Attorney David Needham

“The hard work that was instilled in me at an early age leads me to put in the extra effort to investigate an impact, make a request that could serve to mitigate damage to a property, and visit properties so that I can fully understand the needs of my clients.”

Portrait of Georgia Eminent Domain Law Firm attorney David Needham.Attorney David Needham

David Needham joined the NC Eminent Domain Law Firm and Georgia Eminent Domain Law Firm, divisions of the Law Offices of James Scott Farrin, in 2021 and handles eminent domain cases in both North Carolina and Georgia. David is licensed to practice law in the states of North Carolina, Georgia, Florida, and Virginia.

Experienced in eminent domain

Prior to coming to the Law Offices of James Scott Farrin, David was responsible for successfully managing an eight-state REO (Real Estate Owned) practice and representing banking institutions regarding their real property litigation issues. He brought with him 15 years of mediation and arbitration experience, as well as strong negotiation and relationship development skills. David acquired extensive experience negotiating pipeline takings against Fortune 500 utility companies and won one of the highest property owner payouts across the project in West Virginia, Virginia, and North Carolina (at the time) on a per-square-footage basis against Dominion Power on the Atlantic Coast Pipeline.1

Taking a personal interest and making a positive impact

David has seen first-hand how his actions as an eminent domain attorney can positively impact families, their homes, and their livelihoods.

One couple he represented owned a farm with horses, goats, show dogs, and bees. When the utility company notified them that they were coming through with a pipeline, these farmers were rattled. David spent much time and effort working through the logistics and compensation issues of moving fencing and barns, as well as identifying future damages to the land.

The end result for the farmers? A settlement that was 33 times the initial offer.1 The best part of that result for David? Proof that he can make a difference, plus an on-going relationship with his clients.

“People just want to be treated fairly.”

And David applies great attention to detail and determination to all his cases. In Georgia, he handled a smaller eminent domain taking in which the original offer was $25. Knowing that the case was important to his client, David diligently worked to increase the offer to $4,000…because everyone wants to be treated fairly.1  

David was drawn to eminent domain law for many reasons. His prior work with real estate closings and real property litigation was mostly transactional in nature and left him wanting to serve people more directly. He enjoys the client-positive aspects of eminent domain and how he is able to help clients navigate what often are huge life events. He is motivated to take the time to really understand his clients’ needs because he enjoys trying to make property owners whole again.

“Eminent domain is very client-focused and case-specific because every property is different and everything a client brings into the case is important and exclusive to that client. I help people separate the real and valued emotional aspects of their cases.”

After relocating from Chicago at an early age, David grew up in Durham, North Carolina. He earned his undergraduate degree in Political Science and Criminal Justice from Indiana University and his J.D. from Texas A&M University School of Law, but he returned to the Southeast soon after.

David is also committed to making a positive impact in his community, working with the Together We Can nonprofit as well as with various Edenton Street UMC efforts. An active and involved father, he and his wife have two daughters and one son.  

 

LICENSED IN

North Carolina

Georgia

Florida

Virginia

US District Court, Eastern District of North Carolina


PRACTICE AREA

Eminent Domain


PUBLICATIONS & SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS

  • Various town hall meetings throughout Georgia on eminent domain projects
  • Property Law Section of the NC State Bar speaking engagement


COMMUNITY & CIVIC ENGAGEMENT

  • Together We Can, Inc. Board Member
  • Edenton Street UMC Administrative Board and Missions Committee Board Member
  • Edenton Street Child Development Center Treasurer
  • Guardian Ad Litem Volunteer


LAW SCHOOL

Texas A&M University School of Law

Fort Worth, TX

2004, J.D.

Get a free case
evaluation today.

There are only a handful of attorneys in GA who practice eminent domain exclusively. And even fewer with DOT experience. That’s why it’s always worth it to get a free case evaluation.

Here’s how it works:

1) Tell us about your situation.

2) We research your property as needed, using DOT maps, our own technology, and experience to see the exact effects.

3) We let you know what we think a fair offer would be. This evaluation is free, and there’s no
pressure or obligation to hire us after.

But please don’t wait to act. Waiting can hurt your case, and the cost is the same: free.

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