Emily G. Pierce

SHAREHOLDER

Professional Experience / Bio

Emily is a Shareholder in Rogers Towers’ Governmental and Regulatory Law Department and works primarily with landowners, developers, builders and non-profits. Emily practices in the areas of land use law, local government procurement, and governmental relations. She has extensive experience in comprehensive planning, zoning, concurrency, and related permitting matters. Emily’s expertise includes handling impact fees, exactions, and the permitting process for various developments, such as Developments of Regional Impact.

Emily is skilled in negotiating development agreements for landowners and developers, and she represents clients in land use litigation in both state and federal courts. Additionally, Emily handles administrative hearings and provides consultation on the preparation of bids and responses to requests for proposals for local government contracts. Her work also includes representing clients in procurement hearings.

As a prominent member in the Governmental & Regulatory Law Department at Rogers Towers, Emily frequently works with the Real Estate Department and the Business and Corporate Transactions attorneys on due diligence and in reviewing certain contractual provisions related to governmental permits.  She also interfaces with the Zoning Litigation team and Zoning Group attorneys to assist with land use and zoning matters for clients when they arise. Further, Emily cultivates and maintains good working relationships with local government staff, helping her better serve each of her clients.

Education

  • University of Florida, B.A. with honors, 1987
  • Stetson University, J.D. cum laude, 1990

Awards & Distinctions

  • 2024 Woman of Influence, Jacksonville Business Journal
  • The Best Lawyers in America® (Land Use and Zoning Law), 2020-2024
  • The Best Lawyers in America® (Administrative/Regulatory Law), 2023-2024
  • The Best Lawyers in America® (Government Contracts), 2022-2024
  • The Best Lawyers in America® (Litigation – Land Use and Zoning, Government Relations Practice), 2024
  • Best Lawyers® Jacksonville Government Contracts “Lawyer of the Year,” 2023
  • Notes Editor, Stetson Law Review

Bar Association Membership

  • The Florida Bar

Court Admissions

  • U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, 11th Circuit

Professional & Community Involvement

  • Chairman, City of Jacksonville Land Development Regulations Update Stakeholder Advisory Committee, 2023-Present
  • Member, City of Jacksonville Transition Infrastructure Committee, Resilience Subcommittee, 2023
  • Board of Directors, ReThreaded, Inc., 2018-2022
  • Member, City Council, Special Committee on Resiliency, 2020
  • Chairman, City of Jacksonville Adaptation Action Area Working Group, 2019
  • Board of Directors, Youth Crisis Center – The Safe Place, 2000-2013, Chairman 2003
  • Member, Florida Planning & Zoning Association, First Coast Chapter, 1991-1996

Publications & Presentations

  • Panelist: ADAPT: Achieving a Resilient Jacksonville, WJCT, Jacksonville, Florida, 2023
  • Presentor: City Council Special Subcommittee on Resiliency, COJ, Jacksonville, Florida, 2020