Detroit-based attorney writes book on RLUIPA, the religious land-use law
DETROIT, Mich. – Attorney Daniel Dalton, a founding partner of Dalton & Tomich, PLC, today announced the release of his new book published by the American Bar Association. “Litigating Religious Land Use Cases” examines and discusses the continually evolving area of religious land use and zoning within the context of a 2000 federal law called, the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (“RLUIPA”). Dalton is among the country’s most knowledgeable and experienced experts in religious land use and zoning law. He has served as both lead counsel, and co-counsel, in more than 40 cases on behalf of religious organizations across the nation.
“Litigating Religious Land Use Cases” provides unique perspectives and case studies on landmark RLUIPA cases whereby cities and municipalities sought to deny religious entities such as churches, mosques, temples and synagogues rights to land use in order to maintain areas for tax generating retail, residential, entertainment and industrial uses. Such discrimination has become increasingly prominent in recent years – and defense strategies are becoming more and more sophisticated in practice.
“We are seeing communities argue these cases with more intense vigor, nuance and creativity than ever before,” Dalton said. “New defense tactics are necessitating new approaches on behalf of religious organizations seeking to use land for religious assemblies.”
Dalton & Tomich, PLC has won landmark RLUIPA cases for clients across the country, including several precedent-setting decisionsin California, Mississippi, Illinois, Michigan, Texas and Pennsylvania. In 2012, the firm secured a $1.1 million verdict on behalf of the Academy of Our Lady of Peace, a Catholic high school in San Diego, California. This decision is the largest religious land use trial verdict in the history of the Act.
“This book was written with the ultimate goal of serving as a true resource for schools and universities in the religious and legal realms,” added Dalton. “I hope it sheds a brighter light on how ‘the little guys’ can stand up for themselves – with some help and guidance.”
“Litigating Religious Land Use” is available at ShopABA.org
Dalton & Tomich, PLC is a law firm specializing in providing guidance to leading religious organizations, businesses and financial institutions across the nation. For more information, the firm’s experience as a national leaders in representing churches, temples, mosques, synagogues and other religious organizations in RLUIPA cases, visit https://www.attorneysforlanduse.com or http://wordpressmu-187172-552880.cloudwaysapps.com.
About Us
Dalton & Tomich, PLC is the national leader in successfully helping churches, other religious institutions and their insurers defend their rights in land use and zoning matters under RLUIPA, the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act. We have helped clients win cases against municipalities and other local government bodies from coast to coast, with experience serving both as general counsel and special litigation counsel.
Harry HoffSenior Pastor, Hope Rising Community Church, Verona, PA
In 2015, Hope Rising Community Church experienced extreme opposition, the kind that would force it to close its doors and leave behind the families and youth it was so passionate about reaching. As the lead pastor I felt helpless, inferior and as if I had no […]
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Dalton & Tomich’s assistance in our RLUIPA matter has paved the way for our church to continue serving the community and for new churches in the area to thrive in the future. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your stand for religious […]
Read MoreRev. Thomas OuweleenLead Pastor, The Urban Church, Warren, MI
The Urban Church will be forever grateful to Dalton & Tomich plc for navigating it through a difficult land use issue. Let them give you honest and caring advice because that’s exactly what they’ll do.
Read MoreKimberly KebleSenior Claims Adjuster, Brotherhood Mutual Insurance
Dalton & Tomich, PLC defended a complicated case at a church we insure. Not only is the firm professional, they understand how church business runs and work well within church leadership.
Read MoreRev. Demetrius BookerSenior Pastor, Lighthouse Community Church of God, Redford, MI
Dalton & Tomich, PLC helped us immensely in the areas of litigation and negotiation! Their professionalism and understanding of church policy helped our church be victorious in a modern day religious land use battle. RLUIPA Religious Land Use Case: Lighthouse Community Church of God
Read MoreMitchell CorderAdministrative Bishop Church of God, Tennessee
Dalton & Tomich, PLC serves as General Counsel for the 144 churches within the Church of God in Michigan. The firm provides the legal expertise we need in dealing with the issues that arise during the course of fulfilling our ministry.
Read MoreTim RhodusLead Pastor, Cross Church Carlinville & Staunton, IL
I met Dan Dalton during a dark time for our church. He was recommended as the leading RLUIPA attorney in the nation. He demonstrated wisdom, expertise, a gentle nature, a calming inter-relational skill, genuineness, and a humble demeanor, while at the same time, being sharp, […]
Read MoreRonnie HolmesSenior Pastor, Church of the Open Door, Waco, TX
Mr. Dalton’s expertise and experience helped us through a very difficult legal journey, ultimately achieving a favorable outcome. His personal interest in helping our church went “above and beyond” just the call of duty. His understanding of both legal and spiritual matters seems to uniquely […]
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