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Logan Opsahl is an attorney in the firm’s Real Estate Department who focuses his practice on commercial real estate transactions, land use, eminent domain and local government issues. He represents developers, homebuilders, landlords, tenants and franchisees in a wide range of matters involving the acquisition, disposition, development and leasing of commercial real estate.

A Virginia native originally with aspirations to become a journalist, Brendan Lynch fell in love with Florida and has made it his home since 2005. He represents both commercial and residential property land owners, as well as tenant business owners, in issues of property tax valuation and eminent domain/condemnation.

Brendan assists property owners throughout Florida with their property tax appeals, including assessment reviews, direct negotiations with county property appraisers, appeals to the Value Adjustment Board, and trial and appellate court proceedings. His clients include apartment projects, big box stores, condominiums, commercial strip centers, hotels, residences, student housing, vacant land, and other retail buildings.

With broad experience handling many different types of exemption applications, Brendan often assists clients from the application stage through challenges, to denial of any exemption, through trial and appellate court proceedings. These exemption applications include agricultural, conservation easements, healthcare, homestead, military housing, non-profit, religious, and senior living.

Typically, the eminent domain cases involve a governmental entity (Florida Department of Transportation, county, city, expressway authority, or other state agency) or private utility with condemnation powers seeking to take land from the property owners. Interestingly, Brendan has also represented condemning authorities on special projects – bringing a perspective from both sides of the table.

Brendan’s love for his adopted hometown of Orlando is reflected in his commitment to the community and its cultural diversity. A long-time advocate for the arts and former chair of the United Arts of Central Florida’s Board of Directors, Brendan helped steer the largest Collaborative Campaign in the organization’s history (over $3 million). He has also served in leadership roles for the Adult Literacy League, the Orange County Teen Court, and the Heart of Florida United Way.

Brian Smith counsels property and business owners across Florida through every stage of the often complex and confusing eminent domain and condemnation process.

Eminent domain has been called “one of the harshest proceedings known to the law” by Florida’s courts. Peavy-Wilson Lumber Co. v. Brevard County, 31 So. 2d 483 (1947). For many Floridians, receiving the condemning authority’s Notice to Owner is the first time they learn that the government even has this power to take property.

Encountering such a challenging legal process, clients across Florida have trusted Brian’s guidance and representation in eminent domain matters for over 14 years. An experienced advisor is a property owner’s best asset when presented with the unwelcome reality of governmental takings.

Every property (and its owner) is unique, as are the issues presented by each taking. Brian approaches each matter by listening to his client’s story and seeking to understand their objectives. Only after that does he assemble a tailor-made team of experts to address the issues created by the taking and pursue the best outcome possible. Brian’s mission is to protect his client’s property rights and ensure that the government fully compensates them for the taking.

Brian has handled eminent domain cases for clients owning a variety of property types and uses, including: