Overview
Kinnon focuses his practice on assisting clients in eminent domain and municipal law matters.
Kinnon represents both public entities and private property owners in negotiations, mediation, and bench and jury trials, including successfully arguing cases before the Washington State Supreme Court.
In the area of municipal law, Kinnon provides special and general legal counsel to local governments, including cities, fire departments and utilities. He offers a comprehensive approach to local governments' legal needs, whether dealing with a specific legal issue or providing day-to-day counsel.
Kinnon is co-author of the 2010 Washington State Bar Association Real Property Deskbook Chapter on eminent domain. In 2017, he led a successful effort to amend the Relocation Assistance provisions in Washington state law to protect small business owners impacted by government projects. He is a frequent lecturer on eminent domain and inverse condemnation topics for continuing legal education and trade association seminars.
An active participant in state and local bar associations, Kinnon is a Board Member of the Washington State Bar Foundation and a Delegate to the American Bar Association. He previously served on the Finance Committee of the King County Bar Association, as Treasurer of the King County Bar Association, as Chair of the King County Bar Association Judicial Fair Campaign Practices Committee and as Co-Chair of the King County Bar Association Judicial Conferencing Committee.
Kinnon previously held the position as a Commissioner on the King County Charter Review Commission and on the Board of the Evergreen Health Care Foundation, acting as Vice Chair for more than four years. He also served as an elected Commissioner with the Northshore Utility District for more than a decade.
Professional Activities
- Evergreen Health Care Foundation, Vice Chair and Board Member, 2009-2017
- International Right of Way Association
- King County Washington Bar Association
- Awards Committee, 2020-present
- Finance Committee, 2018-2019
- Treasurer, 2014-2017
- Judicial Conferencing Committee, Co-Chair, 2012-2013
- Judicial Evaluation Committee, Co-Chair, 2010
- Judicial Fair Campaign Committee, Chair, 2012-2013
- The Washington Center, Washington D.C. Alumni Advisory Board - Previous
- Washington Fire Chiefs Association
- Washington Fire Commissioners Association
- Washington State Bar Association
- Solo and Small Practice Section Board, 2007-2014
- Washington State Bar Foundation, 2017-present
- Washington State Licensed Real Estate Instructor
News & Insights
News
Speaking Engagements
Upcoming
- Speaking EngagementSeattle, WA, 10.30.24
Past Appearances
Legal Alerts
Publications
Services
Admissions
- Washington
- U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Washington
- U.S. District Court, Western District of Washington
- U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit
Education
- J.D., University of Oregon School of Law,1986
- B.A., University of Washington, Political Science, 1982
- National Institute of Trial Advocacy, 2001
Honors & Recognition
- The Best Lawyers in America®, Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law, 2024-present
- Washington Super Lawyers list, 2013-present