Hayley Nanasi eminent domain
Hayley Ailshie Nanasi

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Hayley Ailshie Nanasi

Hayley Ailshie Nanasi is a Partner at Dawson & Sodd, LLP, and has devoted her entire career to exclusively representing property owners in eminent domain cases across Texas and, when opportunities arise, nationwide. Her practice is centered on vigorously defending the rights of landowners facing takings for roadways, utilities, powerlines, pipelines, and similar infrastructure projects.

Known for her dedication, integrity, and professionalism, even in highly adversarial situations, Hayley has built a stellar reputation within the legal community. She is committed to providing thorough and effective counsel to each client navigating the complexities of condemnation.

Exclusive Focus on Eminent Domain and Takings Law

Hayley’s comprehensive experience in this field extends beyond direct condemnation proceedings. She has also skillfully represented clients in related matters such as zoning disputes, regulatory takings (where government regulations effectively take property value without formal condemnation), and inverse condemnation cases (where property is damaged or taken without compensation being offered).

This dedicated concentration allows her to bring a nuanced understanding to the unique challenges property owners face, whether dealing with state agencies, municipalities, or private entities wielding eminent domain power.

Thought Leadership & Legal Community Engagement

A sought-after author and lecturer on takings law, Ms. Nanasi actively contributes to the legal community’s understanding of eminent domain. She regularly shares her insights with fellow legal professionals.

Selected Presentations & Publications:

  • “Third Parties in Eminent Domain Proceedings — Lienholders, Lessees, and Easement Owners,” CLE International Eminent Domain Seminar, Dallas, Texas (Co-Author, August 2017)
  • “Eminent Domain Pretrial Considerations — Scheduling Orders, Deadlines, Texas Discovery Practice,” CLE International Eminent Domain Seminar, Dallas, Texas (Author, September 2016)
  • “Pre-Trial Proceeding in Eminent Domain Cases—Is a Practice Trial Really Necessary?,” CLE International Eminent Domain Seminar, Dallas, Texas (Co-author, October 2014)
  • “Jurisdictional Challenges,” CLE International Eminent Domain Seminar, Dallas, Texas (Co-Author, November 2013)
  • “Pre-Condemnation, Trial and Experts,” CLE International Eminent Domain Seminar, Dallas, Texas (Co-author, November 2012)
  • “Pretrial Motions in Eminent Domain Proceedings,” CLE International Eminent Domain Seminar, Dallas, Texas (Co-Author, September 2011)

Recognition & Awards

  • Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America, Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law, Corsicana, TX (2024 – 2026)
  • Selected to the Texas Rising Stars list, Eminent Domain, Thomson Reuters (2019-2025).

Credentials & Community Involvement

Education

  • The University of Texas School of Law, Austin, Texas, J.D., with Honors, 2009
  • Member, 2007 Labor and Employment Law Mock Trial Team
  • University of Texas at Arlington, B.A. in Political Science and Government, summa cum laude, with Honors, 2005
  • Moot Court
  • Zeta Tau Alpha

Bar Admissions

  • Texas, 2009 (Qualified to appear before all Texas state courts)
  • U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas, 2016

Professional Affiliations

  • State Bar of Texas
  • Texas Bar College
  • American Bar Association
  • Commercial Real Estate Women of Dallas (CREW)
  • Dallas Association of Young Lawyers

Community Involvement

  • PTO Co-President

Connect with Hayley

If you are a Texas property owner facing eminent domain or have questions about your rights regarding a roadway, utility, pipeline, or other taking, contact Hayley Ailshie Nanasi for dedicated legal representation.

Request a Free Consultation
(903) 872 – 8181