Richard W. Pierson—Of Counsel

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

Richard W. Pierson is widely respected as one of Washington’s leading authorities on eminent domain.  He has handled more than 600 condemnation cases and more than 70 trials in Washington, Alaska, Oregon and Idaho.  Mr. Pierson also serves as an arbitrator and mediator in several local jurisdictions.

Mr. Pierson specializes in representing property owners in real estate condemnation disputes.  On behalf of clients, he seeks just compensation for condemned parcels of all types and descriptions, including commercial, residential, waterfront, industrial, and unimproved land.

In addition to representing private property owners, Richard has also done selective work on behalf of condemning government agencies.

Mr. Pierson is the co-author of the Washington State Bar Association Deskbook on Real Property eminent domain section (1997, 2010 editions).  He has appeared as a panel member and seminar participant on numerous continuing legal education seminars, as well as seminars for appraisers.  For approximately fifteen years, he served as Special District Counsel to the Washington State Bar Association on disciplinary matters.

He is admitted to the U.S. District Courts, Western and Eastern Districts of Washington U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit U.S. Supreme Court.

Practice areas

  • Eminent domain and inverse condemnation
  • Real estate law
  • Land use
  • Mediation
  • Arbitration
  • Civil litigation

 Admitted to practice

  • Washington, 1963
  • U.S. District Court, Eastern and Western Districts of Washington 
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit
  • U.S. Supreme Court

Honors and awards

Education

  • University of Washington, J.D., 1962
  • Washington State University, B.A., 1957

Membership

  • King County, Washington State
    • Chairman, Corrections Committee, 1974–1975
    • Special District Court Disciplinary Board, 1980–1985
  • Regional Chairman, Administration of Criminal Law and Prison Reform Committee, Young Lawyers Section, American Bar Association, 1970–1973
  • Washington State Trial Lawyers Association

Professional experience

  • Deputy Prosecutor, King County, 1963–1965
  • Frequent lecturer on condemnation law for statewide seminars

Significant publications

  • Co-Author with Williams: Eminent Domain Section of the Washington State Bar Association Real Property Deskbook, 2010
  • Co-Author with Sinnitt: Eminent Domain Section of Washington State Bar Association Real Property Deskbook, 1997

Biography

  • Born in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho
  • Captain, U.S. Army Artillery, 1957–1959
  • Phi Delta Phi

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