Professional Experience
Ms. Berkowitz represents clients in all aspects of the land use and entitlement process, including the development of residential, mixed-use, industrial and commercial projects.
In terms of entitlements, Ms. Berkowitz assists clients in obtaining general and specific plan amendments, zone changes, variances, conditional use permits, coastal development permits and all other approvals necessary for project development. She also provides strategic, business and political advice to help her clients navigate and balance the often-conflicting interests of the community and the decision-makers. She maintains a "results oriented" approach, seeking to build consensus as appropriate to obtain the most positive outcome for her clients, without the need for costly litigation or overly adversarial relationships. Typically, Ms. Berkowitz oversees and coordinates the entire project team - such as architects, political and community consultants, environmental consultants, civil and traffic engineers, among others - to bring projects to fruition. She also interfaces with elected officials and their staffs to obtain project support and negotiate resolutions to issues that arise during the entitlement process.
Ms. Berkowitz also advises clients on related political matters, such as initiatives and referenda that may be brought against development projects. She has extensive experience with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), and regularly reviews Environmental Impact Reports for legal adequacy. Finally, Ms. Berkowitz assists clients in land-use related litigation, primarily arising from project challenges under CEQA and other land use regulations.
Memberships & Activities
Vice President, Greek Theatre Advisory Committee.
Executive Committee, Los Angeles Business Council.
Secretary, LABC Institute.
President, California Women's Law Center (CWLC).
(CWLC works, through education, legislative advocacy and impact litigation, to ensure that life opportunities for women and girls are free from unjust social, economic, and political constraints. CWLC's programs focus on issues involving Gender Discrimination, Violence Against Women, and Women's Health, among others. Its goal is to make the constitutional promise of equality a reality and to protect the rights of women and girls every day.)
Former Counsel, "Christopher Commission."
(The blue ribbon panel that examined the excessive use of force in the Los Angeles Police Department after the Rodney King beating.)
Former Vice-President, Board of Directors, Horses in the Hood.
Honors & Awards
Named a Southern California Super Lawyer, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011.
Named one of California's Top 25 "Land Use Leaders" for 2011 by the Daily Journal."
Named one of Real Estate Southern California magazine's Women of Influence in 2005, 2006 and 2007.
Noted as a 'prominent woman' by The Legal 500 for her practice in the entitlement and land use process.
Publications
"The Stress of Distressed Assets," Mortgage Banking Magazine, July 2009.