Laura Jacobs Donaldson

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Laura Jacobs Donaldson: Attorney with Florida Environmental, Fire & Government Law, P.A.
Attorney Awards
  • Martindale-Hubbell Peer AV Preeminent Rating
About Attorney Awards

Biography

Laura Jacobs Donaldson’s practice focuses on representing clients in the areas of environmental, government, and administrative law. Laura represents clients before legislative and executive branches of government, agencies, Cabinet and gubernatorial commissions on water, utilities, environment, and local government issues. Laura has drafted and helped pass significant state legislation as well as engaged in the Legislative appropriations process where she has helped her clients receive millions in appropriations over the past 25 years.

Laura serves as general counsel and special counsel for local governments and special districts providing guidance related to government, environment, water, and administrative issues. She negotiates and drafts complex and technical interlocal agreements, contracts, and other transaction documents. Laura represents local governments, corporations, and individuals in all matters involving the State’s five water management districts and the Florida Department of Environmental Affairs, including but not limited to permitting and compliance/enforcement matters.

Laura was the youngest and first female General Counsel for the Southwest Florida Water Management District, where she served for three years. In her role as General Counsel, she provided legal advice and counsel to the District’s Governing Board, the Executive Director and staff regarding the interpretation and applicability of laws, regulations and judicial decisions or rulings from federal, state and administrative branches, courts or agencies affecting the district. She also drafted administrative rules, reviewed district contracts, and analyzed and drafted legislation.

(Florida Bar Board Certified Specialist in City, County & Local Government Law)
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Areas of Practice (5)

  • Water-and-environmental
  • Government-affairs
  • Regulatory
  • Local-government
  • Administrative-law

Education & Credentials

University Attended:
Florida State University, B.S., Communications, 1994
Law School Attended:
Florida State University College of Law, J.D., 1997
Year of First Admission:
1998
Admission:
1998, Florida; 1998, U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida
Memberships:
Hillsborough County Bar Association; The Florida Bar (Member, Sections on: Environmental and Land Use Law; City, County and Local Government Law); American Bar Association; Florida Association for Women Lawyers.
Special Agencies:
Florida House of Representatives, Committee Attorney, where she focused on growth management reform, annexation and incorporation issues, special districts legislation and local bills.
Certifications:
Florida Bar Board Certified Specialist in City, County & Local Government Law
ISLN:
913145829

Peer Reviews

4.9/5.0 (21 reviews)
Martindale-Hubbell® AV Preeminent Rating Badge

  • Legal Knowledge

    4.9/5.0

  • Analytical Capability

    4.9/5.0

  • Judgment

    4.9/5.0

  • Communication

    4.9/5.0

  • Legal Experience

    4.9/5.0

  • 5.0/5.0 Rated by a Government Counsel on 04/17/16 in Fire Districts

    Ms. Donaldson represents fire districts with diligence, excellence, and significant knowledge.

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  • 5.0/5.0 Rated by a Government Counsel on 04/17/16 in County Government Law

    Ms. Donaldson displays consistent diligence and excellence in representing her clients. She particularly shows great skill in representing clients in all phases of legislation.

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  • 5.0/5.0 Rated by a Government Counsel on 04/17/16 in Administrative Agency Practice

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  • 5.0/5.0 Rated by a Government Counsel on 04/15/16 in Legislative Practice

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  • 5.0/5.0 Rated by a Government Counsel on 04/15/16 in Environmental Law

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  • 5.0/5.0 Rated by a Partner on 04/15/16 in Environmental Law

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  • 5.0/5.0 Rated by a Partner on 04/15/16 in Environmental Law

    Laura is an outstanding lawyer is several areas of the law and shows consistent high performance and ethics.

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  • 5.0/5.0 Rated by a Partner on 04/15/16 in Environmental Law

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  • 4.6/5.0 Rated by a Of Counsel on 05/01/16 in Water Law

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  • 4.4/5.0 Rated by a Associate on 04/24/16 in Environmental Legislative Practice

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Peer reviews submitted prior to 2008 are not displayed.

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Location

Contact Laura Jacobs Donaldson

Contact Information:

656-225-3713  Phone

www.floridaefglaw.com/team

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