Ackerman & Ackerman

10/15/2025

Read our most recent article, titled "Brokers Beware: Are Brokers Owed a Commission when Property is Condemned Through Eminent Domain?" The article discusses the impact of condemnation on the recovery of brokerage commissions, which can have a significant effect on realtor compensation!

Written by Alan Ackerman   A ChatGPT search indicates that a broker forfeits the right to a fee when the listed property is acquired through eminent domain. Typically, brokers are...

09/04/2025

Check out our most recent article, which was published in the September 2025 issue of Latches, the official publication of the Oakland County Bar Association! The article discusses the increase in transmission line condemnations in Michigan in response to reliability issues and renewable energy demands. It also identifies potential concerns with initial offers presented by utilities to acquire land. The Oakland County Bar website can be accessed here: www.ocba.org.

Below is an article our firm released in the September 2025 issue of Latches, the Oakland County Bar Association’s official publication. The Oakland County Bar website can be accessed here:...

06/30/2025

Check out our most recent article! It it discusses the standard for condemnation of entire parcels when the land remaining after a partial taking would lack value or utility, an important principle for property owners in eminent domain.

A central issue going to both the valuation of damages and the extent of a taking in eminent domain cases is whether the government or utility is required to take...

03/25/2025

Read our most recent article! It discusses the use of third-party acquisition agents by utility companies, including their relationship to the good faith offer requirement for condemnation projects.

Condemning agencies contemplating the use of eminent domain at times hire third-party acquisition agents to purchase properties ahead of an incoming infrastructure project without the provision of written good faith...

02/04/2025

Check out our most recent article! It discusses concerning elements of proposed easement terms for an incoming ITC transmission line project in Mid-Michigan.

The International Transmission Line (“ITC”) and its subsidiary, the Michigan Electric Transmission Company, LLC (“METC”), are currently seeking easements to install new transmission lines as part of their Long-Range Transmission...

12/16/2024

Visit our website for Matthew Ackerman's final blog—a heartfelt reflection on his time at Ackerman & Ackerman.

Reflecting on my time at Ackerman & Ackerman, recounting meaningful moments, lessons, and laughter as I prepare to join the Michigan Court of Appeals.

10/21/2024

Visit our blog for Alan T. Ackerman's article on Principles of Compensation for the Taking of Gasoline Petroleum Station Operations

Description of principles of compensation for gas station owners facing eminent domain, including valuation methods, partial takings, and impacts on multi-location operations

10/17/2024

Revisiting the Legacy of Hathcock and Poletown with the Michigan Supreme Court Historical Society:

One of the highlights of Alan T. Ackerman's legal career was representing property owners in County of Wayne v. Hathcock, a landmark Michigan Supreme Court case that overturned the controversial Poletown Neighborhood Council v. Detroit decision.

In the 1981 Poletown case, the Michigan Supreme Court allowed the government to condemn private property and transfer it to another private entity for economic development purposes. This ruling led to the destruction of the Poletown neighborhood to make way for GM facilities, sparking decades of debate about property rights and the limits of public use.

On May 9, 2024, the Michigan Supreme Court Historical Society held a symposium at Wayne State University Law School to revisit the impact of Poletown and Hathcock. Alan was honored to join the panel alongside Justice James Ryan (who wrote the dissent in Poletown), Mary Massaron (Alan's co-counsel in Hathcock), and Chief Justice Robert Young Jr. (who authored the Hathcock majority opinion).

Explore the landmark Michigan Supreme Court cases Hathcock and Poletown and their lasting impact on property rights, as discussed in a Michigan Supreme Court Historical Society symposium.

09/28/2024

Thank you to The Practical Real Estate Lawyer for publishing "The Pitfalls of Objectively Measured Just Compensation: When Market Value Isn't Enough."

You can read the full article here: https://ackerman-ackerman.com/the-pitfalls-of-objectively-measured-just-compensation-when-market-value-isnt-enough/

09/27/2024

Had a great time at Michigan State’s reception for adjunct law professors tonight. I've always wanted to teach a law course with my dad, and I’m thrilled to finally do it this spring. Go Green!

08/04/2024

Friday was our intern Ryan Harold’s last day. He is easygoing, intelligent, and hardworking, and we are really going to miss him. Ryan, do you really need to go to college? You’re welcome back here anytime!