Adam represents both public and private clients in litigation, administrative proceedings, arbitration, and mediation. He also works with clients to help them avoid or resolve conflicts before they become formal, legal disputes. Adam’s experience includes representing cities, counties, special districts, and transit districts in land use, eminent domain, finance (Prop 13/218/26), election law, code enforcement, and civil rights cases. He also represents corporate and individual clients in land use, real estate, eminent domain, and commercial matters.
In addition, Adam is an adjunct professor teaching land use law at the University of San Francisco School of Law.
Representative Work
Defended a commuter rail agency in a taxpayer waste suit seeking to sever the agency’s planning relationship with the California High Speed Rail Authority, obtained an early dismissal of all claims.
Prosecuted city’s suit to close a downtown business that continued to operate despite revocation of its fraudulently-obtained business license. The case included contempt proceedings following violations of a preliminary injunction.
Represented a landowner in an eminent domain action involving the extension of a public street onto a retail shopping plaza. Worked to resolve logistical problems confronting the ongoing business operations while preserving the owner's rights, interests, and tenant relationships.
Defended a hotel from a restaurant tenant’s lease demands for massive remodeling of public facilities through successful arbitration, obtained an award of attorneys’ fees for the hotel.
Prosecuted non-profit organization’s claim for payments from national bank owed under complex interest rate swap agreement through successful bench trial and award of organization’s attorneys’ fees.
Publications
"Chapter 5: Finance and Economic Development," Chapter Editor, Municipal Law Handbook (2012)
"Chapter 12: Code Enforcement," Reviewer, Municipal Law Handbook (2011)
"Negotiating Attorneys Fees," California Lawyer (January 2011)
"Which Comes First, the Compensation or the Fees?," The Recorder (September 2010)
"Blurring Lines: How Supplemental Jurisdiction Unknowingly Gave the World Ancillary Personal Jurisdiction," University of San Francisco Law Review (Fall 2004)
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