Charles Hudson is a real estate and commercial litigator, representing clients in matters involving eminent domain, land use, and administrative law. Chip represents clients before government agencies, in state and federal trial courts, and in appellate proceedings, where several cases have produced landmark decisions.
Chip's eminent domain practice includes work on behalf of individual and business clients, as well as representation of utility companies and local government agencies. He frequently speaks on topics related to eminent domain and access law.
Experience
Representative Matters
ODOT Outer Powell Transportation Safety Project
Represented property owners in opposing administrative closures of access.
Umatilla Electric Cooperative – McNary Substation Transmission Line
Represented landowners in utility condemnation actions.
Gas Transmission Northwest LLC v. 15.83 Acres of Permanent Easement, et al.
Represented plaintiff in federal condemnation of a pipeline under the Natural Gas Act.
ODOT v. Alderwoods (Oregon), Inc.
Represented defendant property owner in a leading appellate decision on the scope of abutting rights of access.
City of Tigard v. Bonita LLC
Represented owner in condemnation of land affected by wetlands, obtaining a revised wetlands delineation and substantial increase in compensation.
Washington County v. Commercial Enterprises, LLC et al.
Represented shopping center owner in condemnation of land and access, obtaining settlement for increased monetary compensation and the preservation of highway access.
Friends of Yamhill County v. Board of Commissioners
Represented Measure 49 claimant through extended administrative and appellate process resulting in a leading decision implementing ballot measure.
Professional Highlights
Professional Activities
Senior Law Project, 1984-1992
Oregon Law Center, Southeast Legal Clinic, 1993-2014
Oregon State Bar
Washington Bar Association
Multnomah Bar Association
Recognition & Accomplishments
Best Lawyers, "Portland Lawyer of the Year," Eminent Domain and Condemnation, 2016-2017, 2022
The Best Lawyers in America, Eminent Domain and Condemnation, 2011-2025
Thomson Reuters, "Oregon Super Lawyer," Eminent Domain, 2010-2024
AV Preeminent in Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Ratings
Board Memberships & Community Service
Oregon Center for the Photographic Arts, Inc. ("Blue Sky Gallery"), Board of Directors, 1989-present
Oregon Center for the Photographic Arts, Inc. ("Blue Sky Gallery"), Secretary, 2017-present
Business for Culture and the Arts, Board of Directors, 2005-2014; Secretary, 2013-2014
Hollywood Theater
Mazamas
Oregon Historical Society
Pacific Crest Trail Association
Portland Japanese Garden
Credentials
Education
University of Virginia School of Law (J.D. 1982)
Virginia Journal of Natural Resources Law, Editorial Board
University of Virginia (B.A., with distinction, 1977)
Admissions
Oregon
Washington
U.S. Supreme Court
U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon
U.S. District Court for the Eastern and Western Districts of Washington
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit