Mark C. Hartsoe, the founding member of the Hartsoe Law Firm, P.C., has extensive experience representing landowners whose property has been taken by the government through the exercise of the power of eminent domain. Prior to entering private practice, Mr. Hartsoe represented the State of Tennessee, Tennessee Department of Transportation in hundreds of eminent domain cases. During that period, he tried numerous jury trials related to the fair market value of properties. In addition to Hartsoe’s extensive jury trial experience, he negotiated the acquisition of a substantial number of parcels, including farm, residential, commercial and industrial properties. Mr. Hartsoe lectured to governmental attorneys at the Tennessee Municipal Attorneys Association on eminent domain trial practice and strategy from the condemning authority perspective. After he entered private practice, Mr. Hartsoe was hired as outside counsel by the City of Knoxville in the multi-million dollar Woodfam litigation involving a large undeveloped parcel of property in the Central Business Improvement District (CBID).

Mr. Hartsoe now exclusively represents landowners whose property is taken from them by the government through the eminent domain process. His extensive experience and understanding of the process and the considerations of the condemning authority (government) give him a perspective and unique insight which he uses for the benefit of the landowners in order to maximize their recovery in the case. Mark Hartsoe is considered to be the Tennessee eminent domain attorney.

Having Your Property Involuntarily Taken From You By The Government

Under the federal and state Constitutions, landowners are entitled to “just compensation” when their property is taken from them by the government (the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT), the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), cities, municipalities and development authorities). The condemnation and eminent domain process is usually stressful and potentially financially devastating for landowners. Whether it’s a family farm, a commercial building or part of your front yard, people rarely want their property taken from them by the government. The condemning authority, Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) or other state, federal or local governmental agencies, will begin making contact with you once the property has been identified as needing for the public improvement project. Public hearings are held and preliminary construction plans are drawn up by the agency. During the preliminary contacts, steps taken by the landowner can influence the amount you will ultimately receive for your property.