Opperman & Schell, P.C.

Attorney Profiles

William M. (Bill) Schell

Bill is one of Colorado’s most seasoned and admired eminent domain attorneys. For over twenty-five years Bill has practiced in the eminent domain, takings, and condemnation areas of real estate law in Colorado. Bill’s knowledge of the intricacy of case law and Colorado statutes relating to eminent domain and real estate is among the best in the state. He has provided clients with advice regarding the condemnation process from the inception of a project through final acquisition of the property and reimbursement of costs and fees. Bill represents either property owners or condemning authorities. In addition to eminent domain, Bill has also represented clients in title and access disputes and in general real estate transactions. While an advocate for his clients, Bill provides an objective assessment of both sides of any dispute.

Bill has handled acquisitions that: revitalized downtown Denver; created open space and parks enjoyed by countless residents and visitors in Boulder County, Littleton, Thornton, and Westminster; expanded airports; and added public schools to mountain communities. Bill has represented hundreds of private land owners and successfully increased the amount of compensation paid to owners when condemnors have taken property.

Bill and Marlin Opperman performed the vast majority of property acquisition for more than 51 square miles that became the site for Denver International Airport. The project involved all types of property rights including surface, mineral, and water.

Bill has represented clients regarding relocation benefits under federal, state and local regulations, statutes or ordinances.  Mr. Schell has also represented clients through numerous appeals in the Colorado Court of Appeals and Colorado Supreme Court. He lecturers for nationally sponsored continuing legal education programs on topics related to eminent domain law.  He has served as an expert witness on the reimbursement of costs and attorneys fees in eminent domain cases. 

With a calm demeanor, Bill recommends to clients the most expeditious and cost-conscience methods to resolve their conflicts based upon his solid knowledge of the law and the facts of the given situtation.

Bill was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.  In 1982 he was licensed to practice in Colorado, and  admitted to the U.S. District Court, District of Colorado Bar.  Bill was admitted to practice before the U.S. Court of Appeals, Tenth Circuit in 1986. Bill received a B.S. degree in psychology from the University of Dayton in 1973, and took graduate courses at Wright State University. He earned his J.D. degree from the University of Denver in 1981. Bill is a member of the Denver, Jefferson County and Colorado Bar Associations.

Marlin D. Opperman (1938-2002)

Marlin D. Opperman founded the firm in 1974 and set the tone for the firm's primary practice in eminent domain law.  Prior to 1974 he served in the Colorado Attorney General's Office representing the Highway Department as litigation attorney for right-of-way acquisitions. Mr. Opperman authored "Trial Strategy and Techniques Using the Income Approach to Valuation," Vol. 7 Nichols on Eminent Domain § 8.06(8) pages 8-20, 25, 1976. He was a national lecturer for the Society of Real Estate Appraisers and the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers in matters relating to condemnation, appraisal valuation techniques and appraiser liability. Mr. Opperman was an instructor at the University of Denver, teaching real estate and appraisal techniques and presented numerous seminars relating to condemnation to Colorado attorneys. Prior to entering the practice of law, Mr. Opperman was a real estate appraiser.