Our Firm

Our Law Firm was a concept and a long-term goal over 30 years ago, with the plan to represent clients in the areas of legal practice we know and enjoy.     The Firm was established recently for the purpose of allowing us the ability to focus on the needs of our clients in those areas.   William F. Austin was a partner with William Blake until he retired at the beginning of 2022.

Our extensive experience in our areas of practice provides the well-rounded base needed to understand the problem and identify potential solutions for the client and then work with the client to achieve the desired result.   While we have the experience needed to provide high-quality services in many areas of the law, our attorney specializes in several related areas.

For over 40 years, William Blake has practiced eminent domain and condemnation law, real estate law and litigation, municipal and governmental law, administrative law, and commercial litigation.   We can represent our clients in all aspects of these areas, and in all courts and tribunals.

William G Blake

William G Blake

Areas of Practice

Business & Commercial Law
Litigation
Real Estate Transactions & Disputes
Land Use & Zoning
Eminent Domain

Professional Affiliations

Lincoln Bar Association

Nebraska Bar Association

American Bar Association

Bill has a wealth of litigation experience in eminent domain, condemnation, real estate, and commercial disputes in over 40 years of practice.  Bill values the opportunity to advise clients on their rights as property owners.  He is passionate about protecting and advancing private property rights and devotes a significant amount of time to educating others about his area of practice.
Bill is a frequently invited lecturer, locally and nationally, regarding all aspects of condemnation and property rights, and is recognized for his many works of authorship.  Bill is the Editor of “The Law of Eminent Domain”, First Chair Press (2012) for the American Bar Association, and is the author of “Just Compensation in Nebraska: a Manual for Owners.”  Bill has served as the website editor and chair for the Committee on Condemnation, Zoning, and Land Use for the American Bar Association Section of Litigation.
Bill is the Nebraska member of Owner’s Counsel of American, an organization of America’s most experienced eminent domain lawyers, dedicated to representing property owners in condemnation.  He is recognized as a Counselor of Real Estate, an International organization of the most respected real estate specialists.
Mr. Blake was a partner at the Blake | Austin Law Firm from 2017 to 2021, the Baylor Evnen Law Firm from 2007 to 2017, and was a Partner with Pierson, Fitchett, Hunzeker, Blake & Katt from 1984 – 2007.  Before beginning private practice, Bill was Assistant City Attorney for the City of Lincoln, 1975 – 1979, and the Chief Assistant City Attorney, 1979 – 1984.

Special Distinctions

  • Best Lawyers in America, Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law
  • Chair of the Condemnation Committee for the American Bar Association Litigation Section, 2012 – 2013
  • Editor of the 50 State Eminent Domain Compendium “The Law of Eminent Domain" and author of the Nebraska Chapter
  • Editor of website, Committee on Condemnation, Zoning and Land Use, American Bar Association section of Litigation 2009 – 2012
  • Nebraska State Bar, House of Delegates, 2004 – 2011
  • Owners Counsel of America, Eminent Domain Trial Lawyers, membership by election, limited to one per state; Board of Directors, 2015 – 2017.
  • Judge/Commissioner, Nebraska Commission of Industrial Relations, 2000 – 2014,  2015-prenent, Presiding Officer 2011 – 2014.
  • 2015 Ballard Award for outstanding writing. Counselors of Real Estate of the National Association of Realtors

Community Service

  • Pro Bono Activities include Lincoln Parks Foundation, 1992, Board of Directors, 2015
  • Lincoln West Optimists Foundation, Board of Directors, 1999 – Present

For More Information

The Owners Counsel of America is comprised of the most experienced condemnation lawyers in America. Attorneys are elected to the Counsel and limited to one per state.
The American Bar Association Litigation Section, Condemnation Committee website, contains various cases, comments, and developments in condemnation, formerly edited by Mr. Blake.
Nebraska Commission of Industrial Relations, a state agency to determine public employee wages and benefits, on which Mr. Blake serves.
William G. Blake Named Best Lawyer 2016