Eileen Ball Mehta

Of Counsel

305-350-2380

emehta@bilzin.com

Area of Focus: Land Development & Government Relations

"A veteran with years of experience [who is] very savvy [and] has the ability and knowledge base to navigate through the governmental world."
- Chambers USA source

GET TO KNOW EILEEN

Eileen counsels clients who do business with or are affected by local governments. A former Assistant County Attorney for Miami-Dade County, Eileen has decades of experience in areas such as zoning, comprehensive planning, elections contests, bid protests, civil rights suits, and constitutional challenges. She represents both private and public sector clients and served as special counsel to the Clerk of the Court for the Eleventh Judicial Circuit for more than 20 years.

A seasoned appellate lawyer, she has handled hundreds of cases in state and federal courts at the trial and appellate levels and quasi-judicial matters before local, regional, and state administrative tribunals.

Q & A

What gives you a unique understanding of your client's objectives?

In addition to my law practice, I have also owned a homebuilding business that developed several residential subdivisions. Many of my clients develop real estate, and I have first-hand knowledge of the challenges that confront them on a daily basis. I look for pragmatic, expeditious solutions to the hurdles that they face, particularly those that arise from their dealings with governmental entities.

How does your experience as a local government attorney help your clients?

Governmental actions affect clients in a myriad of ways, and both private and public sector clients turn to me for assistance in drafting legislation, representation in administrative hearings and handling litigation. For example, I had a client who was planning to construct a transit-oriented development. Because of my experience in local government I was able to draft an amendment to the County’s Rapid Transit Zone ordinance and to work with staff and elected officials to secure its adoption. The amended ordinance brought my client’s property into the Rapid Transit Zone, streamlined the permitting process, and saved my client substantial time and money.

What are some of the advantages of working with Bilzin Sumberg's land use team?

Many of our partners had earlier careers in local government and helped draft important land use legislation. As a team, we have been at the forefront of Florida land use law for decades. Our collective experience as effective, competent lawyers practicing in jurisdictions throughout Florida serves as a value-add for our clients.

EXPERIENCE

INSIGHTS

CREDENTIALS

Education

University of Miami, J.D., cum laude, 1977

Florida International University, B.A., with high distinction, 1974
Involvement

Builders Association of South Florida
Assists on the Legislative Committee

United Way Miami
Women's Leadership Breakfast Vice-Chair
Bar Admissions

Florida

Court Admissions

U.S. Supreme Court

U.S. Court of Appeals, Eleventh Circuit

U.S. District Court, Southern District of Florida
Awards/Honors

Band 3, Chambers USA, Real Estate: Zoning/Land Use, 2013 - present

The Best Lawyers in America, Lawyer of the Year - Litigation- Land Use and Zoning Law, 2020

The Best Lawyers in America, Land Use and Zoning Law, Litigation - Environmental, Litigation - Land Use and Zoning, 1995 - present

The Best Lawyers in America, Lawyer of the Year - Land Use and Zoning Law, 2016

Benchmark Appellate, Eleventh Circuit Litigation Star, 2013

Daily Business Review, Most Effective Lawyers - Finalist, Real Estate, 2014

Daily Business Review, Top Dealmakers of the Year - Industrial Winner, 2014

Daily Business Review, Most Effective Lawyers, Real Estate, 2012

Daily Business Review, Most Effective Lawyers - Public Interest, Finalist, 2011

Florida Super Lawyers, 2007 - 2009, 2015 - 2020

Recipient of the Judy Florence Memorial Outstanding Service Award presented by the Environmental and Land Use Section of The Florida Bar, 2000

Martindale-Hubbell™, AV Preeminent® Rating

PRACTICES