Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law
James D. "Jim" Masterman
Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2007 Awarded Practice Areas
Biography
James D. Masterman is a trial lawyer with a broad range of experience in eminent domain and real estate valuation litigation, including tax proceedings and lease arbitrations, and in the litigation of land use and property rights issues. His representation of commercial, industrial and residential property owners and developers requires his appearance in U.S. District Court, U.S. Bankruptcy Court, and every state and administrative court of Massachusetts and throughout New England. His advice is also sought by multi-property clients on a national basis on all aspects of eminent domain. Jim served as Chair of the American Bar Association's Committee of Condemnation, Zoning and Land Use Litigation and is a frequent lecturer and writer on eminent domain and valuation, with his articles appearing in many legal and trade publications.
Overview
- Boston University School of Law, J.D., graduated 1979
- Cornell University, BA, graduated 1976
- Massachusetts, Massachusetts Bar Association
- Federal Practice Task Force - Member
- Owners' Counsel of America - Founding Charter Member
- The Appraisal Institute - Affiliate Member
- Town of Needham, Massachusetts - Elected Town Meeting Member
- Unpublished References Committee - Co-Chair
- United States District Court
- Massachusetts, Massachusetts Bar Association
- Federal Practice Task Force - Member
- Owners' Counsel of America - Founding Charter Member
- The Appraisal Institute - Affiliate Member
- Town of Needham, Massachusetts - Elected Town Meeting Member
- Unpublished References Committee - Co-Chair
- Boston University School of Law, J.D., graduated 1979
- Cornell University, BA, graduated 1976
- United States District Court
Client Testimonials
Awards & Focus
Named "Lawyer of the Year" by Best Lawyers® for:
- Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law, Boston (2023)
- Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law, Boston (2020)
- Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law, Boston (2018)
- Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law, Boston (2016)
- Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law, Boston (2013)
Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® 2026 for work in:
- Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law
Additional Areas of Practice:
- Land Use and Zoning Law
- Litigation - Land Use and Zoning
Special Focus:
- Ad Valorem Taxation
- Land Use
- Litigation
- Redevelopment
- Zoning
Awards:
- AV Preeminent® 5.0 out of 5
- Super Lawyers magazine, Massachusetts Super Lawyers, 2005-2013
News & Media
Case History
Cases
- Other Court Admissions
- Supreme Court of the United States
- U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit
- U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts
- U.S. Tax Court
- Areas of Concentration
- Valuation disputes
- Eminent domain
- Property rights
- Tax proceedings
- Significant Representations
- State of Connecticut v. Hartford New Park LP, No. HHDCV 2011-5035374 (Connecticut Condemnation Proceeding).
- State of Texas v. Inland Western Southlake LP, No. 2010-087299-2 (Texas Condemnation Proceeding).
- State of Texas v. Inland Western Grapevine LP, No. 2010-087097-1 (Texas Condemnation Proceeding).
- Regional Transportation District [Denver, Colorado] v. Leal, et al., No. 2009 CV 6458 (Colorado Condemnation Proceeding, for Lender).
- Michael Syracuse d/b/a Interstate Supply Co., and Texas ICO., Inc. v. Orion Refining Corporation, U.S. Bankruptcy Court (D. Del) Adv. Pro. No. 03.53939 (2008).
- Central Steel v. Somerville Redevelopment Authority, 447 Mass. 337 (2006).
- Boston Water & Sewer Commission v. Commonwealth, 64 Mass. App. Ct. 611 (2005).
- Liberty Square Dev. Trust v. Worcester, 441 Mass. 605 (2004).
- Portland Natural Gas Transmission System v. 19.2 Acres of Land, 318 F. 3d 279 (1st cir. 2003).
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