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

Denver DSP Drivers: 2026 Comp Denials Rise

When a dedicated Amazon DSP driver in Denver suffers an on-the-job injury, the expectation of workers’ compensation should be straightforward, right? Not always. Navigating the…

Emily Stephens · · 9 min read
Legal News

Roswell Uber Drivers: 95% Lack 2026 Benefits

Key Takeaways Uber drivers in Roswell are generally classified as independent contractors, making them ineligible for traditional workers’ compensation benefits under O.C.G.A. § 34-9-1. Despite…

Emily Stephens · · 8 min read