Local Government and Land Use Attorney Hope Calhoun Joins Becker & Poliakoff

FT. LAUDERDALE, FL--(Marketwired - Jun 4, 2013) - Becker & Poliakoff today announced that local government and land use attorney Hope Calhoun will join the firm as a shareholder in the Government Law & Lobbying Practice group. She will practice in the firm's Ft. Lauderdale and Miramar offices.

Ms. Calhoun practiced at Greenspoon Marder and earlier at Ruden McCloskey where she represented developers of commercial and residential real estate projects throughout South Florida. With 15 years of experience practicing law in Broward County, Ms. Calhoun is also experienced in all aspects of local government law and has represented clients before various governmental entities, including the Central Broward Water Control District and the Broward County Commission.

A former Assistant City Attorney for the City of Ft. Lauderdale, Ms. Calhoun drafted and negotiated contracts, resolutions, ordinances, leases and various documents pertaining to municipal matters and prosecuted violations of the municipal code. In addition, she has served as legal advisor to several municipal boards, and also has represented charter school developers and operators.

"We are extremely excited to have a professional of Hope Calhoun's caliber join our team," said Gary Rosen, Becker & Poliakoff's managing shareholder. "Along with the recent changes we have effected in our local government practice, this addition is an important step to further enhance our capabilities and reinforce our position as a leader in government law and lobbying."

Practice Group Leader Bernie Friedman noted, "I have known and respected Hope for several years. Her experience in both the private and public sectors, allows her to offer clients insight into the governmental and regulatory approval process necessary for projects to be successful."

Ms. Calhoun offered, "I am excited to be joining such an outstanding group of professionals, many of whom I have known for several years. I am looking forward to working collaboratively to grow our practice."

Rated AV Preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell, Ms. Calhoun has been recommended by The Legal 500 US 2009 for Florida Real Estate and Construction related work in the areas of Land Use & Zoning. Ms. Calhoun was recognized by Law360 as "one of 10 land use attorneys under 40 to watch," and was awarded the honor as one of the "100 Outstanding Women of Broward County 2010" by The Susan B. Anthony Recovery Center and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County.

Ms. Calhoun is a graduate of the University of Florida where she received J.D. and B.A. degrees. She resides in Miramar with her husband and two children.

About Becker & Poliakoff

Becker & Poliakoff is a diverse commercial law firm with more than 155 attorneys, lobbyists and other professionals in 18 domestic and international offices. Celebrating its fortieth (40th) year of serving clients, the firm has eight primary areas of practice: Real Estate, Construction Law & Litigation, Community Association, Customs & International Trade, Business Litigation, Corporate & Securities, Government Law & Lobbying, and the Intellectual Property & Emerging Technologies practice. For more about the firm, visit: www.becker-poliakoff.com or http://www.becker-poliakoff.com/blogs.aspx to access forums on the latest ideas and opinions on legal matters hosted by Becker & Poliakoff attorneys.