Paul B. Terpak, Zoning Attorney in Fairfax, Virginia
Over 46 years of legal practice
Fairfax, VA
Practicing zoning in Fairfax since 1980.
- 46+
- Years practicing
- 2
- Bar admissions
Practices in
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Quick answer
Paul B. Terpak is an attorney based in Fairfax, VIRGINIA. The practice focuses on Zoning. Paul has over 46 years of legal experience.
- Based in
- Fairfax, VIRGINIA
- Experience
- over 46 years
- Known for
- Zoning
- Handles Zoning matters from Fairfax, VIRGINIA.
- Over 46 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with Lawyer of the Year — Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law, Washington (D.C.) (2024).
About Paul B. Terpak: Paul B. Terpak is an attorney based in Fairfax, VIRGINIA. The practice focuses on Zoning. Paul has over 46 years of legal experience.
Areas of practice
Paul's practice areas in Fairfax
Paul concentrates on zoning. Each area below outlines the kind of case Paul handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Zoning cases in Fairfax, Virginia
Paul takes zoning matters in Fairfax, Virginia. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Paul agrees to represent you.
Biography
Paul B. Terpak, zoning attorney serving Fairfax
Paul B. Terpak is an attorney based in Fairfax, VIRGINIA. The practice focuses on Zoning. Paul has over 46 years of legal experience. Paul works from Fairfax, Virginia and takes on zoning matters across the region.
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.
Paul's approach to zoning cases
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,…
Clients Paul works with
Paul reviews new inquiries case-by-case for zoning matters in Fairfax and the surrounding Virginia area.
Credentials
Credentials — where Paul studied and practices
University of Virginia
— · 1977
University of Virginia
— · 1980
Jurisdictions
Paul's state bar admissions
District of Columbia
1981 · ACTIVE
Virginia
1980 · ACTIVE
Paul studied at — in University of Virginia and — in University of Virginia.
Law school and academic background
Paul completed — in University of Virginia and — in University of Virginia. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Paul runs in Virginia is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Paul's legal honors and published work
Paul has received 8 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
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
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
Legal awards and honors
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). Best Lawyers in America — Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law (2026).
Locations
Paul B. Terpak's office in Fairfax
Paul's primary office is at 4020 University Drive, Suite 300, Fairfax, Virginia, 22030. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Paul B. Terpak
Paul has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Paul B. Terpak — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new zoning attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Paul usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Paul charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Paul's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Paul will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a zoning attorney in Fairfax, Virginia
A short list to run through before you commit: How many zoning matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Paul
Paul discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in zoning practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every zoning matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Paul confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Paul's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many zoning practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Paul B. Terpak
How much does it cost to hire Paul for a zoning case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Paul walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Paul offer a free consultation?
Paul charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Paul's office. Some zoning attorneys offer free consults — check Paul's current terms during booking.
How long do zoning cases in Virginia typically take?
Simple zoning matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Paul gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Paul take my case if I'm outside Fairfax?
Paul is licensed in Virginia. Matters governed by Virginia law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Paul will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Paul?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Paul will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Paul accepting new zoning clients right now?
Paul's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Zoning attorneys serving Fairfax, Richmond and Alexandria in Virginia
Paul handles zoning matters throughout Virginia. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified zoning attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated zoning attorneys in Virginia
If Paul's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these zoning attorneys in Fairfax handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





