Atty. Charles L. Ruffin

Atty. Charles L. Ruffin

Charles Ruffin, shareholder in the Firm's Atlanta and Macon offices, has amassed over 30 years a wide array of litigation experience. He currently concentrates his practice in eminent domain and condemnation law, representing landowners and business operators of all sizes in eminent domain, condemnation and inverse condemnation matters.

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Profile Summary

About Charles L. Ruffin at a glance

Charles L. Ruffin is a zoning attorney based in Atlanta, Georgia, practicing at Charles Ruffin Law. Educated at Emory University (J.D., 1980) and Auburn University (BS, 1977). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law (2026), Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Land Use and Zoning (2026), and Best Lawyers in America — Special Focus: (2026). Serands clients in Atlanta, GA and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated June 2026

About

  • Charles Ruffin, shareholder in the Firm's Atlanta and Macon offices, has amassed over 30 years a wide array of litigation experience
  • He currently concentrates his practice in eminent domain and condemnation law, representing landowners and business operators of all sizes in eminent domain, condemnation and inverse condemnation matters
  • Mr. Ruffin's clients include a wide variety of national and international businesses from large multinational corporations to small individually owned businesses
  • Mr. Ruffin also represents nationally traded real estate investment trusts and other real estate investors
  • His clients include oil and gas interests, fast food franchisors and franchisees, hotel investors, commercial, shopping center and office developers, national drugstore chains, residential real estate developers, convenience store chains and a variety of individually owned enterprises, business operations, and properties
  • Mr. Ruffin maintains an active role in national and state eminent domain matters, serving as a board member and as the Georgia representative in the national organization Owners Counsel of America and as the Founding Chairman of the Eminent Domain Section of the State Bar of Georgia
  • Mr. Ruffin served as president of the state bar of Georgia during the 2013 – 2014 bar year
  • In 2005, Mr. Ruffin testified on three occasions on behalf of landowner interests before a special Georgia Senate Committee considering revision of eminent domain laws following the U.S
  • Supreme Court decision in Kelo v
  • City of New London
  • In recognition of his achievements in his chosen specialty, Mr. Ruffin has been selected as one of the Best Lawyers in America® in Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law since 2007
  • In addition, the Firm's Atlanta eminent domain and condemnation law practice, which is led by Mr. Ruffin, is ranked Tier 1 by the U.S
  • News/Best Lawyers ranking of practices in the United States

Practice Areas Explained

Charles L. Ruffin's Areas of Practice

Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Charles L. Ruffin handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.

Land Use & Zoning

Charles L. Ruffin is one of 40,226 zoning attorneys indexed nationally. Browse zoning attorneys in Georgia →

Jurisdictional Context

Why local counsel matters in Georgia

Practicing law in Georgia. Legal matters in Georgia are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Atlanta are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate Georgia state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in Georgia brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this andnue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in Georgia courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.

Looking for additional Georgia attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Atlanta or all attorneys in Georgia.

Frequently Asked

Common questions about Charles L. Ruffin

Where is Charles L. Ruffin's law office located?
Charles L. Ruffin's law practice is located in Atlanta, Georgia. The firm is Charles Ruffin Law. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does Charles L. Ruffin handle?
Charles L. Ruffin focuses on zoning. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in Georgia.
Where did Charles L. Ruffin go to law school?
Charles L. Ruffin earned their education at (J.D., 1980); (BS, 1977).
How can I contact Charles L. Ruffin for a consultation?
You can contact Charles L. Ruffin directly through this profile page. Click "Ask the Attorney" to submit a question, or "Schedule a Consultation" to book a meeting. Most claimed-profile attorneys respond within one business day.
What awards or recognition has Charles L. Ruffin received?
Charles L. Ruffin's notable recognition includes: Best Lawyers in America — Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law; Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Land Use and Zoning; Best Lawyers in America — Special Focus:; Best Lawyers in America — Litigation; Best Lawyers in America — Awards:.

Education

J.D.
Emory University
- 1980
BS
Auburn University
- 1977

Awards

Best Lawyers in America — Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Land Use and Zoning
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Special Focus:
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Litigation
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Awards:
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — see baker donelson firm website
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Named to Who's Who in Law in Metro Atlanta by Atlanta Business Chronicle
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Listed in Georgia Super Lawyers in the area of Eminent Domain, 2014
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — AV Preeminent™ Peer Review Rated by Martindale-Hubbell (Land Use and Zoning Law, Commercial Litigation)
- 2026
Lawyer of the Year — Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law (Atlanta)
- 2020
Lawyer of the Year — Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law (Atlanta)
- 2016

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