Business Details
Real Estate Law Services in Columbus, Ohio
Plank Law Firm has built a reputation as a trusted boutique law firm specializing in real estate law in Columbus, Ohio. With decades of combined experience, the firm represents clients ranging from individual property owners to large developers across all facets of real estate legal needs. Our practice areas include zoning and land use, land development, real estate transactions, litigation, and eminent domain cases. We pride ourselves on delivering creative, practical solutions to complex legal challenges while maintaining cost-conscious pricing. Our team's deep understanding of local regulations and relationships with government officials enables us to navigate projects from initial planning to final approvals.Clients consistently praise our competency, critical thinking, and pragmatic approach to achieving successful outcomes. We serve diverse property industries including residential, commercial, industrial, and mixed-use developments. Our attorneys have handled high-profile cases involving property rights protection, land entitlements, and development approvals across central Ohio. The firm combines large-firm expertise with personalized service, ensuring clients receive tailored legal strategies that align with their business goals. We maintain strong client relationships through transparency, attention to detail, and a commitment to resolving both simple and complex real estate legal matters efficiently.
Services
Zoning/Land Use
Land Development
Real Estate Transactions
Real Estate Litigation
Eminent Domain
Property Entitlements
Mixed-Use Development
Retail Leasing
Senior Housing Projects
Industrial Approvals
Highlights and features
- We have over 40 years of combined experience in real estate law
- Our team specializes exclusively in real estate legal matters
- Proven track record with complex zoning and land use cases
- Deep connections with Columbus area government officials
- Client-focused approach combining legal expertise with business understanding
What people say
Exceptional service
Competency, experience
Pragmatic approach
Well-connected
Successful results
Services
Zoning/Land Use
Our zoning and land use practice helps clients maximize property potential through re-zonings, conditional use permits, and variance approvals. We work closely with developers and government officials to secure necessary entitlements for residential, commercial, and industrial projects. Our team's deep understanding of local regulations ensures efficient navigation of complex zoning processes.
Real Estate Transactions
We represent buyers and sellers in commercial real estate transactions ranging from small properties to multi-million dollar deals. Our services include contract negotiation, title review, and closing assistance for office, retail, industrial, and residential properties. We ensure smooth transactions while protecting client interests throughout the process.
Eminent Domain
Our eminent domain practice protects property owners' rights when facing government takings. We handle both condemnation proceedings for government clients and inverse condemnation cases seeking compensation for property damage. Our experience includes complex cases involving land valuation and constitutional property rights protection.
Land Development
We guide clients through the complete land development process from initial concept to final approvals. Our services include securing development plans, annexation agreements, and necessary permits for residential subdivisions, industrial parks, and mixed-use projects. We coordinate with engineers and government officials to ensure timely project completion.
Real Estate Litigation
Our litigation team handles real estate disputes including boundary conflicts, contract disagreements, and administrative appeals. We represent clients in court proceedings and alternative dispute resolution for commercial property issues. Our attorneys combine legal expertise with practical strategies to achieve favorable outcomes in complex real estate cases.
People
Donald T. Plank
Founder/Attorney
With 43 years of experience, Don Plank specializes in zoning, land use, and eminent domain cases. He combines legal expertise with practical problem-solving to protect client property rights while maintaining strong community relationships through collaborative approaches.
David Watkins
Litigation Attorney
David has 30 years of real estate litigation experience, handling eminent domain cases and administrative appeals. He develops strategic legal approaches while maintaining clear communication with clients and courts regarding complex property law matters.
Rebecca J. Mott
Senior Attorney
Rebecca manages commercial real estate transactions and land development cases with 18 years of experience. She focuses on practical solutions for zoning issues, annexations, and telecommunications leasing while maintaining client business objectives.
Craig Moncrief
Attorney
Craig specializes in land use and annexation cases with six years of real estate law experience. He collaborates with clients and government officials to achieve development goals through persistent, cooperative problem-solving approaches.
Zac Walker
Associate Attorney
Zac joined the firm in 2024 after graduating from Moritz Law School. He focuses on zoning matters and eminent domain cases, assisting with legal research and preparing real estate instruments to support client projects.
Questions
What real estate law services do you specialize in?
We specialize in zoning/land use, property transactions, eminent domain, land development, and real estate litigation cases across central Ohio.
How do you handle complex zoning cases?
Our attorneys work with government officials and consultants to secure re-zonings, variances, and development approvals through strategic legal planning.
Do you represent both property owners and developers?
Yes, we represent a wide range of clients including individual owners, builders, investors, and government entities in real estate matters.
What areas of Ohio do you serve?
While based in Columbus, we handle cases throughout central Ohio including Delaware County, Grove City, and surrounding communities.
How do you approach eminent domain cases?
We protect property rights through experienced representation in condemnation proceedings and inverse condemnation claims seeking fair compensation for property owners.
