William T. Chisum, Shareholder

William is a shareholder in the firm whose practice emphasizes representation of public agencies in litigation pertaining to eminent domain, water and other resources, taxing authority and collection, nuisance abatement and environmental issues to name a few. His litigation experience includes handling cases at the trial and appellate levels in both state and federal courts.

Legal Experience

For 30 years, William has worked with a number of public agencies representing them in a variety of legal matters such as:

  • Property acquisition through eminent domain
  • Water rights and allocation
  • California environmental and natural resource law
  • Agency taxing and spending obligations
  • Nuisance abatement

William’s work includes representation of cities such as the City of Elk Grove, the City of West Sacramento, the City of Folsom, the City of Anderson and the City of Citrus Heights in their efforts to acquire property for municipal purposes through condemnation actions, and representation of other public entities, including water and school districts, in similar land acquisition actions.

Additionally, he has considerable experience preparing trial and appellate briefs and has authored briefs regarding government obligations under environmental laws, the diversion of water from the Sacramento River and San Joaquin Delta, Mello-Roos Act taxation and collection provisions, civil rights requirements, enforcement of sign and medical marijuana ordinances and constitutional provisions governing adult-use businesses.

Practice Examples

Specific examples of legal matters William has handled on behalf of clients include:

  • Dow v. Lassen Irrigation Company (2022) 79 Cal.App.5th 308
  • Dow v. Lassen Irrigation Company (2022) 75 Cal.App.5th 482
  • Dow v. Lassen Irrigation Company (2021) 63 Cal.App.5th 901
  • Amerco Real Estate Co. v. City of West Sacramento (2014) 224 Cal.App.4th 778
  • Dow v. Lassen Irrigation Company (2013) 216 Cal.App.4th 766
  • He successfully acquired property from numerous landowners for a major interchange improvement project located within the cities of Elk Grove and Sacramento, including the filing of nine eminent domain actions and obtaining orders of immediate possession to allow the project to proceed to completion. This has also included review of utility and project agreements, consulting regarding environmental issues and assisting with Caltrans administrative review and procedures.
  • He successfully obtained the necessary property rights held by individuals and entities allowing the City of West Sacramento, the City of Folsom, the City of Anderson and the City of Citrus Heights to complete major roadway and transportation improvements including orders allowing for pre-judgment possession of property and pre-litigation access for testing and inspection purposes.
  • He has worked with water districts, school districts and other special districts to acquire property necessary for schools and other public purposes throughout various parts of California.
  • He has represented landowners whose property has been subject to condemnation for a regional flood control project and has negotiated resolutions based upon payment of just compensation.
  • He successfully enforced provisions of a municipal sign ordinance, including the recovery of attorney’s fees (see Amerco v. City of West Sacramento (2014) 224 Cal.App.4th 778 ).
  • He obtained nuisance abatement judgments forcing owners of derelict vessels to remove them from the Port of West Sacramento including obtaining a contempt citation against one of the vessel owners.
  • He successfully defended the Vallejo City School District in a challenge to its taxing authority under the Mello-Roos Act, and has instituted actions on behalf of public agencies to collect delinquent special taxes.
  • He negotiated a settlement of litigation brought against a school district to clean-up property based upon activities occurring in the 1950’s and 1960’s after first locating and obtaining agreements by insurers from that time period to provide coverage.
  • He has been extensively involved, both at the trial and appellate levels, with work performed on behalf of the Westlands Water District and the San Luis and Delta-Mendota Water Authority regarding water allocation, environmental laws and contract interpretation.
  • He had a significant role in this firm’s representation of the City of Citrus Heights in actions challenging the city’s obligations upon incorporation and challenging the city’s adult-use ordinances and has also taken a lead role in drafting the City of Elk Grove’s adult-use ordinance.
  • He has successfully represented public entities and private parties in various general litigation matters including issues involving the California Environmental Quality Act, the Surface Mining Reclamation Act, quiet title, enforcement of medical marijuana zoning provisions, public contract actions and construction litigation.

Professional Activities & Affiliations

William’s professional activities and affiliations include:

  • The Best Lawyers in America, Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law (2021-2024)
  • Northern California Super Lawyer (2011-2015, 2019-2023)
  • Top Lawyer, Sacramento Magazine (2015-2021, 2023)
  • Article Editor, California Real Property Journal
  • Member, California State Bar Association
  • Member, Sacramento County Bar Association
  • Appointed by the California Chief Justice as a member of the California Judicial Council’s Civil and Small Claims Advisory Committee
  • Presented seminars on Eminent Domain Practice and Procedure and Easement Law
  • California State Bar #142580

Admitted to Practice

  • All California State Courts
  • United States District Court, Eastern, Northern, Central and Southern Districts of California
  • United States Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit
  • United States Supreme Court

Academic Background

J.D. University of California, Davis, 1989

B.A. San Diego State University, 1986