FIRM NEWS: Emily Balter Named Firm Partner

Bercow Radell Fernandez Larkin & Tapanes, an award-winning Miami boutique law firm specializing in land use, zoning, and environmental law, is excited to announce that Emily Balter has been promoted to Partner.

A Miami native, Emily specializes in land use, zoning, and environmental law throughout Miami-Dade County. She provides expert guidance to developers, institutions, and landowners on local regulations and permitting, with a focus on plan amendments, rezonings, variances, special exceptions, and platting for residential, commercial, and mixed-use projects.  Emily has been recognized as a Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America for 2024 and 2025, highlighting her outstanding professional excellence. Additionally, she has earned the distinction of being named a Florida Super Lawyers “Rising Star®,” further underscoring her rising prominence in the field.

“Congratulations to Emily on her well-earned promotion to partner. I’ve had the privilege of watching Emily grow into an exceptional lawyer and leader. Emily’s dedication, integrity, talent, and commitment to excellence in every aspect of the practice will continue to be a tremendous asset to our team and clients. We look forward to her continued contributions as a partner and are excited to see the further impact she will have on the firm’s future,” said Melissa Tapanes Llahues, Shareholder at the firm.

Before joining Bercow Radell Fernandez Larkin & Tapanes, Emily gained valuable experience in several influential roles. She served as a Summer Public Interest Fellow at the City of Miami Beach City Attorney’s Office, where she developed a deep understanding of the intersection of local government law and environmental issues. Additionally, Emily had the opportunity to intern with the Honorable Adalberto Jordan at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit, refining her writing and analytical abilities.

Emily is an active member of the Florida Bar and was appointed to the Professional Ethics Committee.  As a committed leader in the legal community, Emily also serves on the Board of Directors of the Cuban American Bar Association (CABA). She has received several honors in recognition of her contributions to the organization, including the 2019 Outstanding Committee Member, the 2020 Young Lawyer Member of the Year, the 2021 Outstanding Member Award, and the 2024 Committee Co-Chair of the Year.

Emily expressed her gratitude, saying, “It is a privilege to step into the role of partner at Miami’s leading land use, zoning, and environmental law firm. I take great pride in the impactful work I’ve accomplished as an associate, and I’m excited to contribute to the continued success of our firm in this new capacity.”

For more than two decades, the attorneys at Bercow Radell Fernandez Larkin & Tapanes have been at the forefront of Miami-Dade County’s growth, advising clients on all aspects of land use, zoning, and environmental law. The firm continues to play a key role in the development and transformation of South Florida. Established in 1996, the firm is located at 200 S. Biscayne Boulevard, Suite 300, Miami. For more information, contact (305) 374-5300 or visit www.brzoninglaw.com.