Practice Expertise
Areas of Practice
- Land Use & Zoning
- Litigation
Profile
Elizabeth Somerstein is a partner in the Land Use & Zoning practice group at Greenspoon Marder LLP, concentrating her practice on representing real estate developers, property owners, and national corporations in all aspects of the regulatory process involving complex land use and zoning matters.
Ms. Somerstein’s legal experience involves the processing of approvals required for the development of land, including amendments to comprehensive plans, zoning changes, platting, site planning, variances, vacation of easements and roadway rights-of-way, and municipal annexations of land. Additionally, Ms. Somerstein’s work involves drafting local ordinances, along with handling a wide range of code compliance issues. She is active with hearings for all stages of development, including planning and zoning boards, as well as city and county commissions. Ms. Somerstein represents clients in drafting easements and various declarations of restrictive covenants, including declarations relating to affordable housing. Further, Ms. Somerstein assists clients with extending deadlines within developmental approvals based on applicable executive orders issued by the State of Florida.
Ms. Somerstein is credentialed by the U.S. Green Building Council as a LEED AP BD+C, an advanced professional credential obtained by only those professionals with significant expertise in the design and construction phases of green buildings, serving the commercial, residential, education, and healthcare sectors.
Elizabeth is very active in the community and serves on various boards and committees, including currently serving as a member of the Broward County Cultural Council and Gold Coast Builder Association Government Affairs Committee. Ms. Somerstein previously served as Chair of the City of Fort Lauderdale’s Sustainability Advisory Board.
Ms. Somerstein earned a bachelor’s degree in art history from Emory University and subsequently earned her Juris Doctor degree at the University of Miami School of Law, graduating Magna Cum Laude.
Ms. Somerstein’s legal experience involves the processing of approvals required for the development of land, including amendments to comprehensive plans, zoning changes, platting, site planning, variances, vacation of easements and roadway rights-of-way, and municipal annexations of land. Additionally, Ms. Somerstein’s work involves drafting local ordinances, along with handling a wide range of code compliance issues. She is active with hearings for all stages of development, including planning and zoning boards, as well as city and county commissions. Ms. Somerstein represents clients in drafting easements and various declarations of restrictive covenants, including declarations relating to affordable housing. Further, Ms. Somerstein assists clients with extending deadlines within developmental approvals based on applicable executive orders issued by the State of Florida.
Ms. Somerstein is credentialed by the U.S. Green Building Council as a LEED AP BD+C, an advanced professional credential obtained by only those professionals with significant expertise in the design and construction phases of green buildings, serving the commercial, residential, education, and healthcare sectors.
Elizabeth is very active in the community and serves on various boards and committees, including currently serving as a member of the Broward County Cultural Council and Gold Coast Builder Association Government Affairs Committee. Ms. Somerstein previously served as Chair of the City of Fort Lauderdale’s Sustainability Advisory Board.
Ms. Somerstein earned a bachelor’s degree in art history from Emory University and subsequently earned her Juris Doctor degree at the University of Miami School of Law, graduating Magna Cum Laude.
Bar Admissions
- Florida
Education
- LEED AP BD+C Professional Credential
- J.D., University of Miami School of Law, magna cum laude, Order of the Coif Writing Editor, University of Miami Intern-American Law Review “Grey Quill Award,” Recipient
- Writing Editor, University of Miami Intern-American Law Review
- “Grey Quill Award,” Recipient
- B.A., Art History, Emory University
Areas of Practice
- Land Use & Zoning
- Litigation
Professional Career
Articles
- Client Alert: Live Local Act (SB 102)
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