Our Attorneys
Waldo & Lyle, P.C. is unique in that it represents property owners only in eminent domain and property rights matters. The firm not only limits its practice to the area of eminent domain, inverse condemnation and property rights matters, but also works to protect and advance the rights of property owners through public and legislative awareness of issues affecting property owners facing takings by governmental authorities.
Joseph T. Waldo has practiced law since graduating from William & Mary Law School in 1978. Over the course of a decade, Joe found himself having to defend his own property from being taken as part of a condemnor's eminentdomain plan. In 1998 he founded Waldo & Lyle, P.C., thus starting the only law firm in Virginia dedicated to representing only property owners in condemnation proceedings. Joe has tried over 100 cases on behalf of property owners facing an eminent domain condemnation. Believing that public education is as valuable to protecting property rights as succeeding in the courtroom, Joe lectures nationally, writes and frequently makes media appearances to advocate for the defense of individual property rights. Joe is a firm believer that property rights play an integral role in protecting our civil rights, as stated by noted author Professor James W. Ely, Jr., "property rights are the guardian of every other right."
Charles M. Lollar has practiced law in Virginia since graduating from Washington & Lee's Law School in 1977. Throughout his professional career Chuck has sought and attained leadership positions in both state and local professional organizations, most recently having served as the President of the James Kent American Inns of Court. Previously Chuck chaired the Real Estate section of the Virginia State Bar and is presently Chairman of the Eminent Domain Subcommittee. Chuck joined Waldo & Lyle in 2006 where he now exclusively represents property owners in eminent domain condemnation cases.
Jeremy P. Hopkins completed his legal studies at William & Mary Law School and is licensed to practice in Virginia, Tennessee, and Washington, D.C. Jeremy’s legal practice began at Waldo & Lyle where he was an associate for several years before returning to southeast Tennessee to assist his family with their small, medical device manufacturing business. Jeremy has practiced law in the state and federal courts of Virginia and Tennessee, and his practice has been exclusively dedicated to defending constitutional rights and individual liberty. He has always had a passion for defending property owners and has represented clients in matters involving eminent domain, inverse condemnation, the Virginia Freedom of Information Act, civil rights and constitutional torts, as well as other constitutional rights. In addition to his representation of property owners, Jeremy has fought to protect and advance private property rights through writing, public speaking, and involvement in the legislative process. He has worked closely with legislators and various organizations to obtain the legislative changes necessary to protect the rights of Virginia property owners. He has also served as a faculty member at several continuing education conferences such as the American Law Institute–American Bar Association’s national conference on eminent domain and land valuation litigation. Jeremy rejoined Waldo & Lyle as a partner upon his return to Virginia in 2012.
Joshua E. Baker grew up in Manassas, Virginia, and has been a Virginian since 1984, when his family moved from Providence, Rhode Island. Josh joined Waldo & Lyle in the fall of 2006 after graduating from William & Mary Law School earlier that year. During law school Josh was the Executive Articles Editor of Volume 14 of the William & Mary Bill of Rights Journal. Josh's Note "Quieting the Clang: Hathcock as a Model of the State-Based Protection of Property Which Kelo Demands" was published in Volume 14, Issue 1 of the William & Mary Bill of Rights Journal. His interest in property rights grew during his study of political philosophy and government. Today he is able to put those lessons into practice as he represents property owners in eminent domain proceedings.
Stephen J. Clarke grew up in New Jersey, and came to Virginia to attend William & Mary Law School, graduating in 2006. While in law school, Steve served as the Senior Notes Editor of Volume 14 of the William & Mary Bill of Rights Journal, where his appreciation for the fundamental right of private property ownership grew. Following law school, Steve completed a two-year term as law clerk to the Honorable Jerome B. Friedman of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, Norfolk Division. Steve joined Waldo & Lyle after completing his clerkship in the fall of 2008.
Brian G. Kunze grew up in Virginia Beach, VA and has been a resident of Virginia since 1985. Brian joined Waldo & Lyle first as a summer associate in 2007 and then full time in 2008. Brian graduated from the Duquesne University School of Law in Pittsburgh, PA where he was the Executive Articles Editor for the Duquesne Law School Business Law Journal. Brian's belief in protecting private property rights was a motivating factor behind his decision to become an attorney and he now works exclusively in representing property owners in eminent domain proceedings.
Christi A. Cassel grew up in Williamsburg, Virginia. After teaching 5th grade at a public school in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Christi decided to return home to attend William & Mary Law School. In law school, Christi was a member of William & Mary Law Review and the William & Mary Moot Court Team, chairperson of the student division of the hiring committee, and a student admission ambassador. Christi was inspired to help protect property owners from eminent domain abuses after seeing Joe speak at the Brigham-Kanner Property Rights Conference in 2005. She clerked at Waldo & Lyle during the summers of 2006 and 2007 and returned to Waldo & Lyle full-time in the fall of 2008.
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Joseph L. Lyle, Jr. - Attorney & Founding Member (1936-2004)
Lectures and Publications by Waldo & Lyle attorneys.
