Business Details
Your Trusted Real Estate Law Partner in Columbus, Ohio
The Plank Law Firm has built a reputation as a trusted boutique law firm specializing in real estate law since the late 1980s. Our team represents landowners, developers, and businesses in zoning, land use, transactions, and eminent domain cases across central Ohio. With decades of combined experience, we prioritize practical solutions that balance legal and business objectives while maintaining a client-focused approach. Our attorneys collaborate closely with engineers, architects, and government officials to navigate complex development projects. Recognized for integrity and expertise, we serve clients through personalized legal strategies tailored to their unique needs.Nearly all our business comes from client referrals, reflecting our commitment to exceptional service and results. We handle cases ranging from small residential subdivisions to large-scale mixed-use developments valued at $72 million or more. Our litigation team specializes in real estate disputes, tax valuation appeals, and constitutional property rights protection. By combining large-firm expertise with small-firm accessibility, we deliver cost-effective legal solutions for both private and public sector clients.
Services
Zoning/Land Use
Real Estate Transactions
Eminent Domain
Land Development
Real Estate Litigation
Highlights and features
- We have 43 years of experience in real estate law with a focus on zoning and land use.
- Our team handles complex cases valued at $72 million or more.
- We maintain a client-focused approach with personalized legal strategies.
- Nearly all our business comes from client referrals, reflecting our track record.
- We combine large-firm expertise with small-firm accessibility and responsiveness.
What people say
Exceptional service
Competency, experience
Deeply pragmatic approach
Proven ability
Cost-effective results
Services
Zoning/Land Use
Our zoning and land use practice helps clients maximize property potential through re-zonings, conditional use permits, and variances. We represent developers and property owners in securing approvals for residential, commercial, and industrial projects. With decades of experience in central Ohio, we navigate complex regulatory frameworks to achieve practical solutions for both small and large-scale developments.
Real Estate Transactions
We handle commercial real estate transactions ranging from small acquisitions to multi-million-dollar deals. Our services include title review, contract negotiation, and closing assistance for office, retail, industrial, and residential properties. The firm's expertise ensures smooth transactions while addressing unique legal challenges specific to each property type.
Eminent Domain
Our eminent domain practice represents both property owners and condemning authorities in appropriation cases. We protect constitutional property rights through litigation and negotiation, securing fair compensation for land takings. The firm's experience includes high-profile cases like the Nationwide Arena land acquisition and inverse condemnation claims against municipalities.
Land Development
We guide clients through the land development process from concept to approval. Services include development plan submissions, annexation agreements, and securing tax abatements. Our team handles projects ranging from 40-lot subdivisions to 1,200-acre industrial parks, ensuring compliance with local regulations and zoning requirements.
Real Estate Litigation
Our litigation team resolves real estate disputes involving zoning decisions, land use entitlements, and property damage claims. We represent clients in administrative appeals, tax valuation cases, and complex litigation matters. With 30+ years of courtroom experience, we develop strategic approaches to achieve favorable outcomes in both state and federal courts.
People
Donald T. Plank
Founder/Attorney
With 43 years of experience, Don specializes in zoning, land use, and eminent domain cases. He combines legal expertise with practical problem-solving to address complex real estate challenges for developers and property owners.
David Watkins
Attorney
David has 30 years of experience in real estate litigation, including appeals and tax valuation cases. He develops strategic litigation approaches while maintaining strong communication with clients and courts.
Rebecca J. Mott
Senior Attorney
Rebecca leads commercial real estate transactions and handles zoning matters with 18 years of experience. She focuses on delivering cost-effective solutions while maintaining attention to detail for client objectives.
Craig Moncrief
Attorney
Craig specializes in land use and annexation cases with 6 years of experience. He collaborates with clients and government officials to achieve successful outcomes for development projects.
Kevin D. Dunn
Attorney
Kevin handles real estate litigation and contract law matters with 12 years of legal practice. He identifies legal issues and develops strategies to navigate clients through complex litigation processes.
Questions
What areas of law does Plank Law Firm specialize in?
We specialize in real estate law, including zoning/land use, transactions, eminent domain, land development, and real estate litigation across central Ohio.
How long has the firm been practicing real estate law?
Our lead attorney has 43 years of experience, with the firm handling real estate matters since the late 1980s.
What types of real estate projects do you handle?
We work on residential subdivisions, commercial developments, industrial parks, mixed-use projects, and senior housing developments valued up to $72 million.
Do you represent both private and public sector clients?
Yes, we represent property owners, developers, and businesses as well as condemning authorities in eminent domain cases.
What areas do you serve in Ohio?
We primarily serve Columbus, Grove City, Delaware County, Franklin County, and Commercial Point areas.
How do you approach complex real estate cases?
We combine legal expertise with practical problem-solving, collaborating with engineers, architects, and government officials to achieve client objectives.
