Makenna X. Johnson

Makenna X. Johnson is an associate in the Property Rights Group at Davis Graham & Stubbs LLP. Her practice focuses on eminent domain, land use, and other real estate-related dispute resolution and litigation.

Prior to joining DGS, Ms. Johnson was an associate at a boutique law firm that specializes in eminent domain and other real estate litigation matters. Ms. Johnson’s expertise in this area enables her to represent property owners and condemning authorities in eminent domain proceedings, including appraisal review, negotiation of possession, and litigation.

Ms. Johnson received her J.D. from William & Mary Law School. While in law school, she was a Property Rights Fellow, the Membership and Alumni Coordinator for the William & Mary Bill of Rights Journal, and a recipient of the American Bar Association State and Local Government Law Award. Ms. Johnson earned her B.A. in Political Science with minors in Communication and Pre-law from the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs.

Outside her practice, Ms. Johnson enjoys hiking, running, and serving as a volunteer judge for high school speech and debate tournaments.

Memberships and Affiliations

• American Bar Association
  • Young Lawyers Division, State & Local Government Law Committee Chair (2022 – Present) and Liaison to the State & Local Government Law Section (August 2023 – Present)
  • State & Local Government Law Section, Social Media Coordinator (August 2023 – Present)
• Colorado Bar Association
  • Young Lawyers Division, Executive Council Member (July 2023 – Present)

Recognition

• American Bar Association Section of State and Local Government Law, Jefferson B. Fordham Up & Comers Award (2023)

Publications and Presentations

• “Keeping the Surplus? Examining Colorado’s Real Property Tax Lien System in Light of Tyler v. Hennepin County,” Colorado Lawyer (2024)
• Presenter, “What is Eminent Domain? An Introduction for Law Students, Young Lawyers, and Non-Eminent Domain Lawyers,” CBA YLD CLE (2024)
• Presenter, “What’s New in Colorado in 2022? Colorado Case Law and Legislative Update,” CLE International Colorado Eminent Domain Conference (2022)