I began my career in 1986 as a criminal prosecutor for Pierce County; since then I have successfully tried numerous jury and bench trials. Since entering private practice, I have continued to focus my practice in representing parties in condemnation actions and other real estate cases.
Additionally, I act as general and special counsel to a number of jurisdictions thoughtout the State.
My personal hobbies are cycling, golfing, theater, music and films.
Practice areas
In addition to working as special counsel for several municipalities throughout the state, I am general counsel for a number of special purpose districts. This requires a strong working knowledge of the Open Public Meetings Act; Open Public Records Act; Government Purchasing requirements and labor law.
36 years
Litigation primarily centered around eminent domain disputes. This is a fairly comprehensive area of the law and includes knowledge of environmental rules and regulations, zoning and development conditions as well as any other matter that may affect the value of property. This also requires an extensive understanding of the appraisal process and how values are arrived at.
36 years, 100 cases
My real estate practice focuses on eminent domain disputes, although I handle easements, complex use agreements and boundary line disputes including adverse possession cases. My primary focus is on resolving conflict without compromising the needs of my client.
36 years, 100 cases
In working with developers and property owners and government officials I assist in providing guidance and sometime litigating matters which are in dispute. This can include assisting in preparing variance applications; challenging hearing examiner decisions and obtaining easements from property owners in order to develop property. My focus is on finding creative ways to resolve conflicts to allow development to move forward.
36 years
I have been a community lawyer for close to a quarter century and have good working knowledge of "peoples" law - that being the general day to day legal issues such as simple wills, powers of attorneys and real estate matters that affect most everyone.
36 years
Languages spoken
English
State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
---|---|---|---|
WA | Active | 1986 | 05/07/2022 |
Legal answers | 36 |
Legal guides | 0 |
Award name | Grantor | Date Granted |
---|---|---|
Super Lawyer | Seattle Metropolitan Magazine | 2016 |
Super Lawyer | Seattle Metropolitan Magazine | 2015 |
Super Lawyer | Seattle Metropolitan Magazine | 2014 |
Super Lawyer | Seattle Metropolitan Magazine | 2013 |
City of Mountlake Terrace Town Center Plan | Governor's Smart Communities Award: Christine Gregoire | 2009 |
Association name | Position name | Duration |
---|---|---|
King County Bar Association | Treasurer | 2014 - Present |
King County Bar Association | Judicial Evaluation Committee | 2008 - Present |
Evergreen Health Care Foundation | Vice Chair - Board Member | 2008 - Present |
International Right of Way Association | Member - Facilitator | 2008 - Present |
Washington Fire Commissioners Association | Member | 2002 - Present |
Washington Fire Chiefs Association | Member | 2002 - Present |
The Washington Center | Alumni Advisory Board Member | 2013 - 2015 |
King County Bar Association | Judicial Campaign Fairness Committee - Chair | 2012 - 2016 |
King Couty Bar Association | Judicial Conferening Committee - Co Chair | 2011 - 2016 |
Washington State Bar Association | Board Member - Solo Small Practice Division | 2005 - 2013 |
Publication name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
Washington State Bar Association Real Property Deskbook | Co-author of chapter on Eminent Domain | 2010 |
Forbes Magazine | "Leaders in the Practice of Eminent Domain" | 2009 |
Fire Chiefs Magazine, Denver, CO. | “Taking Fear Out of Land Acquisition” | 2007 |
Disability Supplement Procedural Manual | LEOFF II | 1989 |
Peace Corps Latin American Caribbean Region, Government Printing Office | Hand in Hand, Mano en Mano, | 1981 |
School name | Degree | Graduated |
---|---|---|
University of Oregon School of Law | Juris Doctorate | 1986 |
University of Washington -Seattle | Bachelor of Arts | 1982 |
Conference name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
Easements in Washington 3rd Annual | Easements | 2014 |
Eminent Domain in Washington 5th Annual | Eminent Domain | 2014 |
RPPT Section Spring Update | Representing Property Owners in Condemnation Actions | 2014 |
Washington Association of Sewer & Water Districts Commissioner Workshop | Ethics for Local Government Officials | 2013 |
WFC Annual Conference and Expo | Ethics for Fire Officials | 2013 |
WFC Annual Conference and Expo | Social Media Policy | 2013 |
Washington Association Sewer & Water District's Spring Conference | Who Pays for Fire Hydrants: An Update | 2012 |
Washington State Association for Justice Webinar | How to Become a Judge | 2012 |
Washington Fire Chief's Association Conference | Public Disclosure - How it Applies to Fire Departments | 2012 |
The Seminar Group - Easements in Washington | Types & Peculiarities of Easements - Process of Creating & Enforcing New Easements | 2012 |
Washington Fire Chiefs Association Legal Conf | Open Public Records Act | 2012 |
The Seminar Group - Issues in Condemnation | Mediating the Condemnation Case | 2012 |
Mercer Island City Council Planning Meeting | Government & Redevelopment | 2011 |
The Seminar Group - Issues in Condemnation | The Process of Condemnation | 2011 |
National Business Institute - Boundary Issues and Easement Law | Resolving & Litigating Boundary Disputes | 2011 |
Washington Fire Commissioners Association Annual Conference | Asset Transfer - A Case Study | 2010 |
The Seminar Group - Issues in Condemnation | The Eminent Domain Process | 2010 |
Road and Easement Law from A to Z | Public Roads: Creation and Use | 2010 |
Rubic, LLC | “Succeeding in Tough Times” | 2009 |
International Right of Way Annual Conference | “Relax…You’re Just Testifying” | 2009 |
National Business Institute | Road and Access Law: Successfully Handling Disputes | 2008 |
Washington State Bar Association | Winning Strategies: Success in the Practice of Law | 2008 |
National Business Institute | “Road and Access Law: Researching and Resolving Common Disputes” | 2008 |
Law Seminars International | Relocation Issues in Eminent Domain Conference | 2008 |
Law Seminars International | Government Takings: A comprehensive One-Day Workshop | 2007 |
International Right of Way Assoc. Region 7 | Valuation of Critical Areas Following Citizens Citizens Alliance & Futurewise | 2007 |
Fire Chiefs Station Style Conference | Taking the Fear Out of Land Acquistion | 2007 |
Washington State Bar Association | You Asked for It: The Essential Guide for Solo and Small Firm Practioners | 2007 |
Law Seminars International | The New Face of Public-Private Partnerships and Litigating the Eminent Domain Case | 2006 |
Law Seminars International | The Latest on Eminent Domain and "In Effect" Takings Law Conference | 2005 |
Washington Association of Sewer & Water Districts | City District Relationships | 2002 |
Washington State Bar Association | Administrative Hearings: What Judges Really Want to Hear | 1998 |
Conference | Advising and Defending Public Officials | 1996 |
Case name | Outcome |
---|---|
Arthur T. Lane, et al. v. The City of Seattle | This was a 9-0 decision. |
Currin v. Raff | See description below. |
Sattler v. Northwest Tissue Center | Review denied. |
Peterson v. Rayfield | See description below. |
City of Lynnwood v. Video Only, Inc. | See description below. |
Posted by anonymous
April 13, 2017
Posted by Melvin
April 1, 2013
Posted by Craig
March 11, 2013
Posted by anonymous
September 12, 2017
Jemima McCullum, Constitutional Attorney on Jun 21, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Kinnon is an excellent condemnation lawyer.
Elizabeth McLafferty, General practice Attorney on Jun 13, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Jemima McCullum, Constitutional Attorney on Jun 21, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Kinnon is an excellent condemnation lawyer.
Elizabeth McLafferty, General practice Attorney on Jun 13, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Steven Knapp, Real estate Attorney on Mar 17, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I highly endorse Kinnon. As the President of a local neighborhood association, I have relied on Kinnon's excellent advice regarding various issues involving zoning and compliance with covenants. Kinnon has extensive training and experience and has consistently given me good advice.
Lana Floyd, Real estate Attorney on Mar 6, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I first met Kinnon as opposing counsel on a commercial real estate transaction. We have since worked together as presenters at CLE seminars. Kinnon is a strong advocate for his clients, does excellent legal work, and also possesses the gift of common sense. He serves his clients well and is a true professional. He is a pleasure to work with - even as opposing counsel - and I highly endorse his work.
Lisa Hammel, Government Attorney on Mar 6, 2013
Relationship: Worked together on matter
I endorse this lawyer.
Joseph Marshall, Real estate Attorney on Mar 5, 2013
Relationship: Co-worker
Kinnon is an outstanding and experienced attorney with a common-sense approach who gets to the heart of legal issues and sees his clients through. His knowledge of real estate law and his litigation and negotiation skills are formidable, and he always aims for the most efficient way of solving a problem.
Greg McLawsen, General practice Attorney on Mar 5, 2013
Relationship: Other
I know Mr. Williams through his leadership role on the Solo & Small Practice Section of the Washington State Bar Association. He is an efficient and effective leader, and a committed advocate.
Bart Freedman, Real estate Attorney on Mar 5, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
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