Inside the briefing

Screen the governing rule. Test the settlement assumptions. Build the counsel/ROW record.

Screen the governing rule

A dated Hoffmann status and jurisdiction screen separates the compensation-source question from possible fee recovery.

Test the settlement assumptions

A hypothetical net-recovery comparison makes the client-credit and no-double-counting assumptions explicit. The inputs are illustrative, not valuation forecasts or award predictions.

Build the counsel/ROW record

A reusable evidence matrix connects rights, exhibits, valuation support, offers, costs and settlement terms with the responsible professional, open question and next action. Counsel decides authority, fee entitlement, privilege and strategy.

Dated status note

Status checked October 29, 2026: Hoffmann v. WBI Energy Transmission, Inc., No. 25-159, remains pending; argument is scheduled for November 9, 2026. The compensation-source question does not automatically resolve fee entitlement. WBI separately invokes the American Rule; the owners argue state compensation may include transaction costs. These are pending arguments. Confirm current authority before use in a matter.

View the official docket

The briefing PDF and accessible companion are dated October 28, 2026.