Becker & Poliakoff

SPOTLIGHT: Kathleen Berkey, Government Law & Lobbying

SPOTLIGHT: Kathleen Berkey, Government Law & Lobbying

Becker's Kathleen Berkey, Government Law & LobbyingIn celebration of Women’s History Month, Becker showcases the inspiration, philosophies, and expertise of the women attorneys and lobbyists who help elevate our firm and client service.

Kathleen “Katie” Berkey is a Florida Bar Board Certified Specialist (BCS) in City, County and Local Government Law and a certified Professional Planner by the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP).  She focuses on zoning, land use, and planning matters, and is well-versed in environmental resource and water use permitting; local and state code compliance; and private and government contracting and negotiation. Katie ensures that the voices of her clients are heard before city and county commissions, councils, and boards.

What woman inspires you and why?
My mother. She lost her own mother at a young age and helped raise her younger brother while studying Economics at Smith College. She went on to The College of William & Mary and earned her MBA at a time when only a handful of out-state-women were admitted to the program. She had a successful career working for Mobil Oil and Reader’s Digest and then became a well-loved and respected tenured Professor. Her resilience, intelligence, confidence, and selflessness inspire me personally and professionally.

If you could have dinner with anyone alive or dead, who would it be and why?
I would have dinner with my mother who passed away in 2009 just before I started my 2L year. She got to share in my excitement about starting law and graduate school, but has missed so much of my professional and personal life since (at least, in person). I would love the chance to talk to her as a professional, wife, and mother.

What advice (professional or personal) would you give your younger self?
If you don’t ask, you don’t get.

What led you to the practice of law and/or to your specific area of law?
My parents were passionate advocates for historic preservation and the environment. I spent many weekday nights in the back of Planning, Zoning, and Conservation Commission meetings in my hometown of Redding, CT. That is where I first recognized the need to carefully balance responsible development that protects limited natural and historic resources with private property rights.

What has living through a global pandemic taught you?
We can adapt and be more flexible than we ever thought possible.

To learn more about Katie, please click here.