David W. Skinner

Overview

David Skinner is the Managing Principal of Meyers Nave. Recognized statewide as one of the leading eminent domain and inverse condemnation practitioners in California, he has specialized in representing public agencies in this area of law for nearly two decades. David devotes his practice to assisting public entities in developing and implementing cost-effective, time-sensitive land acquisition strategies. His experience in acquiring virtually all types of properties for all types of public uses is unparalleled. In Northern and Southern California, he has successfully tried numerous trials—both jury trials and bench trials—in various Superior Courts. 
 
David has also handled several appeals, which have established important legal precedents for public entities. He frequently serves as a lecturer on eminent domain topics in seminars for public officials, attorneys, appraisers, and right-of-way professionals. His highly regarded experience and expertise make him uniquely qualified to guide public entities through all facets of the eminent domain and relocation process.

Published Decisions

  • City of San Diego v. Barratt American (4th Dist. 2005) 128 Cal.App. 4th 917)
  • City of San Diego v. Barratt American (4th Dist. 2005) Appeal Action No. D042582
  • City of San Diego v. D.R. Horton Holding Company (4th Dist. 2005) 126 Cal.App. 4th 668)
  • Regents of the University of California v. Sheily (2nd Dist. 2004) 122 Cal.App.4th 824)
  • City of Saratoga v. Hinz (6th Dist. 2004) 115 Cal.App.4th 1202)
  • City of San Diego v. Rancho Penasquitos Partnership (4th Dist. 2003) 105 Cal.App.4th 1013)
  • City of South San Francisco v. Mayer (1st Dist. 1998) 67 Cal.App.4th 1350)
  • City of Hollister v. McCullough (6th Dist. 1994) 26 Cal.App.4th 289)
  • Contra Costa County Flood Control and Water Conservation District v. Lone Tree Investments (1st Dist.1992) 7 Cal.App.4th 930)

Presentations and Publications

  • Speaker, “Considerations for Effective Trial Testimony,” Federal Agency Update: International Right of Way Association, 2010
  • Speaker, “Temporary Construction Easements and Severance Damages,” California Continuing Legal Education Seminar, 2009
  • Speaker, “Extended Term Temporary Construction Easements,” Northern California Appraisal Institute, Spring Litigation Conference, 2009
  • Speaker, “Eminent Domain Process for Upside Down Mortgages,” Federal Agency Update: International Right of Way Association, 2009
  • Speaker, “Severance Damages from Temporary Construction Easements,” California Continuing Legal Education Seminar, 2008
  • Speaker, “Expert Witness Testimony in Eminent Domain Trials,” California Continuing Legal Education Seminar, 2008
  • Speaker, “Implications of Proposition 98 and Proposition 99 on Eminent Domain Law,” International Right of Way Association Chapter 2 Meeting, Pleasanton, CA, 2008
  • Speaker, “New Standards for Acquiring “Probability of Rezoning” Under Campus Crusade for Christ case and Trial Preparation,” Northern California Appraisal Institution Annual Retreat, Woodside, CA, 2008
  • Speaker, “Implications of Proposition 98 on Eminent Domain Law,” Meyers Nave seminar, 2008
  • Speaker, “Trial Strategies in Eminent Domain Law,” California Continuing Legal Education Seminar, San Francisco, CA, 2007
  • Speaker, “Trial Preparation,” Northern California Appraisal Institute Presentation, San Francisco, CA, 2007
  • Presenter and moderator of day-long seminar on “Eminent Domain in California,” Lorman Education Services, Eminent Domain Seminar, Oakland, CA, 2007
  • Speaker, “New Requirements for Obtaining Orders for Possession,” International Right of Way Association, Chapter 2 Meeting, Pleasanton, CA, 2007
  • Speaker, “New Requirements for Obtaining Orders for Possession,” International Right of Way Association, Chapter 27 Meeting, Sacramento, CA, 2007
  • Speaker, “Opening Statement and Closing Argument at Trial,” California Continuing Legal Education Seminar on Eminent Domain in California, San Francisco, CA, 2006
  • Speaker, “Implications of Proposition 90 on Eminent Domain Law,” National Airport Association Annual Seminar, Reno, Nevada, 2006
  • Co-author, “Will Eminent Domain for Redevelopment Purposes Survive Legislative Changes After Kelo?,” California Real Property Journal (Vol. 24, No. 2), 2006
  • Speaker, “Challenges facing Public Entities in Eminent Domain Litigation,” California Special Districts Association Annual Retreat, Sonoma, CA, 2006
  • Presenter and moderator of day-long seminar on “The Future of Eminent Domain for Redevelopment Purposes in California after ‘Kelo’ and Update on Recent Eminent Domain Decisions,” Lorman Education Services Seminar on Eminent Domain, Oakland, CA, 2005
  • Speaker, “Trial Preparation,” Northern California Appraisal Institute Seminar, San Francisco, CA, 2005
  • Speaker, “Update on ‘Project Benefits’ in Valuation Analysis,” California Continuing Legal Education Eminent Domain Seminar, San Francisco, CA, 2004
  • Speaker, “Legal Issues on Entitlement to and Valuation of Loss of Business Goodwill,” International Right of Way Association Chapter 27 Meeting, Sacramento, CA, 2004
  • Speaker, “Trial Tactics,” California Continuing Legal Education Eminent Domain Seminar, San Francisco, CA, 2003
  • Speaker, “Trial Tactics,” California Continuing Legal Education Eminent Domain Seminar, San Francisco, CA, 2002
  • Speaker, “Eminent Domain for Redevelopment Purposes,” California Redevelopment Association Seminar on Eminent Domain, Pleasanton, CA, 2002
  • Speaker, “Loss of Business Goodwill in Eminent Domain Proceedings,” County Counsel’s Association of California Public Works and Contracts Annual Retreat, Palm Springs, CA, 2002
  • Speaker, “Overview of Substantive Law of Regulatory Takings,” California Continuing Legal Education Regulatory Takings Seminar, Los Angeles, CA, 2002
  • Speaker, “Discovery Process in Eminent Domain Litigation,” California Continuing Legal Education Eminent Domain Seminar, San Francisco, CA, 2001
  • Speaker, “Update on Eminent Domain Valuation Issues,” Northern California Appraisal Institute Annual Seminar, Sacramento, CA, 2001

Professional and Community Affiliations

  • Member, The State Bar of California

Education

  • University of California, Hastings College of the Law, JD, 1989
  • University of California at Berkeley, BA, History and Political Science, 1984