions in eminent domain cases, energy infrastructure and transmission line expansions, and the valuation of partial and total property takings. They also engage in educational efforts, including teaching law courses and highlighting scholarly work related to eminent domain. Their publications serve property owners, legal professionals, and stakeholders involved in condemnation and land use matters.
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Federal Eminent Domain Procedures
In federal condemnation actions, federal rules and principles generally control, despite a significant crossover with condemnations in the state courts. United States v. Miller, 317 U.S. 369 (1943). The procedural framework for federal condemnations is set by Rule 71.1, formerly…
Brokers Beware: Are Brokers Owed a Commission when Property is Condemned Through Eminent Domain?
Written by Alan Ackerman
A ChatGPT search indicates that a broker forfeits the right to a fee when the listed property is acquired through eminent domain. Typically, brokers are paid when deals “close.” The statement in Shaw v Avenue D Stores,…
Energy Reliability, the Changing Energy Infrastructure, and the Use of Eminent Domain
Below is an article our firm released in the September 2025 issue of Latches, the Oakland County Bar Association’s official publication. The Oakland County Bar website can be accessed here: www.ocba.org.
Utilities in Michigan are moving forward…
Condemnation of Property Left Without Value or Utility: Total Takings Under Remnant Property Statutes
Written by Robert Kuhn and Alan Ackerman
A central issue going to both the valuation of damages and the extent of a taking in eminent domain cases is whether the government or utility is required to take an entire…
Top Scoring Student Paper for Eminent Domain Class – Tent Wickenheiser, “Unjust Compensation”
In the winter of 2025, Alan Ackerman, Hon. Matthew Ackerman, and Robert Kuhn taught a class on eminent domain and property rights at the Michigan State University College of Law. The class reviewed many of the preeminent cases and continued…
The Marquette Board of Light and Power Continues Forward with New Transmission Line Project in Marquette County
Acquisition Agents and the Good Faith Offer Requirement for Condemnation Projects
Written by Robert Kuhn and Alan Ackerman
Condemning agencies contemplating the use of eminent domain at times hire third-party acquisition agents to purchase properties ahead of an incoming infrastructure project without the provision of written good faith offers. This…
Key Takeaways from ITC Easement Offers in Mid-Michigan Transmission Line Project
Written by Robert Kuhn and Alan Ackerman
The International Transmission Line (“ITC”) and its subsidiary, the Michigan Electric Transmission Company, LLC (“METC”), are currently seeking easements to install new transmission lines as part of their Long-Range Transmission Line project…

