Rebecca A.R. Smith

Eminent Domain/Condemnation/Takings

Becca counsels both property owners and entities with authority to condemn in eminent domain and condemnation actions. She assists landowners with land valuation issues, helping them secure the just compensation due to them under both the Colorado and U.S. Constitutions. She has experience in eminent domain and condemnation actions across the front range, including in Denver and Fort Collins.

Additionally, Becca assesses upcoming condemnation and eminent domain projects for nationwide companies that own affected real estate, allowing these companies to anticipate impacts to their business operations and negotiate accordingly with condemning authorities.

Real Estate Litigation

Becca litigates on behalf of her clients in real estate matters, including homeowners and road association disputes, disputes arising under the Colorado Common Interest Ownership Act and landlord/tenant disputes. Becca has experience in mediation, arbitration and court settings.

Construction

Becca provides legal counsel to enable construction companies to complete projects, mitigate risk and advance their business goals. She advocates for construction clients both in court and arbitration proceedings. Additionally, she has experience advising construction companies on public procurement, including relevant ethics rules.

Property Tax Appeals

Becca assists commercial property owners in appealing their Colorado state property tax assessments to the County Assessor, County Board of Equalization, Board of Assessment Appeals, State District Court or arbitration.

Community Service and Pro Bono

In addition to Becca’s deep commitment to client service, she is dedicated to public interest work. Becca has represented pro bono clients in immigration proceedings, class action lawsuits against government actors, and landlord/tenant disputes. She has worked with various organizations, including the American Civil Liberties Union, International Refugee Assistance Program and the Colorado Lawyer’s Committee. She currently serves on the Emory University Alumni Board and as a Sturm Fellow with the Anti-Defamation League.

Prior Experience

Becca served a one-year clerkship in the chambers of Colorado Supreme Court Justice Carlos A. Samour, Jr., working on a variety of legal issues before the Court. Becca graduated Order of the Coif from Emory Law School, where she served as an editor of the Emory Law Journal.

Before entering the legal profession, Becca spent eight years as a public school teacher and administrator both in New York City (as a Teach for America corps member) and in Denver.

Personal Interests

Outside of work, Becca enjoys fixing up her 90-year-old house, cooking, reading classic novels, travel and spending time with her family.