The firm was founded in 1938 by Senator Earl D. Desmond and E. Vayne Miller. The firm has represented property owners in eminent domain cases for over 70 years. Its eminent domain practice involves all aspects of disputes between governmental entities and the owners of property and businesses, including inverse condemnation, direct takings, valuation of real and personal property, loss of goodwill and severance damages. The insolvency practice involves all aspects of disputes between debtors, creditors and estate fiduciaries, including reorganizations and liquidation bankruptcies, receiverships, and assignments for the benefit of creditors. The general civil practice includes advising corporate and business clients, employment issues, business transactions, and probate and estate planning. Its lawyers enjoy strong ties to the Sacramento community and provide clients with a broad base of legal expertise and knowledge.
REPORTED CASES: Clement v. State Reclamation Board (1950) 35 Cal.2d 628; Beckley v. Reclamation Board (1962) 205 Cal.App.2d 734; Belair v. Riverside County Flood Control Dist. (1988) 47 Cal.3d 550; Galli v. State of California (1979) 98 Cal.App.3d 662; Jones v. People ex rel. Dept. of Transportation (1978) 22 Cal.3d 144; Webber v. City of Sacramento (1979) 24 Cal.3d 862; People v. Lillard (1963) 219 Cal.App.2d 368; People ex rel Dept. of Public Works v. Auburn Ski Club (1966) 241 Cal.App.2d 781; State of Calif. ex rel. State Public Works Board v. Covich (1968) 260 Cal.App.2d 663; Sacramento Parking Authority v. Nicovich (1973) 32 Cal.App.3d 420; People ex rel Dept. of Transportation v. Gardella Square (1988) 200 Cal.App.3d 559; Akins v. State of California (1998) 61 Cal.App. 4th; Paterno v. State of California (1999) 74 CA 4th 68; Paterno v. State (2003) 113 CA 4th 998.
