Press Release

Akerman LLP, a top 100 U.S. law firm serving clients across the Americas, today announced the expansion of its national Real Estate Practice Group with land use partner Jim Porter in Tampa, Fla. and of counsel Tara Gould in Orlando, Fla.

“Jim and Tara are important additions to our Land Use and Development Practice,” said Eric Rapkin, chair of the Real Estate Practice Group. “Their arrival broadens our team’s experience in land use regulation, government relations, and environmental issues in cities where our clients need us the most.”

Jim Porter
Porter concentrates his practice on land use and zoning, as well as government relations, and also has experience with the wireless communications industry, including cellular tower zoning issues. Porter is also the current school board attorney for the Hillsborough County School Board, the eight largest school district in the nation. Board certified by The Florida Bar as an expert in City, County and Local Government Law, Porter formerly served as chief assistant county attorney for the Hillsborough County Attorney’s Office.

Tara Gould
Gould focuses her practice on local government, environmental and land use law. In addition to her private practice experience providing representation to municipal clients, Gould began her career as an assistant general counsel at the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and served more than five years as an assistant county attorney for Orange County, Fla.

Porter and Gould are the latest additions to Akerman’s Land Use and Development Practice. In the last year, the team has welcomed former Broward County Attorney Joni Armstrong Coffey as partner in the Miami office, in addition to a leading team of four land use and zoning partners in Chicago headed by veteran lawyer John “Jack” George.

About Akerman
Akerman LLP is a top 100 U.S. law firm recognized by Financial Times as among the most forward thinking firms in the industry. Its more than 650 lawyers and business professionals collaborate with the world’s most successful enterprises and entrepreneurs to navigate change, seize opportunities, and overcome barriers to innovation and growth. Akerman is known for its results in middle market M&A and complex disputes, and for helping clients achieve their most important business objectives in the financial services, real estate, and other dynamic sectors across the United States and Latin America.

Akerman’s Real Estate Practice Group offers comprehensive and fully integrated project counsel services to clients across the United States and Latin America. With substantial industry experience and local market insights, the firm represents clients in complex real estate transactions and financings, development and redevelopment projects, public-private initiatives and litigation. Recognized as a national tier one law firm for real estate law by U.S. News - Best Lawyers, the group advises investors, developers, builders, lenders, retailers, owners and corporate end users, often in high profile matters.

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