Testimonials
“Dwight is among a small band of expert property lawyers whom I trust to handle nearly any matter in our field of law. I was pleased to sponsor Dwight as the Connecticut member of Owners' Counsel of America, a one-member-per-state invitation-only association of the most experienced property rights and eminent domain lawyers, because he not only understands what is needed to win, he gets results: Dwight led the team which secured the largest single-parcel eminent domain landowner judgment in New York history. He is a leader in the national land use Bar, particularly in the area of religious land use. He wrote the book on zoning which I ask my clients and my law students to read. I have known and worked with Dwight for over three decades, and when I have a question that needs an expert response, he's one of the first colleagues I consult. No lawyer knows property law better, and any client would be well served to retain him.”
- Robert H. Thomas, Esq.
“I have known Dwight for over two decades and consider him one of the most knowledgeable and experienced litigators in land use and property rights litigation with whom I have had the pleasure of working. As my co-counsel in a particularly difficult avigation easement case on behalf of the City of Biloxi a few years ago, his guidance and strategic advice led to a favorable defense verdict for our municipal client. From initial witness interviews and legal analysis to an incredibly thorough proof plan, Dwight provided a road map for effective litigation strategy that equipped me to try this case in a sub-specialty of land use law in which Dwight literally wrote the book.
Dwight has been my go-to expert, co-counsel, and consultant in complex litigation that demands attention to detail, thorough preparation, and focus. More than that, he has been a trusted friend and colleague on whom I could always depend in our organizational and CLE efforts with the ABA Section of State & Local Government Law and the International Municipal Lawyers Association.”
- Ben Griffith, Esq.
“Deciding land and resource use is one of the oldest, and certainly still one of the trickiest, of human social activities. Understanding the visible and hidden operations of the "game board" of land use requires acute observation, mastery of historical decisions, balanced judgment and, not just occasionally, a sense of humor about human frailties. In nearly a half century of practice and education in architecture and planning, I have encountered no one on par with "The Cap'n", in all such respects. I recommend Dwight H. Merriam unreservedly and gratefully.”
- Patrick L. Pinnell, FAIA/CNU/APA
“In 2004 a group of concerned citizens came together in opposition to a proposed high density development on a mountaintop in the middle of a rural area in Northwest Connecticut. We were told that Dwight Merriam was the most knowledgeable and competent litigators in the field of land use and that he “wrote the book” on the topic. (We later learned that he actually did write the book on land use that remains the go to text book for students and professionals!)
Dwight’s expert guidance and knowledge enabled us to stop the development and, as a result, others in the community have been empowered to assert their rights as citizens and make their voices heard. In addition, as the President of the Board of Weantinoge Heritage Land Trust, Inc., Connecticut’s largest land trust and the only regional land trust in Northwest Connecticut, Dwight has been and invaluable resource for us. We have relied on his guidance in working through a couple of difficult easement violations and remains an effective advocate for Weantinoge.”
- Hiram P. Williams, Jr., Founding Partner, Albrizzi Williams, LLC.
“I have known Dwight Merriam for over thirty years. Quite simply, I know of no more knowledgeable land use attorney. Dwight has written more books on land use law (13 to be exact) than many lawyers have read, he has published hundreds of articles, and his list of honors and awards requires an addendum sheet. Despite these accomplishments, he is generous with his time and has an exceptional sense of humor.”