Kinnon W. Williams

Email:  kww@williamspsc.com | Phone:  425-486-8138

Kinnon W. Williams specializes in eminent domain and municipal law.  Prior to entering private practice, Mr. Williams served as an assistant deputy prosecutor for Pierce County.

Regarded as one of the leading eminent domain trial attorneys in the Washington state, Mr. Williams has represented both public entities and private property owners in negotiations, mediation, and bench and jury trials including successfully arguing cases before the Washington State Supreme Court.

In the area of municipal law, Mr. Williams provides special and general legal counsel to local governments including cities, fire departments, and utilities.  Mr. Williams offers a comprehensive approach to local governments' legal needs, whether dealing with a specific legal issue or providing day-to-day counsel.

Mr. Williams is co-author of the 2010 Washington State Bar Association Deskbook on Real Property eminent domain section.  He is also a frequent lecturer and participant in continuing legal education and trade association seminars on eminent domain and inverse condemnation.

Mr. Williams is a member of the Washington State Bar Association Solo and Small Practice Section Board.  In 2011, Mr. Williams will assume the post of co-chair of the King County Bar Association Judicial Evaluation Committee.

His volunteer activity includes serving on the board of the Evergreen Health Care Foundation, and with the Northshore Kiwanis.

Previously, Mr. Williams served more than a decade as an elected Northshore Utility District commissioner.

Practice areas

  • Municipal law
  • Eminent domain and inverse condemnation
  • Real estate law
  • Civil litigation
  • Administrative practice

Admitted to practice

  • Washington, 1986
  • U.S. District Court, Western District of Washington
  • U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Washington
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit

Education

  • University of Oregon School of Law, J.D., 1986
  • University of Washington, B.A., Political Science, 1982
    • National Institute of Trial Advocacy

Membership

  • King County Washington Bar Association
    • Judicial Evaluation Committee, Co-Chair, 2008–present
    • Real Property, Probate, and Trust Division, 1992–2007
  • Washington State Bar Association
    • Solo and Small Practice Section Board, 2007–present
  • Washington Fire Commissioners Association
  • Washington Fire Chiefs Association
  • Evergreen Health Care Foundation, Board Member

Elected positions

  • Commissioner, Northshore Utility District, North King County, WA, 1993–2007

Certifications

  • Graduate, National Institute of Trial Advocacy, June 2001
  • Washington State Licensed Real Estate Instructor
  • International Right of Way Association Facilitator

Significant publications

  • Co-Author with Pierson: Eminent Domain Section of the Washington State Bar Association Real Property Deskbook, 2010
  • "Taking Fear Out of Land Acquisition," Fire Chiefs Magazine, Denver, CO., May 2007
  • LEOFF II Disability Supplement Procedural Manual, Copyright 1989
  • Hand in Hand, Mano en Mano, with the Peace Corps Latin American Caribbean Region, Government Printing Office, 1981

Significant seminars

  • Speaker, National Business Institute, "Road Easement Law From A to Z,” November, 2010
  • Speaker, Rubic, LLC "Succeeding in Tough Times," March 2009
  • Speaker, International Right of Way Annual Conference, Las Vegas, NV, "Relax…You're Just Testifying," January 2009
  • Speaker, National Business Institute, "Road and Access Law: Researching and Resolving Common Disputes," December 2008
  • Co-Chair, Law Seminars International, Relocation Issues in Eminent Domain Conference, December 2008
  • Speaker, National Business Institute, "Road and Access Law: Successfully Handling Disputes," August 2008
  • Speaker, Washington State Bar Association, "Winning Strategies: Success in the Practice of Law," January 2008
  • Speaker and Co-Chair, Law Seminars International, Government Takings: A Comprehensive One-day Workshop, December 2007
  • Speaker, International Right of Way Association Region 7, "Valuation of Critical Areas Following Citizens Alliance and Futurewise," September 2007
  • Speaker, Fire Chiefs Station Style Conference, Denver, Co., "Taking the Fear Out of Land Acquisition," April 2007
  • Speaker, Washington State Bar Association, "You Asked For It: The Essential Guide For Solo and Small Firm Practitioners," February 2007
  • Speaker and Co-Chair, Law Seminars International, Government Takings Conference; spoke on "The New Face of Public-Private Partnerships:  Navigating Tepid Waters Following Kelo and the 'Sinking Ship' Decision," and “Litigating the Eminent Domain Case: Discovery through Verdict,” December 2006
  • Co-Chair and Speaker, Law Seminars International, Government Takings: The Latest on Eminent Domain and "In Effect" Takings Law Conference; spoke on "Smartening up of Government: Trend Toward Taking Limited Usage Rights Rather Than the Entire Property," December 2005
  • Speaker, Washington Association of Sewer & Water Districts, City District Relationships, Spring 2002
  • Speaker, Washington State Bar Association, "Administrative Hearings: What Judges Really Want to Hear," November 1998
  • Speaker and Program Chair, Advising and Defending Public Officials, December 1996

Biography

  • Born in Seattle, Washington
  • Enjoys golf, cycling, the performing arts, and spending time with family

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