Emily K. Balter, B.B.A. ’14, J.D. ’17, has returned to the University of Miami School of Law as the Fredman Family Foundation Practitioner-in-Residence and Lecturer at the Center for Ethics and Public Service. In this role, Balter will work closely with students and community partners on rights education and multidisciplinary research programs. She will also provide crucial assistance with CEPS’s strategic planning and project advancement.
Balter previously served as a partner at the Miami law firm of Bercow, Radell, Fernandez, Larkin & Tapanes, where she specialized in representing developers, landowners, companies, and organizations. Her private practice focused on real estate entitlements, growth management, and compliance with local, state, and federal land use and environmental regulations, with a particular experience in historical preservation, equitable development, and environmental sustainability.
Her decision to step away from private practice to join CEPS is a deliberate move toward a broader, more impactful approach to her field.
“Joining Miami Law and the Center for Ethics and Public Service is an ideal opportunity to better understand the communities impacted by land use, zoning, and environmental law,” Balter said. “CEPS mission bridges my experience and skills with my interests in exploring urban planning and policy.”
Balter views this transition as a significant moment for professional growth and mentorship.
“This is a crucial point in my career to surround myself with people who inspire me and strengthen my analytical, writing, and research skills, while also having sufficient experience to guide and mentor others,” she said.
Deepening the student experience
Balter is eager to connect with current students through project-based learning, helping to build on their experiences to make them practice-ready after law school. “I aspire to be a fruitful advocate and advisor, and to further strengthen the relationship with CEPS's longstanding community partners,” she said.
Her own journey as a student at Miami Law was marked by significant involvement, including serving as executive editor of the Inter-American Law Review and as a research assistant for Professor Anthony Alfieri, the director of CEPS. She also gained public interest experience as a HOPE Summer Fellow for the City of Miami Beach City Attorney’s Office, an intern with the Environmental Justice Clinic, and a Summer Public Interest Fellow for the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office.
Recalling her time as a student, Balter noted the importance of community on campus.
“Some of my favorite experiences as a student at Miami Law included giving tours to prospective students as a Student Ambassador,” Balter said. “My fondest memories with my classmates include working late in the Inter-American Law Review workroom and the preparations for the moot court competition.”
A welcome back to a double Cane
Alfieri expressed his enthusiasm for Balter’s return to Miami Law.
“The Center for Ethics and Public Service is excited to welcome Emily Balter back to Miami Law as our new Fredman Family Foundation Practitioner-in-Residence and Lecturer,” said Alfieri. “A double Cane and a young leader in the fields of land use, zoning, and local government law across South Florida, Emily will supervise law student fellows and interns staffing our Black Church and Community Equity Lab programs, where she will serve as both a role model and a mentor. In addition, Emily will strengthen our community partnerships with faith-based and good government-centered nonprofits and civic groups.”
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