Emily Stephens

Senior Counsel, Land Use & Zoning

J.D., University of California, Berkeley, School of Law; Licensed Attorney, State Bar of California

15+ years experience

Emily Stephens is a distinguished Senior Counsel at Sterling & Hayes, LLC, specializing in State & Local Land Use and Zoning Law with 15 years of experience. She earned her J.D. from the University of California, Berkeley, School of Law, where she focused on environmental and administrative law. Ms. Stephens's practice involves advising both public and private sector clients on zoning variances, conditional use permits, and comprehensive plan amendments, ensuring projects align with local regulations and sustainable development goals. Her professional philosophy centers on fostering collaborative solutions that balance community needs with economic growth, navigating intricate legal landscapes with clarity and foresight. She is widely recognized for her contributions to the field, including her seminal work, "Navigating Municipal Ordinances: A Developer's Guide." Readers can expect her articles to offer practical, in-depth analysis of evolving state and local statutes, case law updates, and strategic insights for effective compliance and advocacy in urban and regional planning

Articles by Emily Stephens

Legal News

Georgia PTD: 2026 Rules for Injured Workers

For Athens workers facing debilitating workplace injuries, understanding permanent total disability (PTD) benefits under Georgia law is absolutely vital. A recent clarification from the Georgia…

Emily Stephens · · 10 min read
Legal News

DoorDash Seattle: New Bike Laws in 2026

The streets of Seattle are bustling, and with the rise of on-demand delivery services, more DoorDash couriers are navigating our city on bicycles. This increased…

Emily Stephens · · 9 min read
Legal News

Augusta RSI Claims: Georgia Law Shifts in 2026

The legal landscape for workers suffering from Augusta Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI) has seen significant shifts, particularly concerning workers’ compensation eligibility. Understanding these changes is…

Emily Stephens · · 10 min read