Our Team
Thomas S. Stewart * Member | Kansas City, Missouri
816-303-1500 (Office)
816-299-4081 (Direct)
816-527-8068 (Fax)
STEWART@SWM.LEGAL (Email)
Tom graduated from the University of Missouri in 1976 and the University of Missouri-Kansas City Law School in 1979 at the top of his class. He also served as editor-in-chief of the Law Review.
Over his 40 years of law practice, Tom has handled over 60 jury trials. Although he has been in large firms and small firms, and served as the Managing Partner of one of Kansas City’s largest firms for 18 years, Tom now helps landowners enforce their Fifth Amendment rights for just compensation for the government’s taking of private property. He works with citizens and businesses whose property is designated for public use in Rails-to-Trails developments, pipeline and utility projects, and other inverse condemnation actions.
Tom has, through his extensive Rails-to-Trails practice, developed significant experience with appraisals, the Yellow Book, and a variety of complex valuation issues. Tom has recovered many millions of dollars for landowners across the country as lead counsel or as a substantial contributor. Tom has successfully conducted 7 valuation trials in Rails-to-Trails cases and his representative matters include the nation's two largest Rails-to-Trails settlements to date:
· Raulerson, et al., v. United States: Recovered $33 million for 260 landowners whose property was taken for a Rails-to-Trails recreational trail in Beaufort, South Carolina.
· Haggart, et al., v. United States: Negotiated a $177 million settlement for 253 property owners in Seattle, Washington after the Surface Transportation Board authorized a trail on land formerly subject to a railroad easement.
Over the years, Tom has served on a significant number of Boards in the Kansas City area, including the Kansas City Chamber of Commerce, the Civic Council, Kansas City Tomorrow, United Way, and the University of Missouri-Kansas City Board of Trustees, and even negotiated the long-term leases for both the Kansas City Chiefs and the Kansas City Royals.
Did you receive our mailer, or have any questions for us? We’re here to help you take the next step for just compensation.
Notable Success Examples
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In Haggart v. United States, our attorneys recovered $177,400,000 on behalf of 254 landowners in King County, Washington, along a 25.45-mile trail.
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In Raulerson v. United States, our attorneys recovered $33,300,000 on behalf of 264 landowners in Beaufort County, South Carolina, along a 25.05-mile trail.
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In Smith v. United States, our attorneys recovered $26,477,000 on behalf of 29 landowners in King County, Washington, along a 25.45-mile trail.
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In Ansley Walk v. United States, our attorneys recovered $18,416,000 on behalf of 5 landowners in Fulton County, Georgia, along a 1-mile trail.
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In Furlong v. United States, our attorneys recovered $14,200,000 on behalf of 272 landowners in Albany, New York, along a 10.94-mile trail.
