About: Matteoni, O'Laughlin & Hechtman
Our People and Our Focus
Matteoni, O’Laughlin & Hechtman is widely respected as one of the leading eminent domain (condemnation), land use, real property and environmental law firms in California. Our specialized knowledge and extensive experience in these complex areas of law have allowed us to consistently provide favorable results for our clients.
Founded in 1979 by Norman Matteoni — author of “Condemnation Practice in California”
Matteoni, O’Laughlin & Hechtman represents property owners, businesses and public agencies throughout California.
Named the top small (2-10 attorneys) real estate law firm in California by Super Lawyers 2013-2015.
We are also honored to receive recognition from the 2010-2022 U.S. News & World Report as:
“Best Law Firms – Metropolitan First Tier Litigation Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law”
“Best Law Firms – Metropolitan First Tier Land Use and Zoning Law”
Our office is in a historic 1881 building located in central San Jose.
Property law is complex
LET OUR FIRM HELP
Eminent Domain
We primarily represent the property and business owners, with a diverse mix including publicly held corporations such as Hertz and IBM, small businesses, farm/ranch owners, residential, commercial and industrial real estate owners and developers. We have handled several challenges to the government’s right to take private property. But the typical case addresses compensation for taking of real property and damages to land that remains, as well as loss of goodwill to businesses taken. We do select work for public agencies as well, including Sobrato Dev and Swenson Builders such as South San Joaquin Irrigation District.
Land Use
We advise and process applications for clients on general plan amendments, rezoning, site approval permits, Williamson Act contracts and subdivisions, appearing before local governments throughout the Bay Area for various land use approvals, including residential, corporate campus, quarry, landfills and recycling, golf courses, shopping centers to cellular facilities. We also provide litigation services to defend or challenge the government action.
Environmental Law
We provide advice, advocacy and litigation services to developers, and landowners on compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act.
Real Estate
Our practice includes the negotiation, review and drafting of commercial leases, purchase and sale transaction documents, and easement agreements, as well as litigation services for a variety of real property matters.
Meet The Team