Nossaman Adds Robin Thornton, Prominent Eminent Domain & Inverse Condemnation Attorney, to San Francisco Office

San Francisco, CA / Orange County, CA — We are pleased to announce Robin Thornton has joined our Eminent Domain & Inverse Condemnation Group as a partner in our San Francisco office.

Robin joins from Fennemore, where she served as chair of the Eminent Domain group. She brings a results-driven approach to valuation-based real property litigation, including eminent domain and assessment appeals. With extensive experience in general civil litigation, she represents public and private entities, businesses and individuals, guiding them through every stage of the legal process—from strategic advisory work to hearings, trials and appeals. 

“We’ve been searching for the perfect fit to expand our Eminent Domain Group’s depth in northern California, and when we asked industry professionals who the go-to person was, the answer was unanimous: Robin Thornton,” said Brad Kuhn, chair of Nossaman’s Eminent Domain & Inverse Condemnation Group. “We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Robin to the team, as she will help expand our eminent domain presence in northern California and partner with our existing clients.”

Nossaman’s Eminent Domain & Inverse Condemnation Group is the largest practice of its kind in the United States. Our eminent domain attorneys practice across the country and have offices in California, Arizona, Texas and Washington. Our lawyers have handled some of the largest eminent domain and inverse condemnation cases in the market, and we have led some of the highest-profile public works projects that shape infrastructure across the United States.

We have decades of expertise handling condemnation cases and valuation issues involving all property types including vacant land, agricultural, residential, industrial and commercial. Our past successes provide a solid foundation and motivate us as we work closely with our clients to resolve their legal issues and challenges. The Group has been recognized for its accomplishments by Chambers and Partners, The Legal 500 and Best Lawyers. In January of 2025, the practice expanded its operations to the Pacific Northwest by adding Matt Hansen and Tara O’Hanlon as partners in the firm’s Seattle office.

Commenting on her move to Nossaman, Robin said, “I am excited to join the firm. Nossaman’s reputation in California and nationally in the eminent domain field is unparalleled, and I look forward to helping the practice grow and working with its fantastic team of lawyers.”

Robin has served as the president of IRWA Chapter Two (San Francisco Chapter) and has been recognized by IRWA with the Professional of the Year award and the Sophie Yore award. Additionally, she has been named a "Most Influential Women in Bay Area Business" honoree by the San Francisco Business Times, a "Legal Visionary in the Business of Law" by the L.A Times and a Super Lawyers Rising Star.

Robin's passion for the law began in the fifth grade during a mock trial exercise, a moment that inspired her lifelong dedication to justice. She strives to pay it forward by serving as a court tour docent and moot court volunteer, introducing young students to the legal system and career opportunities in law. She holds a J.D. from Golden Gate University School of Law and a B.A. from the University of California, Berkeley.