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

GA Workers Comp: HB 101 Changes for 2026

Navigating the complexities of workers’ compensation in Georgia can feel like walking through a legal minefield, especially in a bustling city like Atlanta. A significant…

Emily Stephens · · 9 min read
Legal News

Brookhaven Ruling: GA Gig Economy Shift in 2026

The recent Brookhaven Municipal Court ruling regarding DoorDash drivers has sent ripples through Georgia’s gig economy, specifically challenging the long-held independent contractor classification for many…

Emily Stephens · · 9 min read
Legal News

Philly Ruling: DoorDash Workers’ Comp in 2024

The Philadelphia Ruling: Are DoorDash Workers Employees? Navigating the Gig Economy’s Workers’ Compensation Minefield The question of whether DoorDash workers are employees or independent contractors…

Emily Stephens · · 9 min read
Legal News

Miami Gig Workers Comp: What 2026 Holds

So much misinformation surrounds the employment status of gig workers, particularly concerning their eligibility for workers’ compensation. The recent Miami ruling involving DoorDash drivers has…

Emily Stephens · · 8 min read
Legal News

Philly Gig Workers: Employee Status in 2026

There’s so much misinformation circulating about the employment status of gig workers, particularly in the wake of recent legal decisions impacting companies like DoorDash, that…

Emily Stephens · · 6 min read