Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law Land Use and Zoning Law Litigation - Real Estate
*Named the "Lawyer of the Year" in this practice area in the 2026 edition in Phoenix.
James T. "Jim" Braselton
Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2008 Awarded Practice Areas
Biography
My law practice is focused primarily on eminent domain/condemnation law, but also includes municipal law, administrative law, and other real estate-related litigation matters.
After graduating with an undergraduate degree in civil engineering, I obtained a "Professional Engineer" certification from both Illinois and Arizona, and practiced as an engineer in both the private and public sectors for seven (7) years. Since graduating from law school, I have practiced law with the law firms of Mariscal, Weeks, McIntyre & Friedlander, P.A. (in which I was a shareholder) and then, after Mariscal Weeks combined its practice with Dickinson Wright, as a Member of the latter firm.
During my tenure at Mariscal Weeks/Dickinson Wright, I have represented both condemnors and condemnees in eminent domain cases. My trial experience includes eminent domain, adverse possession, deficiency actions, various types of contract interpretation/enforcement disputes, constitutional/property rights lawsuits and various other property and/or contract law matters.
Overview
- Arizona State University, J.D., graduated 1986
- Arizona State University, graduated 1986
- University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign, graduated 1976
- Arizona, State Bar of Arizona
- Illinois, Illinois State Bar Association
- Arizona, State Bar of Arizona
- Illinois, Illinois State Bar Association
- Arizona State University, J.D., graduated 1986
- Arizona State University, graduated 1986
- University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign, graduated 1976
Client Testimonials
Awards & Focus
Named "Lawyer of the Year" by Best Lawyers® for:
- Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law, Phoenix (2026)
- Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law, Phoenix (2024)
- Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law, Phoenix (2016)
Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® 2026 for work in:
- Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law
- Land Use and Zoning Law
- Litigation - Real Estate
Additional Areas of Practice:
- Real Estate Law
Special Focus:
- Condemnation
- Condominiums
- Eminent Domain
- Planned Real Estate
News & Media
Case History
Cases
- CIty of Phoenix v. Harnish
I represented the landowner in a condemnation action in which we successfully defeated the City''s attempt to condemn property located outside its municipal boundaries. In a reported Arizona Court of Appeal opinion, the Court held that a city cannot condemn land located outside its borders for use as a park.
- United States v. Aria, et al
I represented a group of record land owners in a quiet title action brought by the United States of America on behalf of the Fort Mojave Indian Tribe. After 15 years of litigation, including two appeals to the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals and a Petition for Cert. to the United States Supreme Court, we prevailed. We defeated the U.S.''s effort to take title to the subject property from my clients, who had purchased and developed it.
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