Overview
Jillian Friess Leivas focuses her practice on eminent domain laws and regulations. She has experience with the right-of-way process, from precondemnation planning activities through to acquisition. She prepares and argues pleadings and motions, handles discovery and depositions and assists with trial preparation. In addition, Jillian advises clients on environmental issues, land use matters and other business and property disputes.
Jillian also is an active member of the International Right of Way Association, having previously served as Ch. 67’s (Orange County) secretary and currently serving as the chapter’s vice president. While in law school, Jillian served as the editor-in-chief of the Chapman Law Review and was an active member of Chapman’s Alternative Dispute Resolution, Mock Trial and Moot Court Competition teams.
Jillian regularly comments on news involving eminent domain issues on Nossaman’s Eminent Domain Report blog.
Insights
Publications
Blog Posts
Speaking Engagements
News
Organizations
Community & Professional
Women in Transportation – Orange County Chapter, Member
International Right of Way Association – Chapter 67, Vice President
Honors
Honors & Recognitions
Included in The Best Lawyers in America© for Real Estate Law, 2025
IRWA Region 1 Young Professional of the Year Award honoree, 2024
Education
- Chapman University School of Law, J.D., 2020, magna cum laude; Editor-in-Chief, Chapman Law Review
- University of California, Berkeley, B.A., 2017
Admissions
- California
- U.S. District Court, Central District of California