SRQ Magazine | Elite Top Attorneys September 2023 - Berlin Patten Ebling, Melissa Strassner

ELITE TOP ATTORNEYS LEGAL GUIDE

SRQ Magazine - September 2023

Berlin Patten Ebling, PLLC - Melissa Strassner

BIO

Melissa Strassner is a land use attorney at Berlin Patten Ebling who focuses on land use, zoning, environmental, and development law. Melissa’s knowledge in the field plays a crucial role in guiding clients through the complex landscape of land use regulations and zoning laws. In addition to her legal background, Melissa brings a wealth of experience from her previous roles within an urban planning & engineering firm, a national homebuilding organization, and local government. This diverse background allows her to bridge disparate perspectives and successfully reconcile differing viewpoints, particularly when community involvement is a factor. Over time, Melissa has honed her ability to find common ground and bring stakeholders together to achieve project goals. One of Melissa’s greatest strengths lies in her ability to strategize and negotiate on behalf of

her clients. She understands land use decisions can affect property values and development opportunities. Therefore, she works closely with her clients to develop tailored strategies that align with their objectives while adhering to the legal framework. In addition, Melissa’s negotiation skills enable her to secure favorable outcomes for her clients in zoning hearings, public meetings, and administrative proceedings. Melissa also recognizes the importance of fostering positive relationships with local government officials, planning boards, and other stakeholders involved in land use decisions. She actively engages in the community and builds connections that contribute to her client’s success. Her network and reputation in the field further enhance her ability to advocate effectively for her client’s interests.

Testimonial

“Melissa’s exceptional work ethic and the dedication of the land use team at BPE contribute greatly to our firm’s position as a leading authority in land use law and practice,” stated Attorney Brenda Patten, a founding Partner at Berlin Patten Ebling. “It is an honor to witness Melissa’s remarkable accomplishments. She has quickly become a leader in the firm and mentor to junior attorneys. With her skill, dedication and client successes, Melissa is recognized by clients and her peers as a preeminent land use and development law attorney.”

FLORIDA BAR DATE OF ADMISSION

August 21, 2014

DEGREES

University of Florida College of Law, J.D. 2013 Honors, cum laude

University of Central Florida Bachelor of Arts – 2009 Honors, Dean’s List

PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS AND MEMBERSHIPS

Sarasota County Bar Association

Florida Bar, Environmental and Land Use Law Section, Member

Sarasota County Chamber of Commerce

Florida Real Estate Sales Associate License

PRACTICE AREAS

Administrative

Admiralty and Maritime Banking

Business City / County / Local Government

Civil Litigation

Commercial Litigation Contracts

Real Estate Trial

LAW FIRM

Berlin Patten Ebling, PLLC

CONTACT

3700 S. Tamiami Trl Ste 200, Sarasota, FL 34239 941.954.9991 | mstrassner@berlinpatten.com