David Murray believes strongly in the rights of landowners. He attended law school with the intent to spend his career ensuring his clients receive just compensation when their property is affected by a taking. Since beginning his career in 2008, David has represented landowners exclusively (never the government) and obtained millions of dollars in increased compensation for clients over the initial offers made by condemning authorities (often called condemnors). He has also obtained a significant number of variances and rezonings for landowners so that they may maximize the use of their property. He has never wavered in his dedication to landowners like you. David is known among his peers as the go-to attorney in Charlotte for matters involving eminent domain, land condemnation, zoning and land law and has been recognized as a top lawyer in North Carolina in these practice areas.
David has experience not only in representing landowners in trial courts seeking to obtain enforcement of property rights and payment of just compensation, but also in appealing or defending landowners in cases before the North Carolina appellate courts. He also regularly appears before local zoning boards and commissions to represent landowners in seeking to maximize the use of their properties.
Education
- B.A., Political Science, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 2005
- J.D., North Carolina Central University of Law, magna cum laude, 2008
- Executive Editor, Journal of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Law, 2007-2008
- Moot Court Board, 2007-2008
Professional Licenses
- North Carolina State Bar, 2008
- USDC Western District of NC
- Business North Carolina Legal Elite, Real Estate Law, 2023
- The Best Lawyers in America®, Eminent Domain and Land Condemnation Law (2023-2024), Zoning and Land Use Law (2021 – 2023)
- North Carolina Super Lawyers, Rising Stars List, Eminent Domain, 2015 – 2023
- Mecklenburg County Bar Leadership Institute Graduate, Class of 2014
North Carolina Court of Appeals Decisions
- Gieseking v. Town of Grover, COA18-441 (N.C. App. 2018) (unpublished)
- Piedmont Natural Gas Company v. Kinlaw, 813 S.E.2d 642 (N.C. App. 2018)
- NCJS, LLC v. City of Charlotte, 803 S.E.2d 684 (N.C. App 2017)
- Springs v. City of Charlotte, 730 S.E.2d 803 (N.C. App. 2012)
- City of Charlotte v. Combs, 719 S.E.2d 59 (N.C. App. 2011)
- City of Charlotte v. Williams, 707 S.E.2d 710 (N.C. App. 2011)
- Kelly v. Shoaf, COA11-335 (N.C. App. 2011) (unpublished)
- Springs v. City of Charlotte, 704 S.E.2d 319 (N.C. App. 2011)
- Universal Ins. Co. v. Patterson, 708 S.E.2d 129 (N.C. App. 2011)
Current Affiliations
- North Carolina Bar Association
- Mecklenburg County Bar Association
- Judicial Nominating Committee
Previous Affiliations
- Mecklenburg County Bar – Mecklenburg Bar Foundation, Bar Leadership Institute Committee, Member, 2014 – 2020
Chair, 2019 – 2020 - North Carolina Advocates for Justice, Eminent Domain Section, Chair, 2011 – 2012, 2016 – 2017
- 26th Judicial Bar Candidates Committee, 2015
- Habitat for Humanity International, HYP Advisory Council, 2013 – 2016
- Habitat Young Professionals of Charlotte, Chair, 2011 – 2012
- Eminent Domain Update, NCAJ, 2010 – 2020
- “Practical Skills: Recognizing Water Issues and Responding to Them at Various Stages of a Case”, NCAJ Eminent Domain CLE, 2017
- “Drafts, Depositions, and Discovery of Expert Appraisers”, NCAJ Eminent Domain CLE, 2016
- “North Carolina Public Use or Benefit”, NCAJ Eminent Domain CLE, 2014
- “Often Misunderstood: The Scope of the Project Rule and Project Influence”, NCAJ Eminent Domain CLE, 2013
- “Dollars and Sense: Recovering Costs in your Case”, NCAJ Eminent Domain CLE, 2011
- Landlord/Tenant Issues: How Much Does the Tenant Get?” and “New Cost Statute for Expert Witnesses”, NCAJ Eminent Domain CLE, 2009
