Atty. Paul B. Terpak

Atty. Paul B. Terpak

Mr. Terpak is one of the premier Eminent Domain Lawyers in Virginia.

Fairfax Fairfax 46 yrs experience 46 year
Call (703) 691-1235 Book Appointment

Profile Summary

About Paul B. Terpak at a glance

Paul B. Terpak is a zoning attorney based in Fairfax, Virginia, practicing at Blankingship & Keith PC. They have 46+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1980. Admitted to practice in Virginia (1980) and District of Columbia (1981). Educated at University of Virginia (—, 1980) and University of Virginia (—, 1977). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law (2026), Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice: (2026), and Best Lawyers in America — Real Estate Law (2026). Serands clients in Fairfax, VA and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated June 2026

About

  • Mr. Terpak is one of the premier Eminent Domain Lawyers in Virginia
  • He is editor of “Eminent Domain Law in Virginia” (2017), and is listed in BEST LAWYERS in the area of Eminent Domain
  • He has three times been named Best Lawyers LAWYER OF THE YEAR in the DC Metro area in the area of Eminent Domain, most recently for 2018
  • He has handled many hundreds of eminent domain (or condemnation) cases, including over 40 trials before juries and commissioners in every jurisdiction in Northern Virginia
  • With his mentor, Hugo Blankingship, Paul has obtained many of the largest condemnation awards in Virginia, including numerous multi-million dollar verdicts
  • Paul has handled many of the largest cases caused by the construction of the Hot Lanes project on the Beltway, the new Metro line to Dulles Airport and the Route 66 expansion
  • He has developed a special expertise in power line, billboard sign, and homeowner association condemnation cases
  • Despite his experience in very large cases, he regularly handles cases of all sizes, including homeowners and small business condemnations
  • He has also handled a wide variety of commercial real estate litigation including specific performance claims, rescission suits, brokers’ commission claims, partition suits, breach of warranty claims and other matters
  • One landmark case is his victory at the Virginia Supreme Court for the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority regarding control of telecommunications rights on the W&OD bike trail
  • Paul has spoken at numerous continuing legal education courses, and was selected by the Virginia State Bar Professionalism Committee to lecture its faculty of judges and senior lawyers on how to deliver effective speeches

Practice Areas Explained

Paul B. Terpak's Areas of Practice

Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Paul B. Terpak handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.

Land Use & Zoning

Paul B. Terpak is one of 40,226 zoning attorneys indexed nationally. Browse zoning attorneys in Virginia →

Jurisdictional Context

Why local counsel matters in Virginia

Practicing law in Virginia. Legal matters in Virginia are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Fairfax are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate Virginia state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in Virginia 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 Virginia courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.

Looking for additional Virginia attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Fairfax or all attorneys in Virginia.

Frequently Asked

Common questions about Paul B. Terpak

Where is Paul B. Terpak's law office located?
Paul B. Terpak's law practice is located in Fairfax, Virginia. The firm is Blankingship & Keith PC. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does Paul B. Terpak handle?
Paul B. Terpak focuses on zoning. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in Virginia.
How long has Paul B. Terpak practiced law?
Paul B. Terpak has 46+ years of legal experience and has been licensed since 1980.
Where did Paul B. Terpak go to law school?
Paul B. Terpak earned their education at (—, 1980); (—, 1977).
How can I contact Paul B. Terpak for a consultation?
You can contact Paul B. Terpak 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 Paul B. Terpak received?
Paul B. Terpak's notable recognition includes: Best Lawyers in America — Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law; Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice:; Best Lawyers in America — Real Estate Law; Lawyer of the Year — Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law, Washington (D.C.); Lawyer of the Year — Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law, Washington (D.C.).

Education

University of Virginia
- 1980
University of Virginia
- 1977

Awards

Best Lawyers in America — Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice:
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Real Estate Law
- 2026
Lawyer of the Year — Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law, Washington (D.C.)
- 2024
Lawyer of the Year — Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law, Washington (D.C.)
- 2022
Lawyer of the Year — Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law, Washington (D.C.)
- 2018
Lawyer of the Year — Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law, Washington (DC)
- 2016
Lawyer of the Year — Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law, Washington (DC)
- 2012

Bar Admissions

Virginia
Admitted: 1980
District of Columbia
Admitted: 1981

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