Our Team
Reed W. Ripley * Associate Attorney | Kansas City, Missouri
816-303-1500 (Office)
816-299-4086 (Direct)
816-527-8068 (Fax)
RIPLEY@SWM.LEGAL (Email)
Reed works to get just compensation to landowners when the government takes their property for public use. Reed is involved in every stage of litigation, from case investigation and inception to conclusion, and represents clients across the country, primarily in Rails-to-Trails litigation, which involves the development of public recreational trails on former railroad rights of way.
Before joining SWM, Reed worked for the Commercial Services division of First American Title Insurance Company, where he specialized in examining underlying title to land in large scale commercial real estate transactions. He carried over that experience into private practice and spent time at one of the most respected firms in Kansas analyzing complex title issues for corporate clients. Not only does this background help Reed understand the practical issues inherent in takings litigation, but it also helps him construct detailed maps using geographic information software (GIS) that show historical and contemporary land ownership. The process, which integrates data such as satellite imagery, georeferenced spatial data, and archival maps, confirms clients’ property rights, determines the extent of the government taking, and allows SWM to efficiently and effectively advocate for compensation.
Reed’s skills developed through his experience in sports broadcasting and journalism carried naturally into litigation, and he enjoys meeting with landowners to discuss their rights and explain the litigation process just as much as writing a brief or arguing before the Court of Federal Claims.
Education
• Oklahoma State University, B.A., Sports Media, 2015
• University of Kansas, J.D., 2019
Admissions
• Kansas Supreme Court
• United States Court of Federal Claims
• United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit
• United States District Court, District of Kansas
Practices
• Rails-to-Trails
• Inverse Condemnation
• Complex, Class Action & Commercial Litigation
• Constitutional Law
Memberships & Activities
• The Kansas Bar
• Court of Federal Claims Bar Association
• Board Member, Storytime Village, Inc.
• Film Critic, The Martin City Telegraph
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.
